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Colorado River Cutthroat Trout

Colorado River Cutthroat Trout

Colorado River cutthroat trout are one of three native cutthroat subspecies in Colorado and the only subspecies indigenous to Colorado's West Slope.

These fish now occupy only 7-11% of their historic range, found primarily in isolated headwater streams and lakes above 7,500 feet elevation.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus

Physical Characteristics:
  • They display striking yellow-gold bodies with brassy-green backs and orange bellies, featuring medium to large spots concentrated on the caudal peduncle and dorsal region, with 180-200 lateral line scales.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit the Dolores, Gunnison, Upper Green, Upper Colorado, Yampa, White, and San Juan river basins.
  • Recent genetic research has identified three distinct lineages: the Blue Lineage (native to Yampa, Green, and White River basins), Green Lineage (native to Colorado, Gunnison, and Dolores basins), and San Juan Lineage (native to San Juan basin).

Key Locations

  • Key locations include tributaries of the Eagle River, Colorado River headwaters, streams in Rocky Mountain National Park, Flat Tops Wilderness, and Indian Peaks Wilderness.
  • In the Yampa basin, try tributaries like Milk Creek and Snake River.
  • For the Gunnison basin, target streams like Little Coal Creek, Cunningham Creek, and tributaries around Crawford.

Specific Spots

  • Target mid- to high-elevation streams above 7,500 feet with high gradients (typically over 4% slope) and pool-riffle complexes.
  • Focus on areas with abundant large woody debris, deep pools, and undercut banks.

Colorado River Cutthroat Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Colorado River Cutthroat Trout in Colorado?

Summer terrestrial patterns work exceptionally well, including grasshopper imitations, ants, and beetles. Aquatic insect patterns should match local hatches of mayflies (Baetis), caddisflies, and midges. Effective flies include Elk Hair Caddis, Humpy, Adams, and various nymph patterns.

When is the best time to fish for Colorado River Cutthroat Trout in Colorado?

Colorado River cutthroat fishing is best from late spring through fall, after spawning concludes in July. Early morning and evening provide the most consistent action, though these trout feed actively throughout the day.

How do you catch Colorado River Cutthroat Trout in Colorado?

Approach carefully as these fish inhabit clear, shallow water. In alpine lakes, focus on inlet and outlet areas where fish concentrate. Look for rising fish and match the hatch with appropriate dry fly patterns.

What do Colorado River Cutthroat Trout eat?

Colorado River cutthroat are opportunistic sight-feeding predators whose diet consists primarily of aquatic insects (mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies) and terrestrial insects like grasshoppers during summer months.

Where do Colorado River Cutthroat Trout live in Colorado?

They inhabit the Dolores, Gunnison, Upper Green, Upper Colorado, Yampa, White, and San Juan river basins. Recent genetic research has identified three distinct lineages: the Blue Lineage (native to Yampa, Green, and White River basins), Green Lineage (native to Colorado, Gunnison, and Dolores basins), and San Juan...

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