Bonneville Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarkii utah
Utah's state fish, the Bonneville cutthroat is a native trout of the Great Basin that rises well to dry flies in mountain streams and grows big in a few well-known lakes.
- 3States
- 106River guides
- Summer–early fallBest time
Where to find Bonneville cutthroat trout
Darker states have more Bonneville cutthroat trout river guides. Tap a state to see its rivers.
Most Bonneville cutthroat trout rivers
- Utah83 rivers
- Wyoming19 rivers
- Idaho4 rivers
Top rivers for Bonneville cutthroat trout
Fly fishing for Bonneville cutthroat trout
Bonneville cutthroat trout are native to the Bonneville Basin, the drainage of ancient Lake Bonneville. Their range covers much of Utah and reaches into southeast Idaho, western Wyoming and eastern Nevada. Bonneville cutthroat are Utah's state fish.
In streams they live in cold, clear mountain water, often in small creeks in the Wasatch and Uinta ranges and in the Bear River drainage. In lakes and reservoirs they can grow much larger. Strawberry Reservoir in Utah is well known for big cutthroat, and Bear Lake on the Utah and Idaho border has its own lake-dwelling strain.
For fly anglers, Bonneville cutthroat offer native trout in beautiful country. Stream fish take dry flies readily, and lake fish can be caught on streamers and leeches from shore or a float tube. Many waters have special rules to protect cutthroat, so check before you keep a fish.
How to identify Bonneville cutthroat trout
Look for the red-orange slash under the lower jaw. Bonneville cutthroat have olive to bronze bodies, often with a rosy wash, and large round black spots that are spread fairly evenly over the body and tail.
How to catch Bonneville cutthroat trout
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Use dries in summer
Stream cutthroat are often willing risers. A size 12 to 16 attractor dry is a great searching fly.
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Fish lakes early and late
Big lake cutthroat cruise the shallows after ice-out and in fall. Fish from shore or a float tube in the morning and evening.
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Know the slot limits
Strawberry Reservoir and other waters have slot limits to protect cutthroat. Measure and release fish in the protected size range.
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Check flows before you go
Snowmelt can blow out mountain streams in late spring and early summer. Wait for clearing water before planning a creek trip.
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Release natives gently
Use barbless hooks, keep fish in the water and let them recover in slow current.
Find Bonneville cutthroat trout 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
Bonneville cutthroat trout FAQ
Where can I catch Bonneville cutthroat trout?
Utah has the most, in mountain streams of the Wasatch and Uintas, the Bear River drainage and lakes like Strawberry Reservoir. They also live in parts of Idaho, Wyoming and Nevada.
What flies work for Bonneville cutthroat?
Attractor dries like the Stimulator and Elk Hair Caddis, hoppers in late summer, and small nymphs work in streams. Leeches and Woolly Buggers are good in lakes.
Is the Bonneville cutthroat Utah's state fish?
Yes. The Bonneville cutthroat trout is Utah's official state fish.
Can I keep cutthroat trout at Strawberry Reservoir?
Strawberry has a slot limit for cutthroat, and fish in the protected size range must be released. Check Utah's current regulations before you go.
What size rod is best for Bonneville cutthroat?
A 3- or 4-weight is great on small streams. Use a 5- or 6-weight for lakes and wind.
How is a Bonneville cutthroat different from other cutthroat?
Bonneville cutthroat have fairly large, evenly spread black spots and live in the Bonneville Basin. Range is often the best clue to which cutthroat you caught.
