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Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout

Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout

Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout are Colorado's native trout subspecies found in high-elevation streams and lakes of the Rio Grande, Canadian, and Pecos River drainages in southern Colorado.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis

Physical Characteristics:

They display vibrant colorations with bright crimson red and orange on the belly, golden yellow sides trending to greenish hues on the back, and large spots concentrated near the tail.

The distinctive red or orange slash under their jaw gives cutthroat trout their name. Adults typically reach 6-10 inches in small headwater streams, 14-15 inches in larger streams, and over 20 inches weighing up to 5 pounds in productive lakes.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

They are found primarily in headwater streams above 6,000 feet elevation, with most populations above 8,000 feet. In Colorado, they currently occupy only 12% of their historic habitat across approximately 800 miles of streams, with 127 conservation populations existing statewide. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages over 80 recreational populations in high mountain lakes and streams.

Key Locations

Prime locations include the Conejos River system and its forks (Adams Fork, Lake Fork, Middle Fork, North Fork, South Fork), Saguache Creek drainage including Middle Creek and East Middle Creek, Medano Creek in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, and numerous high-country lakes like Cottonwood Lake, North and South Crestone Lakes, and the Ute Lakes. They inhabit clear, cold mountain streams and high-country lakes throughout the San Luis Valley region, including the Rio Grande National Forest across Conejos Peak, Divide, and Saguache Ranger Districts.

Specific Spots

Target pools with cover, undercut banks, riffles, and pocket water behind large rocks. In beaver ponds, focus on areas where current slows and deeper pools provide refuge.

Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout in Colorado?

Effective dry flies include Parachute Adams, Yellow Sallys, Royal Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulff, hoppers, ants, and beetles. Productive nymph patterns are Prince Nymphs, Copper Johns, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Hare's Ears, stonefly nymphs, caddis larvae and pupae, and chironomid patterns.

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

The best fishing occurs from late June through September when water levels stabilize after spring runoff and before winter conditions. September offers excellent fishing as these trout feed aggressively before winter.

How do you catch Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout in Colorado?

Approach stealthily from downstream, keeping a low profile and watching your shadow. Fish dry flies during low-light conditions at dawn and dusk, or use deep nymph patterns and strip Woolly Buggers and streamers around structure when fish aren't rising.

What do Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout eat?

Rio Grande cutthroat are opportunistic feeders, primarily eating aquatic and terrestrial insects including caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies, ants, beetles, and grasshoppers. At larger sizes they become piscivorous, eating small fish.

Where do Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout live in Colorado?

They are found primarily in headwater streams above 6,000 feet elevation, with most populations above 8,000 feet. In Colorado, they currently occupy only 12% of their historic habitat across approximately 800 miles of streams, with 127 conservation populations existing statewide.

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