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Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat Trout

Colorado is home to several native cutthroat trout subspecies that represent some of the state's most treasured native fish.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus (Colorado River cutthroat trout), Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis (Rio Grande cutthroat trout)

Physical Characteristics:
  • Colorado River cutthroat trout display bright yellow-gold bodies with brassy-green backs, orange bellies, and distinctive spots concentrated on the rear portions.
  • Rio Grande cutthroat trout show bright crimson red and orange coloration on the belly with golden yellow sides.
  • Stream-dwelling cutthroats generally range 6-10 inches as adults, though lake populations can reach over 20 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • The Colorado River cutthroat trout is found on the western slope in river basins including the Dolores, Gunnison, Upper Green, Upper Colorado, Yampa, White, and San Juan drainages.
  • The Rio Grande cutthroat trout inhabits high elevation streams and lakes in the Rio Grande, Canadian, and Pecos River drainages.
  • The greenback cutthroat trout is native to South Platte River drainage.
  • All cutthroat subspecies typically inhabit mid- to high-elevation streams above 7,500 feet with high gradients, cold clear water, and healthy riparian habitat.

Key Locations

  • Trappers Lake for native Colorado River cutthroat, Loch Vale in Rocky Mountain National Park for greenback cutthroat (requiring a 3-mile moderate hike), various lakes and streams in the San Luis Valley for Rio Grande cutthroat, and many high mountain lakes accessible via hiking trails.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on pool habitats, undercut banks, and areas with overhanging vegetation where cutthroats seek cover.

Cutthroat Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Cutthroat Trout in Colorado?

Size 18 Elk Hair Caddis, size 14 Pale Morning Duns, Chubby Chernobyl hoppers in summer, size 10 Royal Wulff as attractors, size 18 Pheasant Tail Nymphs for spring BWO hatches, size 14 Prince Nymphs, San Juan Worms, Pat's Rubber Legs for stonefly imitations, size 6 Woolly Buggers as streamers.

How do you catch Cutthroat Trout in Colorado?

For stream fishing, approach from downstream while maintaining a low profile and watching your shadow. For lake fishing, use dry flies during low light conditions at dawn and dusk, or fish nymph patterns deep when fish aren't rising. Strip streamers around structure for larger fish.

What do Cutthroat Trout eat?

They're opportunistic sight-feeding predators that primarily consume aquatic insects including mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and midges, plus terrestrial insects like grasshoppers in summer. At larger sizes they can become piscivorous.

Where do Cutthroat Trout live in Colorado?

The Colorado River cutthroat trout is found on the western slope in river basins including the Dolores, Gunnison, Upper Green, Upper Colorado, Yampa, White, and San Juan drainages. The Rio Grande cutthroat trout inhabits high elevation streams and lakes in the Rio Grande, Canadian, and Pecos River drainages.

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