Fly Fishing for Small Stream Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout are native to the Western United States and are especially prevalent in the Yellowstone National Park. Due to the West having so many isolated streams, they have developed into several sub-species and strains. However, all the sub-species have the same characteristic colors of brownish gold with relatively large spots. They received the name of Cutthroat because of the highly recognizable red markings on the lower side of the gills. They have inbred with the rainbows to create the "cutbows" which usually have smaller spots than the cutthroats and their rainbow line is often less noticeable than the rainbow line on the cutthroat. Also, the stomach of the cutbow is usually a lighter shade of yellow than can be found on the cutthroat. As far as the Yellowstone National Park is concerned, they treat the cutbow the same as the cutthroat with exactly the same regulations being in effect. However, be aware that the states of Montana and Wyoming treat the cutbow with the same regulations as the rainbow trout.