Skip to main content

Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat Trout in South Dakota are primarily found in the cold-water streams and lakes of the Black Hills region. These native western trout are opportunistic feeders that spend 90% of their time feeding below the surface.

Physical Characteristics:
  • These native western trout are characterized by distinctive red, pink, or orange markings along the underside of their mandibles and can range from 6 to 40 inches depending on habitat and food availability.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in select Black Hills waters.
  • They inhabit cold, clear, well-oxygenated streams with gravel bottoms and moderately deep lakes.

Key Locations

  • Focus on Rapid Creek, particularly the catch-and-release section below Pactola Dam which holds larger fish averaging a foot long with some reaching 15-16 inches.
  • Other productive areas include Spring Creek, Spearfish Creek, and various Black Hills streams accessible through hiking trails.

Specific Spots

  • Fish the pools, riffles, and deeper runs.

Cutthroat Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Cutthroat Trout in South Dakota?

Effective fly patterns include Pheasant Tail nymphs (a local favorite), Blue-winged Olives, Baetis imitations, Elk-hair Caddis, Hare's-ear nymphs, small yellow and golden stoneflies, and Tricos.

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

Late spring through fall, avoiding the late April to mid-July spawning period. During warmer months, concentrate efforts during cooler parts of the day when fish are more active.

How do you catch Cutthroat Trout in South Dakota?

Nymphing is productive since these fish feed subsurface most of the time. Fish the pools, riffles, and deeper runs, presenting flies with natural drifts. Consider fishing deeper water and shaded areas during midday heat.

What do Cutthroat Trout eat?

The species has a varied diet consisting of aquatic insects (particularly caddisflies, stoneflies, mayflies, and dipterans), terrestrial insects like ants, beetles, and grasshoppers, small fish, fish e.g.gs, crustaceans including crayfish and freshwater shrimp, and even small mammals like mice during nighttime...

Where do Cutthroat Trout live in South Dakota?

Found in select Black Hills waters. They inhabit cold, clear, well-oxygenated streams with gravel bottoms and moderately deep lakes.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Cutthroat Trout.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Cutthroat Trout water

    Pick Cutthroat Trout and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Cutthroat Trout

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Cutthroat Trout are.

Open the map, filter by Cutthroat Trout, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

South Dakota licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore South Dakota waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.