Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Overview
The cutthroat trout holds a special place in the hearts of western anglers as the native trout of the American West. Named for the distinctive red-orange slash marks beneath the lower jaw, cutthroat trout encompass numerous subspecies adapted to the diverse watersheds of western North America, from the Yellowstone cutthroat of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to the westslope cutthroat of the northern Rockies and the coastal cutthroat of Pacific Northwest streams. Cutthroat trout are generally more willing to take a dry fly than brown trout, making them a delight for surface-oriented anglers. Many subspecies face conservation challenges from habitat loss and hybridization with non-native rainbow trout, making catch-and-release practices especially important when targeting these beautiful native fish.
troutVaries by subspecies; Lahontan and Greenback subspecies are Threatened under the ESA; Yellowstone cutthroat are a Species of Concern
Taxonomy
Order
Salmoniformes
Family
Salmonidae
Genus
Oncorhynchus
Species
O. clarkii
Habitat & Behavior
Cold mountain streams, alpine lakes, and coastal rivers; prefers clean gravel substrates for spawning and water temperatures below 62°F
Native Range: Western North America, from Alaska south to New Mexico, with distinct subspecies in the Yellowstone, Columbia, Colorado, and Lahontan basins
Introduced Range: Limited introductions within western North America to restore native populations in historic habitat
Diet
Aquatic insects (mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies), terrestrial insects (hoppers, ants, beetles), small crustaceans, and occasionally small fish
Spawning
Cutthroat trout are spring spawners, typically reproducing from April through July depending on elevation and water temperature. They require clean, well-oxygenated gravel in tributary streams. Some lake-dwelling populations migrate long distances to access suitable spawning habitat.
Spawning Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Spawning Temperature: 43-50°F
Conservation Status
Varies by subspecies; Lahontan and Greenback subspecies are Threatened under the ESA; Yellowstone cutthroat are a Species of Concern
The Cutthroat Trout is currently classified as Varies by subspecies; Lahontan and Greenback subspecies are Threatened under the ESA; Yellowstone cutthroat are a Species of Concern. Responsible catch-and-release practices help protect populations for future generations of anglers.
Fly Fishing Tips
Cutthroat trout are aggressive surface feeders and often respond enthusiastically to attractor dry flies even when no hatch is occurring. Present flies with a drag-free drift and don't be afraid to size up your patterns. High mountain lakes often produce excellent sight fishing opportunities in crystal-clear water.
Tackle Recommendations
A 9-foot 4 or 5-weight rod covers most cutthroat situations. Use 4X-5X tippet for dries and small nymphs in clear water.
Distribution Map
Recommended Fly Patterns
Royal Wulff #12-16
Stimulator #10-14
Elk Hair Caddis #14-16
Prince Nymph #12-16
Parachute Adams #14-18
Cutthroat Candy #14
PMD #14-18
Where to Find Cutthroat Trout
Rivers with Cutthroat Trout
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Oncorhynchus clarkii
- Family
- trout
- Average Size
- 10-18 inches, 0.5-3 lbs
- Record Size
- 41 lbs (Pyramid Lake, Nevada, 1925)
- Lifespan
- 4-9 years in streams, up to 12 years in lakes
- Water Temp Range
- 39-62°F (optimal 48-56°F)
- Native Range
- Western North America, from Alaska south to New Mexico, with distinct subspecies in the Yellowstone, Columbia, Colorado, and Lahontan basins
- Conservation
- Varies by subspecies; Lahontan and Greenback subspecies are Threatened under the ESA; Yellowstone cutthroat are a Species of Concern
Fun Facts
- There are at least 14 recognized subspecies of cutthroat trout, each adapted to a specific watershed
- The species is named after Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who first documented them during their famous expedition
- Cutthroat trout are the state fish of seven western states
- They can hybridize with rainbow trout, producing fertile offspring called cutbows
Where to Find
Size Reference
Average Size
10-18 inches, 0.5-3 lbs
World Record
41 lbs (Pyramid Lake, Nevada, 1925)