Bear River Cutthroat
Bear River cutthroat are native trout of the Bear River drainage in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming, and a great reason to fish mountain creeks with dry flies.
- 2States
- 13River guides
- Summer–early fallBest time
Where to find bear river cutthroat
Darker states have more bear river cutthroat river guides. Tap a state to see its rivers.
Most bear river cutthroat rivers
- Wyoming11 rivers
- Utah2 rivers
Top rivers for bear river cutthroat
Fly fishing for bear river cutthroat
The Bear River cutthroat is a form of Bonneville cutthroat trout native to the Bear River drainage, which starts in Utah's Uinta Mountains, loops through Wyoming and Idaho and flows back into Utah to the Great Salt Lake.
In Utah, the Logan River and Blacksmith Fork are well-known Bear River cutthroat waters, along with smaller creeks in the drainage. In Wyoming and Idaho, the upper Bear River and its tributaries hold native cutthroat, often in quiet meadow and canyon stretches.
These fish are usually 8 to 16 inches in streams, with larger fish in some rivers and reservoirs. They feed heavily on insects and terrestrials, so dry flies and hoppers work well in summer. They are native fish with limited range, so catch-and-release and careful handling help protect them.
How to identify bear river cutthroat
Bear River cutthroat have a bright red-orange slash under the jaw, olive to golden bodies and round black spots across the sides and tail. They look much like other Bonneville cutthroat, so the drainage you are fishing is the best clue.
How to catch bear river cutthroat
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Fish terrestrials in summer
Hoppers, ants and beetles work well along grassy banks from July into September.
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Use a hopper-dropper
Hang a small bead-head nymph under a hopper to cover both the surface and the water below.
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Fish slow in the shoulder seasons
In spring and late fall, drift nymphs slowly through deeper runs where fish hold in cold water.
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Be stealthy on small creeks
Approach low, cast upstream and keep your shadow off the water. Small-stream cutthroat spook easily.
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Protect native fish
Use barbless hooks and release fish quickly in the water. Check state rules, which often protect cutthroat.
Find bear river cutthroat water near you.
- Fishability score for every river near you, updated live
- Live flows and water temps for the rivers you fish
- Hatch timing for your watershed
Bear river cutthroat FAQ
Where can I catch Bear River cutthroat?
The Logan River and Blacksmith Fork in Utah are well known, along with the upper Bear River and tributaries in Wyoming and Idaho.
Are Bear River cutthroat a separate subspecies?
They are considered a form of Bonneville cutthroat trout native to the Bear River drainage. Anglers and biologists often refer to them separately because of their home range.
What flies work for Bear River cutthroat?
Hoppers, ants and beetles in summer, plus Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis and small bead-head nymphs.
What size rod should I use?
A 3- to 5-weight rod is ideal for streams. Go heavier for reservoirs or windy days.
When is the best time to fish for Bear River cutthroat?
July through September, after runoff, is best. Summer terrestrial fishing can be very good.
Can I keep Bear River cutthroat?
Rules vary by state and stream, and many cutthroat waters have special limits. Check Utah, Idaho or Wyoming regulations before keeping fish.
