The ones in the great lakes came from out here in the west it is a cool story way back in the 1800's
The first introduction of steelhead into the Great Lakes dates back to 1876[11] where smolts were taken from wild populations from the McCloud River in California and placed into the Au Sable River. "Wild" populations of these fish started to become established shortly after their introduction into the lakes. By the late 80s populations could be found in notable rivers like the Muskegon and Pere Marquette. Sometime after their first introduction into Michigan tributaries other states, such as New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, started stocking fish into their own streams.[citation needed] Due to the steelhead's large size and powerful demeanor, they've become very attractive amongst the angler community in the Great Lakes area.