Experienced fishermen know all about the cutthroat trout. That is because it is a huge gaming fish and it is difficult to catch. Why, then do so many fisherman go cutthroat trout fishing? These fish can be big and they offer a great flavor no matter if you plan to smoke, fry, or bake it. Cutthroat trout are some of the best fish to be caught.

The cutthroat trout is also known by other names including coastal cutthroat, Yellowstone cutthroat, Clark's trout, salmo clarki, lake trout, and other names. The fish has two forms that seem hard to separate. These two forms are the coastal cutthroat and the westslope or Yellowstone cutthroat. Cutthroat trout are about 12- 15 inches long and weigh anywhere from two pounds on up to 17 pounds. Quite a difference! The color of these fish is amazing.

One characteristic to knowing the cutthroat trout is that it has two yellow or orange-red markings on the side of the lower jaw. The coastal cutthroat is dark green with black spots. This fish has silvery sides. The Yellowstone cutthroat is different. It has a body that is yellow to green. The sides of the head, the front of the fish's body, and the belly have a red coloring.

The cutthroat trout can be found in pretty much any type of water. But, it is mostly found west of the Rocky Mountains. The Yellowstone cutthroat is found in western Alberta in the headwaters of rivers. The two types seem to be separated by an area that has predominantly rainbow trout in it. The cutthroat trout is an ocean migrating fish. They do spawn from February through May. When you find a cutthroat trout you will know it is a cutthroat by several characteristics. The head is blunt with a long jaw that extends past the fish's eye.

Cutthroat trout fishing is a popular sport. This is because the cutthroat does not allow you to just grab it. You'll need to struggle with it quite a bit and once you get it, you will be amazed with the rich, orange-red colored flesh.

Ken Austin
All About Trout and Trout Fishing