Other names: -
The Yellowstone cutthroat trout is a subspecies of cutthroat trout native to the Yellowstone region in the United States. It inhabits freshwater lakes and rivers, particularly in Wyoming and Montana. Recognizable by the red slash marks under its jaw, it’s a key species for the local ecosystem. Anglers prize this trout for its willingness to bite and its significant contribution to the area's fishing heritage.
Length
~15" (max 51)
Weight
~1" (max 2)
Water
Fresh
Bivisble Dry Fly
Panther Martin
Salmon eggs
Wooly BuggerAlways open
3
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-
-
No (Lakes); 12" (Rivers)
-
MT Crossbow; MT Noodling/Catching Fish by Hand; MT Central District Snagging; MT Central District Submerged Spearing; MT Central District Bait Restrictions; MT Central District Bow and Arrow
Yellowstone cutthroat trout thrive in cold, clear, and well-oxygenated waters
They are commonly found in mountain streams, rivers, and high-altitude lakes
This trout prefers areas with gravelly bottoms for spawning, often near undercut banks or deep pools
Their diet mainly consists of aquatic insects, small fish, and crustaceans
Spawning occurs in the spring, with trout moving to shallow, gravelly stream beds
During spawning, males develop more vivid coloration, particularly around their gill plates
Post-spawning, they return to deeper waters where they focus on feeding and growth
Juveniles stay in sheltered areas until they mature, avoiding larger predators
