Steelhead (sometimes called “Steelhead Trout”) is an anadromous (sea-run) form of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that returns to fresh water to spawn. The Steelhead populations endemic to the Thompson and Chilcotin River watersheds are the two designatable units that are assessed in this report. Steelhead grows to lengths exceeding a metre and weigh up to 19.5 kg at maturity. They are metallic blue on the back and silvery on the sides with black spots. Spawning males have a pink or red band running laterally along their sides. Steelhead is widely regarded as the premier sport fish in western North America and attracts anglers from around the globe to the area in pursuit of fishing opportunities. Steelhead from each of these designatable units was historically and is currently fished by a number of First Nations for food, social, and ceremonial purposes.