Needs Steelhead have a complex life cycle that depends on healthy habitat for survival.
Habitat issues fall into three general areas - water quality, physical habitat and water quantity.
The steelhead is listed as threatened in certain areas , some within the metro region, of the Lower Columbia River. Steelhead trout need cold, clean water Several water quality issues affect steelhead. Many urban streams and rivers are polluted to the detriment of this species survival. The run-off contains sediment and varied contaminants. Increased development in watersheds - removing trees and vegetation along streams removes the shade necessary to keep water temperature cool.