Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii

The native trout of the American West, cutthroat trout are found from Alaska to New Mexico in an incredible diversity of subspecies adapted to every Western landscape. Whether you are fishing a tiny alpine creek in Yellowstone or a brushy desert stream in Nevada, the cutthroat's willingness to rise to a dry fly makes it a favorite of fly anglers everywhere. Conservation of native cutthroat populations is a major focus of Western fisheries management.

Seasonal Activity

Best Techniques

• dry fly fishing
• nymphing
• casting small spinners
• streamer fishing
• ultralight spinning

Top Baits

• dry flies (elk hair caddis, adams)
• nymphs (pheasant tail, hare's ear)
• small spinners
• live worms
• grasshopper patterns