Species: Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)
Location: Big Butte Creek, Butte Falls, OR
Date: August 14, 2010
I debated how to record this species. The reason being that there are 10-to-14 living subspecies of Cutthroat Trout (depends whom you ask), and many anglers document and note each subspecies separately. Obviously I do.
And while I’d like them to be classified as separate species for my own purposes, they aren’t. So what I’ll do is tell you the stories of the subspecies of Cutthroat Trout I’ve caught so far.
Unlike my other individual species posts, I’ll add to this one every time I catch a new subspecies. So here it is: a chronological list of the all of the Cutthroat subspecies I’ve caught, beginning with the first one (Coastal), the one that made Cutthroat Trout Species #34 in my #SpeciesQuest.
So far, I have caught these subspecies, in this order:
Coastal Cutthroat Trout
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
Bear River Cutthroat Trout
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
Bonneville Cutthroat Trout
Coastal Cutthroat Trout
Mary’s River in Corvallis is one of the best year-round fisheries for Coastal Cutts. This fish was
likely a Cutbow, though.
Speed limits are the worst. I openly oppose highway speed limits and long for the days of old where motorists could careen down the highway at absurd speeds, using only their forearms as seat belts for children bouncing around in the front seat of the car.
I kid a little, but I still think speed limits are dumb.
Unfortunately, the officer didn’t agree with me, and I was cited for doing 70 in a 55 as I made my way to Fourmile Lake to chase some of the massive Brook Trout I’d seen caught there in years’ past.
My mood was further soured when I was skunked at Fourmile Lake, beginning a lifelong hatred of a place so beautiful, yet so unproductive as a fishery (disgusting Hatchery Rainbows aside).
***
I decided I’d go to my native streams, making my way to Little Butte Creek. I landed a bunch of little brookies and met a guy who told me he’d caught a bunch of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in nearby Big Butte Creek earlier that day.
I didn’t think Westslope Cutthroat Trout were found West of the Cascades (in actuality, they’re not), but I hopped back into my car and drove.
***
Trout in streams fish the same almost everywhere, and I quickly landed small rainbows and a fish that bore faded red slashes below its jaws but otherwise looked like a Rainbow. It was, in fact, a Cutbow.
Where these species in the same genus overlap, they often hybridize. Rainbow-loving anglers have transplanted these fish all over the West outside their native range in Northern California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska. While they provide great fisheries if and when the populations establish wild populations, they often out-compete native Cutthroats and/or hybridize them out of existence in much the same way invasive Brook Trout have overtaken Bull Trout.
Calling a Rainbow Trout invasive would cause most flyfishermen to have a conniption, but they are often true invasive species.
Nonetheless, both species are native to the Rogue Watershed where I was fishing, but Rainbows were just more aggressive, I guess.
When I moved upstream of a small dam between the Butte Falls Fish Hatchery and the town of Butte Falls, the small yet deep impoundment there looked perfect for a Rapala.
The respectable, 10 1/4″ Cutthroat Trout that smashed my Countdown Rapala agreed. The fish was more than half a pound and remains one of the larger Cutts I’ve ever caught.
For awhile I believed it had been a Westslope Cutthroat, but I eventually learned it was a Coastal Cutthroat Trout.
These elongated, piscivorous silver bullets are heavily spotted everywhere except their bellies and have much longer heads and larger mouths than comparably-sized Rainbows.
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
Color variability between Cutts is tremendous. Note the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout buck on the top and the hen on the bottom.I first tried to catch Lahontans in Willow Valley Reservoir, a reservoir in Klamath County along the California border during the summer of 2016 (some six years after first catching Coastals). Unbeknownst to me, it had dried up the year before, and I was left catching Yellow Perch in the middle of the desert.
***
My second try came later that summer. On my way to fish the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge’s short carp season, I decided to take the back roads to Burns. That took me through Denio, Nevada then north to the Alvord Desert.
Once you hit the Alvord Hot Springs, the pavement ends, and you’re left on a northbound gravel road. It’s easy to drive too fast on a road that wends its way between two massive mountain ranges.
It’s also easy to hit one jackrabbit every two miles. I hit 13 (not intentionally) of the eared plaguebringers. I wondered if that was unlucky…
My destination was Mann Lake. While Apple Maps had Mann Lake and nearby Juniper Lake swapped, I eventually course-corrected.
