In Idaho, this species is common in the Kootenai, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Palouse, and Clearwater Rivers. Its habitat typically is the middle reaches of streams in swift, cool water with a stable substrate of gravel, rubble, or boulders. It also occurs in lakes. This species spawns in the spring in the same manner as other sculpins. Females produce from about 100 to 350 eggs, depending on their size.
Food includes a variety of aquatic invertebrates, small fish and fish eggs.
This is a large sculpin, reaching a length of 6 inches or more. Torrent sculpins probably serve as a forage fish for trout and chars.