Habitat Type: Freshwater
Comments: Capable of surviving in a wide range of temperature conditions. Does best where dissolved oxygen concentration is at least 7 ppm. Anadromous populations occur in coastal rivers. Resident populations now inhabit small headwater streams, large rivers, lakes, or reservoirs; often in cool clear lakes and cool swift streams with silt-free substrate. In streams, deep low velocity pools are important wintering habitats (Sublette et al. 1990).
Usually requires a gravel stream riffle for successful spawning. Lake populations move to tributaries to spawn. Eggs are laid in gravel in a depression made by the female. Salinity of 8 ppt is the upper limit for normal development of eggs and alevins (Morgan et al. 1992).