I parked on the north shore and proceeded to fish my way around it. Seriously. Wading in the wet mud and shallow water, my legs were assaulted by some unseen menace. I’m still not sure if it was bugs or the alkalinity or what, but my legs were raw after I’d finished my loop.
It was weedy and shallow, and though I had a single trout chase a spoon up to the end of my rod and actually come out of the water after it, splashing just a yard from me, I got skunked. You can read about that trip at Mann Lake here: Taking the road less traveled from Herald and News.
***
The third time proved to be the charm. My friend, Ben Fry, and I were invited to join a group of Insta-famous anglers, including Bryan Glass (@wildtrout) and Brier Kelly (@brier_kelly).
This strain of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout almost went extinct before rebounding to become a success story, and you can read my article Second Chance at Survival from Herald and News here.
I won’t go into too much detail about this trip on my blog, because I already wrote about it. Check out Fishing Pyramid Lake — in pursuit of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout from the Bozeman Daily Chronicle and Getting Reel with Bryan Glass from the Herald and News.
Bear River Cutthroat Trout
The pink-on-brown coloration of these fish is really unique. Coloration is one of the reasons Bear River Cutthroats are worth the trip to Utah or Wyoming.
My third subspecies of this fish was a surprise. I was hoping for a number of other Cutthroat subspecies as I traveled across Utah, Wyoming, and Nebraska on my way to Officer Training School in Alabama during the summer of 2017, but the Bear River Cutthroat was the last fish I expected to catch.
I actually wrote a pretty in-depth article about Bear River Cutthroat Trout for the Herald and News last year, so if you’re in the mood for an interesting, science-heavy read, check out Testing the waters of Wyoming — Bear River Cutthroat.
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
This was the first subspecies described by Westerners and the fish Lewis and Clark first wrote about in their journals, earning Clark its scientific name. If you’ve never dreamed of fishing for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout like Lewis & Clark, the latter being the person for whom Oncorhynchus clarkii is named, then you’re a dirty liar.
In an 1805 journal entry, Lewis wrote: “we caught a large number of fine trout … the trout are the same which I first met with at the falls of the Missouri, they are larger than the speckled trout of our mountains and equally as well flavored.”
He wasn’t wrong. These fish are damn fine.
Tragically, Americans value planted Rainbow Trout more than Cutthroats. This has led to a displacement of cutties across much of their native range. As several subspecies go extinct (Alvord) or fight against that eventuality (Greenback, Paiute).
Interestingly enough, though, a handful of Cutthroat subspecies have actually expanded their native range. Yellowstone Cutthroat have been introduced to a number of places outside their native range not far from where the intrepid explorers first described them, including parts of Utah.
As I drove through Utah’s Price River Canyon, I couldn’t help but stop and fish. It looked so similar to Central Oregon that I had to wet a line.
I tied on a Rapala and immediately hooked into some fish. A little research, and I realized they’d all been Yellowstone Cutthroat.
Subspecies #4.
Bonneville Cutthroat Trout
Some fish you don’t set out to catch. I was actually targeting two species of suckers in Utah, floating half of a worm just above the riverbed when this gorgeous little missile bit.
It was my one and only Bonneville Cutthroat, and apart from a massive Brown Trout I lost shortly thereafter, it was my only fish that morning.
Like I said, I love these fish, and as I catch more subspecies, I’ll add to this post.
#SpeciesQuest // #CaughtOvgard
Read the next entry in #SpeciesQuest here: Species #35 — Buffalo Sculpin.
Well I definitely enjoyed studying it. This tip offered by you is very useful for good planning.
I always visit new blog everyday and i found your blog.;”\””`
3otzv4
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Appreciate your sharing the right go over this important, I believe eagerly concerning it along with true love mastering much more this important market. If it turns out likelihood, whilst you realise competencies, will you mind updating ones blog page together with much more details? This is very useful for me and my peers.
Hey! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Thanks!
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
2pwt1o
9latvp
9z5iqg
hsn8bf
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?
Hi there, this weekend is nice designed for me, since this occasion i am reading this great informative article here at my residence.
I am genuinely happy to glance at this website posts which includes tons of helpful facts,
thanks for providing such statistics.
I could not refrain from commenting. Very well written!
