A guide friend of mine from the Oregon coast recently had a discussion with one of the ODFW biologist about this very thing. Evidently the idea that came out of it was after steelhead get to be two salt fish, time spent in the ocean isn't a good indicator of weight.

When you think about this, it makes logical sense (which may not necessarily apply to fish biology!). But once a steelhead reaches two salt status, it has reached 'maturity' and is ready to begin the spawning process if so disposed. Does this mean that he'll be the same size as all his buddies? Of course not! Think about it in human terms. Just because someone's reached 18 doesn't mean they're all going to weigh 175lbs. Some are going to skinny weaklings and some are going to be big, tough SOB's. Same thing when they're another ten years older.

It doesn't seem like just because they're out in the ocean an extra year (3-salt)they have to put on an extra 5 pounds, which would be nearly a 50% addition in weight, or another 5 pounds in the 4th salt year. Can you imagine if you doubled in weight from the time you turned 18 until you turned 50? Well, some of you probably can!!