Cutthroat trout are the native fish of the American West — present in every major Rocky Mountain drainage from the Canadian border to New Mexico. The distinctive red or orange slash marks under the jaw give the species its name. Fishing for cutthroat in native habitat — a Yellowstone meadow stream, a remote Idaho wilderness river, a coastal Washington estuary — is one of the most complete experiences in American trout fishing.
Cutthroat Subspecies
- Yellowstone cutthroat — the most abundant, throughout the Greater Yellowstone region
- Westslope cutthroat — native to Montana and Idaho drainages
- Coastal cutthroat — Pacific coastal streams from California to Alaska
- Lahontan cutthroat — Nevada and California, including Pyramid Lake where fish over 10 pounds are caught
- Greenback cutthroat — Colorado’s state fish, federally threatened
Cutthroat Behavior
Cutthroat are generally less wary than brown trout — particularly in wilderness settings with low angling pressure. They rise readily to dry flies and take nymphs aggressively. In Yellowstone, where many fish have minimal exposure to anglers, they can be remarkably willing.
Best Techniques
Dry Fly Fishing
Cutthroat are exceptional dry fly targets. Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, and Stimulators all produce consistently. Hopper patterns fished tight to grassy banks produce explosive strikes.
➜ Parachute Adams Assortment Sizes 14–18 — Buy on Amazon
Nymphing
Pheasant Tail and Hare’s Ear nymphs drifted under a strike indicator produce cutthroat year-round. The Beadhead Prince Nymph is particularly effective in Yellowstone.
➜ Beadhead Prince Nymph Assortment — Buy on Amazon
Spinning
Small spinners and spoons produce cutthroat in both streams and lakes. Mepps Aglia and Panther Martin in sizes 0–2 are effective.
➜ Mepps Aglia Size 1 — Buy on Amazon
Best Cutthroat Waters
- Yellowstone National Park — Yellowstone River and Slough Creek
- Snake River, Idaho — fine-spotted Snake River cutthroat
- Flathead River drainage, Montana — westslope cutthroat
- Pyramid Lake, Nevada — trophy Lahontan cutthroat
- Olympic Peninsula coastal streams, Washington — sea-run coastal cutthroat
Book a Guided Cutthroat Trip
➜ Browse Yellowstone Fly Fishing Guided Trips — Viator