Spawnout described it well. Rainbow trout and steelhead trout are the same species. Each one can produce the other as well as their own, altho the tendency is to produce more of their own. I also think Spawnout is right that if the steelhead are endangered, the rainbow in the same streams should also be listed, as their fates are connected. And like Spawnout, I don't much care for the media sensationalism about such a conflict. They could inform the public and still be reporting the news instead of looking for the flame to fan in a story.

A citizen democracy requires an informed citizenry.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.