cutthroat-trout
Species Facts

Science Name: Oncorhynchus clarki
Other Names: native trout, cut, red trout, mountain trout, black spotted trout
Ideal Temp: 52 to 60
World Record: 41 lbs. Nevada
Environment: coastal, stream
Techniques: light tackle, fly
Description

The average length of this species is 12-15 inches and generally one-half to 17 pounds. A short, conical head with a somewhat pointed to rounded snout and a rather large mouth with well developed teeth on both jaws characterize the fish. In breeding males the kype is slightly developed in the anadromous population and the lower jaw appears extremely long. One of the main color characteristics is two yellow or orange to red lines in the skin folds of each side of the lower jaw. The coastal form is colored dark to olive-green with numerous black spots and may appear more blue with silvery sides. The interior form (Yellowstone cutthroat) has a body of yellow-green with red on the sides of the head and front of the body and the belly.

Distribution The cutthroat can be found in fresh, brackish or salt water in North America mostly west of the Rocky Mountains. The coastal and Yellowstone varieties are separated by a central area in which the rainbow trout occurs. The inland form lives in western Alberta in the headwaters of river systems.

Subspecies Some authorities recognize as many as fourteen subspecies of cutthroat, but only five are of major importance to fishermen. They include; Yellowstone cutthroat, coastal cutthroat or harvest trout, West Slope cutthroat, Lahontan cutthroat, and Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat.

Other subspecies include: Bonneville cutthroat, Colorado River cutthroat, Greenback cutthroat, Rio Grande cutthroat, Paiute cutthroat, yellowfin cutthroat, mountain cutthroat, Humbolt cutthroat, and Alvord cutthroat.

Hybrids Cutthroat hybridze with rainbow to produce the cutbow, and they sometimes hybridize with golden trout.

Table Quality Excellent. Flesh caries from white to red.

Spawning Habits Adult anadromous forms return to freshwater spawning streams in late autumn and early winter but spawning takes place there in February to May. In both forms of cutthroat trout spawning takes place in small, gravelly streams where the male courts the female by nudging and quivering. The female prepares the redd where she lays 1100-1700 eggs. Hatching occurs 6-7 weeks later.

Habitat Found in cold-water streams and mountain lakes in the West. The coastal cutthroat spends most of its life at sea, entering Pacific Coast streams to spawn. Unlike other seagoing trout, the coastal cutthroat never ventures far from the stream mouths. Cutthroat prefer water temperatures from 55 to 62F.

Feeding Habits Cutthoats will eat some crustaceans, salmon eggs, and frogs but their main diet consists of small fish and insects.

Age and Growth Maximum age about 9 years; more commonly 4 to 7 years. Growth varies greatly among different subspecies. West Slopes grow most slowly; Lahontans most rapidly. Males generally grow fastest an attain the largest size. In most waters, cutthroat rarely exceed 5 pounds.

Tips for Fishing

Light spinning action rods with six to seven foot length work well, or seven and a half to eight foot fly rods are equally good. As for lines,use premium grade two to four pound monofilliment for spin or spincast outfits. For fly fishing, stay with your floating fly lineand an assortment of light tippets.

As for your baits, artificial or real bait is your choice. One question to ask yourself is " can I pack live bait successfully?" If the answer is "Yes" then go for it. For that type bait salmon eggs are best, but I have used velveeta cheese and Zekes' floating bait often. Mini marshmallows work excellent are are easy to pack also. For natural baits that will attract the trout because this is what comes from their environment, try grubs, ants, crickets, or beetles. As for artificial baits, try a simple Colorado spinner. Other popular spoons are Needlefish,Wob-L-Rite,or Z-Ray.