Hi,
Can anyone tell me why a steelhead is called a steelhead ?
All the best,
Andy.

One theory is that pioneering anglers and loggers found them tough to kill by knocking on the head.
So 'Heads of steel' became 'steelhead'.

There are several other theories, but that's my favourite

I thought I'd mentioned it before .



PiB

Because the multi-colored sheen that is especially evident on their heads of fresh-run fish looks like the same sheen given off by steel.

I have never heard the explanation PiB gives.

Grouse

Thanks for taking the time to reply guys.
All the best,
Andy.

Have you ever fished for PNW steelhead?........


http://www.speypages.com/speyclave/s...STEELHEAD+NAME

Look particularly at posts #3 #4 & #5.

End of matter.......

Apology even?


PiB

The true answer is that you have to have a head of steel to fish for them, for the following reasons:

(1) Spending thousands of dollars for equipment to (possibly) catch one, (2) typically in wretched weather, at risk of loss of life (3), just to have the honor of releasing it (4) despite the fact that they are quite good to eat, and that despite 1-4, (5) after you have caught one you are totally addicted.

Interesting, PiB. Don't see why I'd apologize for never having heard that one before.

In truth, Grat is probably closest to correct anyway.


Grouse

Well, both the first two answers are correct .... historically. The last one's 'current events.'