Wild 13#er on the Lower American River

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

http://www.kiene.com/gallery/albums/Steelhead-Salmon/ARsteelhead108.jpg

Received some pictures from the upper river from a friend who said it had been slow but he did catch and release this one very special fish on January 14th.

I told him that it was one of the nicest looking Steelhead that I have seen in my entire life.

I just had to share it with others.

That is a pretty inspiring fish.

I can hardly believe it's from our river but other picture showed it was.

[Adam Grace]

That's a big American steelie, and sooo bright!

[c_johnson]

You know with not being too familiar with Steelheads, I got to ask what causes the varying differences in coloring? Some look like just large Rainbows and others like this one look more like Salmon.

[mike N]

:shock: That might get me back on the water. :shock:

MN

[Dustin Revel]

very nice

[dtp916]

Wild!

Hell yeah, that's a stellar Lower A fish. Nice going.

[Adam Grace]

The brighter the steelhead generally the more fresh out of the ocean it is. The darker fish have been in fresh water longer. The darker color are also considered "spawning" colors at least in the males.

[k.hanley]

M-i-n-t condition. What a beauty!
Cheers, Ken