Stihlhead -
Both winter and summer steelhead smolts leave the river at the same time of the year (peak out migration occurring early to mid-May). Spawning winter fish produce winter fish.

Sometimes you tell hatchery winter males from hatchery summer males by their colorations. Most of the hatchery summer males have a distinctive coloration - they have the unique greenish (almost lime) backs with a very pronounce red stripe while the winter fish will be much darker (almost black) and their red stripe is less of a contrast with the rest of the fish's coloration.

The location of your creek in relation to nearby hatcheries or release sites might also provide some insight into the origin of the fish.

I would encourage all anglers to take the time to watch spawning fish and their behaviors when the opportunity presents itself. The more we learn about the fish we pursue the more we'll appreciate them.

Tight lines
Smalma