Cutthroat Trout

fish · cold water · Rocky Mountains · fly fishing

Four different species. Cutthroat trout are actually a family of four fish species: Coastal, Westslope, Lahontan, and Rocky Mountain cutthroats. Each one lives in different cold-water areas across North America.

Red slash mark. The name cutthroat comes from the distinctive bright red or orange coloring on the underside of their lower jaw, which looks like a slash or cut.

Mountain and ocean streams. These trout live in cold-water tributaries of the Pacific Ocean, Rocky Mountains, and Great Basin, preferring clean, cool rivers and streams.

Favorite for fly fishing. Cutthroat trout are popular gamefish, especially with anglers who love fly fishing because they're exciting to catch.

Named after an explorer. The scientific name clarkii honors William Clark, the coleader of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition who explored the American West.