Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Cutthroat trout are the most diverse trout species in North America, with 14 recognized subspecies ranging from the Yellowstone River drainage to the high Sierra Nevada. All share the distinctive red or orange slash marks under the jaw that give them their name. Several subspecies — Yellowstone, Colorado River, and Bonneville — are important hatchery fish stocked in western rivers and lakes. They're less spooky than brown trout but more selective than rainbows.
Catching Tips
Cutthroat are opportunistic feeders that respond well to dry flies — especially attractor patterns like the Elk Hair Caddis or Parachute Adams. In alpine lakes, small gold spinners and natural-colored wooly buggers produce well. Fish in or near current seams in rivers, where cutthroat position to intercept drifting food.
World Record
No stocking events recorded yet for Cutthroat Trout.