Yellowstone Cutthroat

Body Type: The iconic trout of the American West — a medium to large Cutthroat with the distinctive red-orange slash marks under the jaw. The body is yellowish to golden with small, evenly distributed black spots concentrated toward the tail. The coloring is cleaner and less heavily spotted than most other Cutthroat subspecies.

Preferred Water Temperature: 50°F–65°F. Adapted to the cold geothermally influenced waters of the Yellowstone Plateau. Spawn in spring as water temperatures rise to 42°F–50°F.

Habitat: Native to the Yellowstone River drainage above Yellowstone Falls, including Yellowstone Lake. The only trout native to Yellowstone National Park. Also stocked widely throughout the Rocky Mountain states. Prefer clear, cold streams and lakes with gravel spawning beds.

Best Lures: Small dry flies are the iconic approach in Yellowstone — attractors like the Royal Wulff and Elk Hair Caddis produce outstanding results. Nymphs (Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail) are highly effective. Small inline spinners work for spin anglers. Small spoons produce in Yellowstone Lake.

Best Baits: Note — bait fishing is prohibited in most Yellowstone National Park waters. In waters where legal, nightcrawlers and salmon eggs are effective. Small minnows produce in non-Park waters.

Size & Weight: Typical fish run 12–18 inches and 1–3 lbs. Yellowstone Lake fish reach 22+ inches and 5+ lbs. World record Yellowstone Cutthroat: 11 lbs from various waters.

Top 5 Places to Catch Yellowstone Cutthroat: 1. Yellowstone National Park — iconic dry fly fishing in stunning scenery 2. Yellowstone Lake — outstanding numbers of 16–22 inch fish 3. Buffalo Ford (Nez Perce Ford) — world-famous sight fishing location 4. Firehole River — unique geothermally influenced trout stream 5. Snake River, Wyoming — large wild Cutthroat below Jackson Lake

60 fishing locations where you can catch Yellowstone Cutthroat