Steelhead return rates and relative costs: A synthesis of three long-term stocking programs in two Minnesota tributaries of Lake Superior

► Three steelhead stocking programs were evaluated over 20 years in Minnesota. ► Smolt survival was calculated for naturalized (STT) and domesticated (KAM) strains. ► Return rates to fish traps and anglers, and costs per adult were compared. ► Smolts derived from naturalized STT stocked as fry had highest return rates. ► Domestication, size, stocking date, and lake water temperatures affected survival.