It varies ... steelie smolts can spend up to 3 years (I'm sure there are a few that go 4, but very rare) in freshwater, so you'll see all sorts of sizes depending upon the age before they go out. Some river systems have most fish going out after a year, others, such as the big BC streams, see most after 2 and lots after 3 ... thus the bigger fish when they return. Just remember, when trout fishing in MANY of the NW streams ... you're most likely catching steelie smolts rather than resident trout ... so put 'em back and be kind!