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Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat Trout

The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) is Nevada's state fish and the largest cutthroat trout subspecies in the world. These prehistoric fish are remnants of ancient Lake Lahontan, which covered much of northern Nevada 10,000 years ago.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi

Also known as LCT, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their vibrant red slash under the jaw, numerous black spots across their bodies, and can range from 7-33 inches and 1-25 pounds.
  • Stream-dwelling LCT display darker coloration with copper to green hues and retain parr marks into adulthood, while lake forms are often silvery.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in diverse cold-water habitats including large alkaline lakes, alpine lakes, slow rivers, montane streams, and headwater tributaries.
  • Currently occupying only 10.7% of historic stream habitat and 0.4% of historic lake habitat.

Key Locations

  • Pyramid Lake, Walker Lake, Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River system, and streams in Elko, Humboldt, and Nye counties.
  • Pyramid Lake offers Nevada's premier cutthroat fishing.

Specific Spots

  • Shore fishing targets 5-15 foot shallows during spawning season.
  • Boat fishing provides access to 95% of the lake and follows fish schools to deeper water during summer months.

Cutthroat Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Cutthroat Trout in Nevada?

1-4 ounce spoons in bright colors like green or yellow - very different from typical trout colors. Small spinners and spoons for streams.

What flies work for Cutthroat Trout in Nevada?

Wooly Buggers, large nymphs, and beetle patterns. Parachute Adams, Stimulators, or hopper patterns like Chubby Chernobyls during summer for streams. Cutthroat are more willing to rise to dry flies than other trout species.

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

Pyramid Lake season running October 1 through June 30. Shore fishing is most productive March-April. Winter fishing (December-April) can be excellent. Boat fishing is productive throughout the entire season.

How do you catch Cutthroat Trout in Nevada?

The famous 'ladder fishing' technique involves wading out and climbing stepladders for better casting distance and visibility. Stripping large streamers or fishing nymphs under indicators. Strip aggressively then pause to imitate fleeing baitfish. Trolling large spoons and diving plugs works well from boats.

What do Cutthroat Trout eat?

They primarily feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish, and floating plant matter. In lakes like Pyramid Lake, they become piscivorous predators feeding heavily on tui chubs.

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