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The torrent sculpin occurs throughout the Columbia River system and in the North Thompson River. Normally, this species is heavily prickled but there are two populations in B.C. that lack prickles — one in Pass (Norns) Creek and one in Beaver Creek. In both cases these populations are isolated above barriers. There are no other sculpins at these sites. As their name implies torrent sculpins are usually associated with fast water; however, it is not clear if this is by choice or a result of interactions with other sculpins. In areas where they coexist with shorthead sculpins (e.g., the Little Slocan River), they appear to shift into quiet water. There are also lacustrine populations of torrent sculpin. There is a bit of data on Columbia Lake that suggests some early life history modifications in this lacustrine population. In Columbia Lake they spawn in the littoral zone (under rocks). Usually, the larvae of this species remain in the gravel until they metamorphose into tiny sculpins. In Columbia Lake, the larvae (<10 mm) are found in open water off the bottom. They are transparent and remain in the plankton until they reach about 15 mm (newly emerged stream dwellers are typically 10-12 mm). Presumably, this lacustrine population metamorphoses at about 15-20 mm and settles to the bottom. In late August or early September they suddenly appear inshore on gravel beaches. These observations suggest that there is an offshore benthic phase in the life history of the Columbia Lake population.

North America: upper Fraser River drainage in British Columbia in Canada to Nehalem River in Oregon, USA (including Columbia River drainage of British Columbia in Canada, and Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon in the USA).