Steelhead trout are cousins of salmon, with a similar color and flavor profile, but differ in their basic species classification. Both fish belong to the family of salmonids, but steelheads are a trout species, not a salmon species. Steelhead trout have a similar flavor profile to salmon but with a more mild, less fishy taste. In addition, it's less fatty than salmon, with a flaky texture that melts in your mouth!