The native trout of western North America — named for orange-red "throat slashes" beneath the lower jaw. Over a dozen subspecies, some imperiled to near-extinction in their narrow native ranges.

Also called: Cutthroat, Native Trout

Native status: Native to western North America; many subspecies endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeStream-resident 15–35 cm; sea-run 50–90 cm
WeightStream forms 0.3–1.5 kg; sea-run 1.5–6 kg
LifespanWild 6–10 years
OrderSalmoniformes
FamilySalmonidae

§ Encyclopedia

The cutthroat trout is a clade of four fish species of the family Salmonidae native to cold-water tributaries of the Pacific Ocean, Rocky Mountains, and Great Basin in North America. These four species are the Coastal, Westslope, Lahontan, and the Rocky Mountain. As a member of the genus Oncorhynchus, it is in the Pacific trout group, which includes the widely distributed rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout are popular gamefish, especially among anglers who enjoy fly fishing. The common name "cutthroat" refers to the distinctive red coloration on the underside of the lower jaw. The specific name clarkii was given to honor explorer William Clark, coleader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Source: Wikipedia — Cutthroat trout Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Variable color; key feature is a red-orange "slash" mark under the lower jaw.

Similar species. Rainbow Trout (no throat slash). Brown Trout (no throat slash, larger spots).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Aquatic insects, small fish, crustaceans.

Behavior. Multiple subspecies across western North America. Many endangered or extirpated from native ranges due to rainbow trout hybridization.

§ Range

Western US and southwestern Canada

§ Habitat

Cold mountain streams, alpine lakes, sea-run in some Pacific drainages

§ Threats

Hybridization with introduced rainbow trout, habitat loss, climate-driven stream warming, overharvest.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the cutthroat trout is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Don't release rainbows into cutthroat streams. Support stream habitat restoration. Follow strict catch-and-release in native cutthroat range.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Trout Unlimited
  • USFWS
  • American Fisheries Society
  • IUCN Red List 2018