Lahontan Cutthroat

Body Type: The largest of all Cutthroat Trout subspecies — historically the largest trout in North America. The body is heavily spotted with irregular dark spots, a golden-yellow to bronze lateral color, and the characteristic red-orange slash marks under the jaw. The largest individuals are deep-bodied and robust.

Preferred Water Temperature: 50°F–65°F. More tolerant of alkaline, warm water than other Cutthroat subspecies — an adaptation to the harsh desert lake environments of the Great Basin.

Habitat: Native to the Lahontan basin of Nevada and California — Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, Walker Lake, and their tributary streams. Currently found in Pyramid Lake, Nevada (the premier fishery) and high-elevation streams and lakes where they've been restored. A threatened subspecies with active recovery programs.

Best Lures: Large spoons and jigging lures produce in deep Pyramid Lake. Inline spinners work in tributary streams. Large streamers and Woolly Buggers on a fly rod are effective. Large Rapala minnow lures produce trophy fish.

Best Baits: Cui-ui larvae and minnows work at Pyramid Lake. Nightcrawlers are universally effective in streams. Salmon eggs produce in spawning tributaries. Large minnows catch trophy fish at Pyramid Lake.

Size & Weight: Stream fish 10–16 inches; Pyramid Lake fish average 18–25 inches and 4–8 lbs. The historic world record was 41 lbs from Pyramid Lake in 1925. Modern Pyramid Lake fish regularly exceed 15 lbs.

Top 5 Places to Catch Lahontan Cutthroat: 1. Pyramid Lake, Nevada — the premier Lahontan Cutthroat fishery in the world 2. Walker River, Nevada — good tributary access during spawning runs 3. Independence Lake, California — maintained wild population 4. Fallen Leaf Lake, California — restoration program fishery 5. Truckee River, Nevada — spawning access and restoration fishing