The Canadian range of this species extends along just 68 kilometres of rivers and streams in southeast British Columbia's Columbia River Basin-specifically the Kettle River, Slocan River, Beaver Creek and Norns Creek. It prefers small rivers with moderate to swift currents and fairly cool water. The fish is also found in the United States.

A dull, mottled yellow-brown, the Shorthead sculpin is most easily recognized by its large mouth and fan-shaped pectoral fins. It has a relatively large head and a conical body that's just over 100 millimeters long on average. The Shorthead sculpin is also a fairly short-lived fish. Members of the species reach sexual maturity after two years and tend not to live any longer than five.