Cutthroat Trout Species Breakdown
Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus Clarkii
Also Known As: Colorado River Cutthroat
Cutthroat trout are members of the trout and salmon subgroup of Salmonidae family. Trout are one of the most popular freshwater species to fish for. They are also one of the best tasting freshwater fish.
How to Identify a Cutthroat Trout
You can identify a cutthroat trout by their golden brown coloring and small black spots on their back and sides. They have a yellow, orange or red streaks around their gill plates and belly. Their upper jaw extends beyond their eye.
Cutthroat trout differ from rainbow trout in that Cutthroat Trout have a set of basibranchial teeth at the base of their tongue and a maxillary that extends beyond the posterior edge of the eye.
Cutthroat Trout Size
Cutthroat trout can grow up to 41 lbs, 39 inches long. They are more commonly found in in the 0.5-8 lb range or 8-22″ long.
Cutthroat Trout Size Chart – Length to Weight Conversion
| Length | Weight |
|---|---|
| 8″ | 8 oz |
| 9″ | 9.5 oz |
| 10″ | 11 oz |
| 11″ | 14 oz |
| 12″ | 1 lb 1 oz |
| 13″ | 1 lb 5 oz |
| 14″ | 1 lb 9 oz |
| 15″ | 2 lbs |
| 16″ | 2 lbs 5 oz |
| 17″ | 2 lbs 13 oz |
| 18″ | 3 lbs 4 oz |
| 19″ | 3 lbs 3 5oz |
| 20″ | 4 lbs 7 oz |
| 21″ | 5 lbs 2 oz |
| 22″ | 5 lbs 13 oz |
| 23″ | 6 lbs 6 oz |
| 24″ | 7 lbs 10 oz |
View World & State Cutthroat Trout Records
Where Cutthroat Trout Are Found
Cutthroat trout are found in the Western United States and South West Canada. The have also been introduced into small areas throughout the United State.
The cutthroat can be found in bodies of water that are well oxygenated, clear, and cold. This includes moderately deep lakes, shallow rivers, and streams with gravel or rocky bottoms.
Cutthroat often hide like along vegetation and brush.
Lifespan of a Cutthroat Trout
The lifespan of a cutthroat trout is typically 6-8 years but can live up to 10 years old. Cutthroat trout take 2-3 years to reach maturity. You can tell the general age of cutthroat by referring to the table below.
Cutthroat Trout Age Chart
| Age | Length |
|---|---|
| 1 Years Old | 6 – 8 inches |
| 2 Years Old | 8 – 11inches |
| 3 Years Old | 11 – 15 inches |
| 4 Years Old | 15 – 17 inches |
| 5 Years Old | 17 – 20 inches |
| 6 Years Old | 20 – 23 inches |
| 7 Years Old | 23 – 24 inches |
| 8 Years Old | 24+ inches |
Fishing for Cutthroat Trout
Are cutthroat trout hard to catch?
Cutthroat trout are one of most difficult freshwater fish to catch. To make catching cutthroat easier target quicker moving water. This will give them less time to study your flies.
What size hook do you use for cutthroat trout?
The best all around hook size for cutthroat trout is a size 12 single barb hook.
What type of bait is for cutthroat trout?
My favorite bait when fishing for cutthroat trout is Berkley Powerbait.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size cutthroat trout is best to keep?
The best size cutthroat trout to keep is 10-12 inches long. This is the best size to eat. Be sure to check your state’s size limit.
What do cutthroat trout eat?
Cutthroat trout eat insects, larvae, worms, and small fish.
Do cutthroat trout have scales?
Cutthroat trout have very small thin scales. Their scales are so thin you don’t need to remove them before eating.
Are cutthroat trout good eating?
Cutthroat trout are delicious They are one of the best tasting freshwater fish. Brown trout are lean and have a very mild fish flavor.
Do cutthroat trout fish bite humans?
Cutthroat trout have teeth and can bite humans. They aren’t aggressive or attack humans but they can cut you if aren’t careful when removing your hook. Bites from trout won’t cause any lasting damage.
Is cutthroat trout a salmon?
A cutthroat trout is not a salmon. They are both apart of the same Salmonidae family though.
What eats cutthroat trout?
Bass, muskie, walleye, and other predator fish all eat cutthroat trout. Herons, eagles, osprey, otters, racoon, and bears are also known to eat cutthroat.