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Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat Trout are the only native trout species in Utah, with four distinct subspecies inhabiting different watersheds: Bonneville Cutthroat (Utah's state fish, native to the ancient Lake Bonneville Basin), Bear River Cutthroat (native to Bear River drainage and Bear Lake), Colorado River Cutthroat (native to Colorado River drainage in eastern Utah), and Yellowstone Cutthroat (found in remote Raft River Mountains).

These subspecies have evolved separately due to geographic isolation and historic stream captures.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adults typically mature between ages 2-5, with resident stream fish growing slower than lake populations.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit cold, clear waters with rocky substrates and dense riparian vegetation, thriving in temperatures below 65°F.

Key Locations

  • Productive waters include Bear Lake for trophy fish, Logan River and tributaries, Weber River system, Mill Creek near Salt Lake City, upper Provo River drainage, Strawberry Reservoir, and high mountain lakes in the Wasatch Front and Uinta Mountains.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on undercut banks, beaver ponds, and areas with cover.
  • Many cutthroat waters require hiking access and present challenging conditions with narrow, brushy streams.

Cutthroat Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Cutthroat Trout in Utah?

Key fly patterns include: dry flies like Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Pale Morning Dun (#14), Royal Wulff (#10), and Chubby Chernobyl for summer terrestrials; nymphs such as Pheasant Tail (#18), Prince Nymph (#14), and Zebra Midge (#20); streamers including Woolly Bugger (#6) and Muddler Minnow (#6).

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

The best fishing seasons for Utah cutthroat vary by location: northern waters fish best April through October, while southern waters are productive October through April.

How do you catch Cutthroat Trout in Utah?

Effective techniques include dead-drifting nymphs through pools and riffles, presenting dry flies during hatches, and bow-and-arrow casting in tight brushy creeks like those in the Raft River Mountains.

What do Cutthroat Trout eat?

Cutthroats are opportunistic feeders with diets varying by size and season - smaller fish consume zooplankton and invertebrates, while larger specimens become increasingly piscivorous, feeding on sculpins, chubs, and other fish.

Where do Cutthroat Trout live in Utah?

They inhabit cold, clear waters with rocky substrates and dense riparian vegetation, thriving in temperatures below 65°F.

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