Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Bingbamboom on February 01, 2012, 03:28:28 PM

Title: Quick I.D. of steelhead Buck/Hen.
Post by: Bingbamboom on February 01, 2012, 03:28:28 PM: I am fairly new to the Steelhead fishery. I really have learned a lot from the great anglers on this sight. My question is, how can you quickly determine the sex of a steelhead. I hear many anglers determine this while the steelhead is still in the water. I am very impressed by them.
Title: Re: Quick I.D. of steelhead Buck/Hen.
Post by: CohoMan on February 01, 2012, 03:39:07 PM: The head of a buck steelhead tend to be more elongated and the doe is more rounded.

The buck tend to have a tinge of pink and the doe very bright and chrome.

(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k95/steelieman/fish_steelheadtrout.jpg)

I hope this help.
Title: Re: Quick I.D. of steelhead Buck/Hen.
Post by: ~IvAn~ on February 01, 2012, 04:30:38 PM: Hey Bing,

If you check out previous posts on the forum there are some good pictures of steelhead from last season. There are a mixture of doe's and bucks. Click on the link and go to page 4. Page 3 also has a bunch of steelhead pictures too. Hope that helps :)

http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=25916.45
Title: Re: Quick I.D. of steelhead Buck/Hen.
Post by: DionJL on February 01, 2012, 05:11:19 PM: CohoMan, that has to be the worst picture to demonstrate what you are saying. They look like completely different species.
Title: Re: Quick I.D. of steelhead Buck/Hen.
Post by: Banny on February 01, 2012, 05:13:23 PM: Haha Dion I wanted to post exactly the same thing!
Title: Re: Quick I.D. of steelhead Buck/Hen.
Post by: cohoaaron on February 01, 2012, 05:20:29 PM: That doe looks like it was caught out of green timbers :)
Title: Re: Quick I.D. of steelhead Buck/Hen.
Post by: CohoMan on February 01, 2012, 05:45:38 PM: Dion, yah I agree with you. So here is a better one. LOL

(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k95/steelieman/Fish3-1.jpg)

Male

(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k95/steelieman/Fish4-1.jpg)

Female
Title: Re: Quick I.D. of steelhead Buck/Hen.
Post by: Big Steel on February 01, 2012, 07:02:11 PM: Here is a couple more:
Buck: Notice the longer jaw and a bit of a hook/kipe on lower jaw, with the head being bigger in comparison to the body.
(http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g307/DMW73/Steelhead%20Pics/Steel3119.jpg)

Doe: Smaller head, small mouth.

(http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g307/DMW73/Steelhead%20Pics/steel3114.jpg)

Also, they fight different as well. A doe will show herself pretty quick and come out of the water a bunch and mostly head down river. A buck will usually keep his head down with strong headshakes and runs, not showing himself very often. At least that has been my experience. :)
Title: Re: Quick I.D. of steelhead Buck/Hen.
Post by: floatfisher on February 01, 2012, 08:03:16 PM: A doe will also have a "pink sock" out of its vent. Does get rosey cheeks typically and bucks have a stripe or color on their entire body. The shape of head and mouth are the best way to tell the sex. It can be difficult though with very fresh fish sometimes.
Title: Re: Quick I.D. of steelhead Buck/Hen.
Post by: norton on February 01, 2012, 08:25:38 PM: lol, those are pitifull examples of steelhead bingy.
Title: Re: Quick I.D. of steelhead Buck/Hen.
Post by: Bingbamboom on February 02, 2012, 12:31:34 AM: Wow......this is why I love this sight. Thanks guys for your help. The pics really helped. I think I have a much better understanding now. ;D
Title: Re: Quick I.D. of steelhead Buck/Hen.
Post by: Livinlarge on February 02, 2012, 07:08:04 PM: I was just about to do a search for this topic and what do you know! Cant wait till i have to try and id my first, it will be a glorious day.