Steelhead Trout

Steelhead trout, or its technical name Oncorhynchus mykiss is known for its high quality and versatility and can be found in all ten Canadian provinces. Canadian trout farms are well regulated and monitored to ensure that they maintain a very high standard of environmental responsibility.

In 2020, Canadian trout farmers produced 10,511 tonnes, valued at about $60 million. Steelhead trout production in Newfoundland increased from 28 tonnes in 2020, to 448 tonnes in 2021. This growth is expected to continue to increase in the coming years. Trout farming is an important contributor to the vitality of Canada’s aquaculture industry.

Farmed trout are fed nutrient dense digestible feed pellets which the fish convert efficiently. While fish meal remains a component of trout feeds, great efforts have been made to lower the reliance upon fish meal by substituting other protein sources such as soybean and corn meal. In fact, in the past decade, the percentage of fish meal used in trout feeds has decreased by about 50% as a result of the use of these alternate protein ingredients. Reliance upon fish meal has also been decreased through improvements in the feed conversion efficiency of trout.

Trout is naturally low in sodium and calories and an excellent source of complete protein and omega-3 fatty acids. A 3.5 ounce serving of trout supplies approximately 40% of our daily protein requirement.  

The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids can help to lower blood triglycerides and cholesterol, reduce risk of death from coronary and cardiovascular disease and reduce high blood pressure.  Farmed trout also provides important iron and B vitamins in each low-calorie, low-cholesterol serving. 

Salmonid processing facilities in the province are provincially licensed and federally registered and adhere to the requirements of the internationally recognized quality management program. This program is enforced and monitored by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency through regular plant audits.