Cutthroat Trout

Streamers are the most effective fly patterns. Productive streamer colors include white, silver, and olive to match local baitfish. Black Dungeon patterns and Woolly Buggers in various colors work particularly well. Heavier nymphs can also be effective for getting down to feeding fish in the deeper water.

Spring and fall typically provide the best fishing as water temperatures cool and trout become more active. Winter fishing can be productive since the tailrace remains open and provides unique cold-weather angling opportunities in North Dakota.

Focus on varying retrieval speeds and fishing at different depths to locate feeding fish.

Cutthroat trout in the tailrace can live for years and grow large by feeding on rainbow smelt that come through the dam. Due to limited insect life below the dam, these trout rely heavily on baitfish for forage.

Cutthroat trout appear to be primarily associated with the Missouri River system rather than stillwater environments. North Dakota historically stocked trout in 45-55 lakes annually, but cutthroat trout appear to be primarily associated with the Missouri River system.