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Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat Trout

The Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout is New Mexico's state fish and the only cutthroat trout native to the state.

Once abundant throughout the Rio Grande Basin, they now occupy only about 10-12% of their historic range due to competition with non-native trout, habitat loss, and climate change impacts.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • This beautiful trout features a yellowish-green to gray-brown body densely spotted with black spots that concentrate toward the tail, with the characteristic bright red-orange slash beneath the lower jaw and sometimes red patches along the sides.
  • During breeding season, males develop intense reddish-orange undersides.
  • Adults typically reach 12-13 inches, though some grow larger.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit cold, clear, well-oxygenated high-elevation streams typically above 7,000 feet in the Rio Grande, Canadian, and Pecos River basins.
  • Four populations are located in New Mexico's Santa Fe National Forest.

Key Locations

  • Prime locations include Costilla Creek in the Valle Vidal (considered New Mexico's best wild Rio Grande Cutthroat stream), Jack's Creek above the waterfalls, Rio de las Vacas above the fish barrier, and various streams in the Pecos Wilderness.
  • Key populations exist in streams including Jack's Creek, Rio de las Vacas, Rio Cebolla, Costilla Creek, and various tributaries throughout the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, and San Juan mountain ranges.

Specific Spots

  • Target undercut banks, deep pools, slack water areas, and cover like fallen trees or large rocks where these cautious fish conserve energy.

Cutthroat Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Cutthroat Trout in New Mexico?

Top fly patterns include size 18-20 Pheasant Tail Nymphs and Blue Winged Olive patterns in spring, Elk Hair Caddis (size 16-18) during summer caddis hatches, and Chubby Chernobyl grasshopper patterns in late summer.

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

Rio Grande Cutthroat fishing is best from July through October after spawning concludes, with fall (September-October) being particularly productive as fish feed aggressively before winter.

How do you catch Cutthroat Trout in New Mexico?

Target undercut banks, deep pools, slack water areas, and cover like fallen trees or large rocks where these cautious fish conserve energy.

What do Cutthroat Trout eat?

These opportunistic feeders primarily consume aquatic insects (caddisflies, stoneflies, mayflies), terrestrial insects (ants, beetles, grasshoppers), and crustaceans, spending 90% of their time feeding subsurface.

Where do Cutthroat Trout live in New Mexico?

They inhabit cold, clear, well-oxygenated high-elevation streams typically above 7,000 feet in the Rio Grande, Canadian, and Pecos River basins. Four populations are located in New Mexico's Santa Fe National Forest.

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