Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarkii
The native trout of the American West, cutthroat trout are found from Alaska to New Mexico in an incredible diversity of subspecies adapted to every Western landscape. Whether you are fishing a tiny alpine creek in Yellowstone or a brushy desert stream in Nevada, the cutthroat's willingness to rise to a dry fly makes it a favorite of fly anglers everywhere. Conservation of native cutthroat populations is a major focus of Western fisheries management.
Seasonal Activity
Best Techniques
- dry fly fishing
- nymphing
- casting small spinners
- streamer fishing
- ultralight spinning
Top Baits
- dry flies (elk hair caddis, adams)
- nymphs (pheasant tail, hare's ear)
- small spinners
- live worms
- grasshopper patterns
Fishing Regulations
Season dates and limits for Cutthroat Trout, by state. This list may not cover every state yet — always confirm current rules with your state's wildlife agency before you fish.
Colorado 1 zone
Native Colorado species including greenback cutthroat. Some subspecies catch-and-release only. Part of combined trout limit.
Effective 2025 · Source: cpw.state.co.us
Idaho 1 zone
Reduced limit within the combined trout bag. Native Yellowstone and westslope cutthroat. Catch-and-release on some waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: idfg.idaho.gov
Montana 1 zone
Native westslope and Yellowstone cutthroat. Reduced limits and catch-and-release on many streams. Part of combined trout limit.
Effective 2025 · Source: fwp.mt.gov
New Mexico 1 zone
Combined 5 trout daily limit. Rio Grande cutthroat trout have special protections in some waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.state.nm.us
Oregon 1 zone
Native species. Reduced bag limit compared to other trout. Catch-and-release only on some streams.
Effective 2025 · Source: myodfw.com
Utah 1 zone
Native Bonneville and Colorado River cutthroat. Part of combined trout limit. Catch-and-release on some tributaries.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.utah.gov
Washington 1 zone
Reduced daily limit compared to other trout. Wild cutthroat release required on many streams.
Effective 2025 · Source: wdfw.wa.gov
Wyoming 1 zone
Native Yellowstone, Snake River, and Bonneville cutthroat. Reduced limit within combined trout bag. Catch-and-release on many waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: wgfd.wyo.gov
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