Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki)

Body Type: Anadromous Cutthroat Trout (sea-run) have a sleek, streamlined body that is bright silver in saltwater with the characteristic red-orange jaw slash marks. Upon returning to freshwater, the body takes on more golden and olive tones with increased spotting visibility.

Freshwater — Preferred Temperature: 50°F–62°F in rivers and streams. Most active during fall and winter runs when water temperatures drop.

Freshwater — Habitat: Coastal streams, rivers, and estuaries from Northern California to Alaska. Resident fish hold in pools, behind log jams, and along undercut banks. Sea-run fish enter streams in fall and winter following salmon runs, feeding heavily on loose salmon eggs.

Freshwater — Best Lures: Small inline spinners in gold or silver produce consistent results. Small spoons work in larger rivers. Fly fishing with egg patterns, streamers, and wet flies during salmon runs is highly effective. Small Rapala minnow lures work in pools. Woolly Buggers and sculpin patterns produce large fish.

Freshwater — Best Baits: Single salmon eggs during fall salmon runs are the top bait. Clusters of salmon eggs produce big fish. Nightcrawlers work year-round. Small shrimp are effective near tidewater. Cured salmon roe is outstanding.

Saltwater — Preferred Temperature: 50°F–58°F in nearshore saltwater. Most active in cooler months.

Saltwater — Oceans & Range: Pacific Ocean — nearshore kelp beds, beaches, tidal flats, and estuaries from Northern California (Eel River drainage) north through Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia to Southeast Alaska. Rarely venture far offshore — primarily a nearshore and estuarine saltwater species.

Saltwater — Best Lures: Small spoons trolled slowly near kelp beds are effective. Small inline spinners work near structure. Fly fishing with small Clouser Minnows, Deceivers, and shrimp patterns near beaches produces excellent sport. Small white or pink soft plastics produce.

Saltwater — Best Baits: Small shrimp are the top saltwater bait. Sandworms and pile worms work well near beaches. Small herring strips produce. Sand lance and small baitfish imitations are effective.

Size & Weight: Sea-run fish typically 12–22 inches and 1–4 lbs. Trophy sea-run Cutthroat reach 5–8 lbs. Resident stream fish are smaller — 8–14 inches.

Top 5 Places to Catch Anadromous Cutthroat Trout: 1. Puget Sound beaches, Washington — unique saltwater walk-and-wade fishery 2. Oregon coastal streams — numerous productive rivers with fall runs 3. Tillamook Bay, Oregon — excellent estuary access 4. Willapa Bay, Washington — outstanding sea-run fishery 5. Southeast Alaska coastal streams — remote wilderness sea-run fishing