SH-
Do remember that there is a wide variety of genetic diversity among native steelhead which creates, in most cases, many different ages classes within a river system.

The fact that this was a small fish could have nothing to do with it having 'brat' genes but just being a one-salt fish.

Many river systems carry a decent population of 1-salt fish and I've heard stories about the Skagit being full of these buggers early in the season...many years ago ofcourse.

...hopefully, this fish was indeed 100% native as our early returning natives are few and far between anymore! These fish need as much protection as we can get them...too bad the WDFW has not realized this and made it mandatory C&R on wild steelhead in December and January.