I think that's from Dr. Seuss or something. Anyway, I was wondering this: how big are steelhead smolts when they leave their natal streams and head for the big blue sea? Thanks.

Should be right around 5#... *LOL* I think that fisherman from kirkland should try fishing the rivers for them in may when it's closed... It's well worth it... It's great! not only can you damage the future runs, but you can also poach enough meat to feed your cat for 10 seconds...

From what I've seen anywhere from 5-8" But 8 is definitely LARGE for a steelie smolt, but I've seen it...

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!