Hello.This article was really fascinating, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this matter last Friday.
abxy8j
jz40e0
645hv1
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
pzshd7
Just what I was searching for, thanks for posting.
uzsj45
7ti3e9
After about two weeks of daily use, I noticed a slight
reduction in my tinnitus… no major side effects for me’
That honest user perspective makes the video feel authentic and relatable.
Keep these deep-dive reviews coming—such a helpful resource for anyone curious about ear health!”
Heya just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same results.
Hello my friend! I want to say that this post is awesome, nice written and include approximately all vital infos. I’d like to see more posts like this.
After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.
Hi there, just wanted to say, I loved this blog post.
It was helpful. Keep on posting!
6bvmln
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article.
I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I will definitely return.
d0etbm
353fak
Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.
2a4c2k
9kdg3p
zt6753
Sounds promising, but I’d like to see some clinical studies backing these claims before I commit.
Anyone know if there’s research on this?
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
mxkzuq
4f5msu
It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it!
I’ll immediately grab your rss as I can not to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please permit me realize so that I may subscribe. Thanks.
Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this site. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appearance. I must say you have done a great job with this. In addition, the blog loads super fast for me on Opera. Outstanding Blog!
ngr5ez
Hello. magnificent job. I did not anticipate this. This is a great story. Thanks!
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I am very glad to see such wonderful information being shared freely out there.
c09pxa
crqy46
yy3k7h
Gluco6 seems like a promising supplement for those trying to manage
their blood sugar levels naturally. I like that it claims to support glucose metabolism without harsh chemicals.
If it really helps with energy and insulin sensitivity,
that’s a big win. Has anyone noticed steady results with regular use?
Would love to hear how it worked for you.
Ask ChatGPT
The blue salt trick for men sounds intriguing—especially with all the buzz it’s getting online.
If it really helps with energy, stamina, or hormone support as some claim, it could be a
game-changer for a lot of guys. Of course, I’d want to
see real results and science behind it before jumping in. Has
anyone actually tried it and noticed a difference?
Ask ChatGPT
my3xa6
Ikaria Lean Belly Juice is earning praise for its natural formula aimed at supporting fat loss, boosting energy, and
improving digestion. Many users say they feel lighter, more energized, and notice
gradual slimming results. It’s a popular choice for those looking to support their weight management goals in a healthy way.
I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for starters. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
What i don’t understood is in reality how you are no longer actually much more neatly-liked than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You know thus considerably relating to this subject, produced me in my view imagine it from so many various angles. Its like men and women are not fascinated except it is something to do with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs nice. All the time handle it up!
Someone necessarily lend a hand to make seriously articles I might state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and to this point? I surprised with the analysis you made to make this particular put up amazing. Magnificent activity!
magnificent points altogether, you just gained a brand new reader. What would you suggest about your post that you made some days ago? Any positive?
67jjbq
Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your web site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you?¦ve on this blog. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched all over the place and just could not come across. What a great site.
I was reading some of your posts on this site and I believe this internet site is real informative ! Continue posting.
Adorei este site. Pra saber mais detalhes acesse o site e descubra mais. Todas as informações contidas são informações relevantes e exclusivos. Tudo que você precisa saber está ta lá.
incrível este conteúdo. Gostei muito. Aproveitem e vejam este conteúdo. informações, novidades e muito mais. Não deixem de acessar para saber mais. Obrigado a todos e até a próxima. 🙂
amei este site. Para saber mais detalhes acesse nosso site e descubra mais. Todas as informações contidas são conteúdos relevantes e exclusivos. Tudo que você precisa saber está está lá.
I have been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever before.
I am impressed with this site, very I am a big fan .
I truly appreciate this post. I?¦ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thank you again
I cling on to listening to the reports talk about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the most excellent site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i acquire some?
Whats Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its aided me. Good job.
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. appreciate it
CelluCare has been getting attention as a product designed to reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve skin smoothness.
Many users mention that with consistent use, their skin feels
firmer and looks more toned, especially on areas like thighs and hips.
On the flip side, some people say the changes are subtle
and take time to notice, so it’s not an instant fix. Overall, it seems
like CelluCare can be a good addition to a skincare routine for those looking to target stubborn cellulite
with patience.
We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community will be thankful to you.
khpvy7
Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your web site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched everywhere and simply couldn’t come across. What a perfect web site.
65tjbg
770ljt