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Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

Wyoming's most iconic native trout, distinguished by their golden brown coloration, large black spots concentrated toward the tail, and characteristic red slash marks on their lower jaws.

They're native to the Snake, Yellowstone, Bighorn-Wind, and Tongue River drainages, historically occupying about 17,800 miles of streams but now reduced to approximately 7,500 miles (43% of historical range).

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their golden brown coloration, large black spots concentrated toward the tail, and characteristic red slash marks on their lower jaws.
  • During pre-spawn periods they show brilliant colors.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to the Snake, Yellowstone, Bighorn-Wind, and Tongue River drainages.
  • Key populations exist in Yellowstone Lake, the Yellowstone River system, Snake River drainage, and over 230 mountain lakes where they've been stocked.

Key Locations

  • Yellowstone Lake (90,000 acres), the Yellowstone River system, Snake River drainage, and over 230 mountain lakes where they've been stocked.
  • Target the Yellowstone River drainage including the Lamar Valley and Slough Creek meadows, Snake River headwaters around Jackson, tributaries in the Wind River Range and Absaroka Mountains, and high mountain lakes above 7,000 feet elevation.
  • The Tri-Basin Divide area offers access to multiple cutthroat subspecies including Yellowstone cutthroats in the Greys River drainage.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on undercut banks, eddies, pool tail-outs, and confluences with tributary streams.

Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in Wyoming?

Elk Hair Caddis (size 18) during morning and evening caddis hatches, Purple Haze (sizes 10-18) which has gained exceptional popularity across Wyoming waters, Chubby Chernobyl hoppers for late summer terrestrial fishing, Pheasant Tail Nymphs (size 18) for spring Blue Winged Olive hatches, Prince Nymphs, Woolly Buggers...

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

Prime fishing occurs from July through September, with late summer being ideal as insect hatches peak and waters clear from snowmelt runoff. September and October offer excellent opportunities during pre-spawn periods when fish show brilliant colors.

How do you catch Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in Wyoming?

Practice catch-and-release. Target undercut banks, eddies, pool tail-outs, and confluences with tributary streams.

What do Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout eat?

They feed on zooplankton, freshwater shrimp, aquatic and terrestrial insects, mollusks, and other fish.

Where do Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout live in Wyoming?

Native to the Snake, Yellowstone, Bighorn-Wind, and Tongue River drainages. Key populations exist in Yellowstone Lake, the Yellowstone River system, Snake River drainage, and over 230 mountain lakes where they've been stocked.

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