California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Home Inland Fisheries Definition of "Anadromous"

What is an anadromous Fish?

An anadromous fish is a fish which spawns in freshwater, migrates to the ocean to grow up then returns to freshwater to spawn and complete its lifecycle.

In California, anadromous fish include:

  • Salmon (Chinook and Coho salmon)
  • Steelhead (sea going rainbow trout)
  • Sturgeon (white and green)
  • Striped Bass (non-native)
  • American Shad (non-native)
  • Stickleback (three-spined)
  • Pacific Lamprey