Bonneville Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii utah)

Federally Protected

Bonneville Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarkii utah

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Teleostei
Order: Salmoniformes
Family: Salmonidae
Genus: Oncorhynchus
Species: O. clarkii

In Nevada

Native Sport Fish

In Nevada, Bonneville Cutthroat Trout are native to streams in the northeastern corner of the state within the Bonneville Basin drainage, primarily in tributaries of the Salmon Falls Creek system near the Utah border. The Nevada Department of Wildlife has participated in restoration efforts to maintain genetically pure populations in select headwater streams. These fish represent the westernmost native populations of the subspecies.

Body Type: A large-bodied Cutthroat subspecies historically reaching enormous sizes in the Bonneville Basin. The body is heavily spotted with large, irregular spots concentrated toward the tail. Coloring is golden-yellow to olive with vivid red-orange slash marks and red or rose lateral coloring on spawning fish.

Preferred Water Temperature: 48°F–62°F. Adapted to the Great Basin streams and lakes of Utah, Nevada, and Idaho. Tolerates the seasonal temperature fluctuations of desert-mountain watersheds.

Habitat: Streams and lakes of the Bonneville Basin — Bear Lake, Utah Lake tributaries, and streams draining the Wasatch, Uinta, and Raft River mountains. A species of special concern in Utah with active restoration programs. Found in clear, cold mountain streams and the unique Bear Lake ecosystem.

Best Lures: Inline spinners produce in streams and Bear Lake. Large spoons work in deep Bear Lake. Dry flies and nymphs on a fly rod are highly effective. Small crankbaits and Rapalas work well.

Best Baits: Nightcrawlers are universally effective. Salmon eggs produce in streams. Minnows work in Bear Lake. Wax worms are effective in cold conditions. Bear Lake-specific baits include sculpin imitations.

Size & Weight: Stream fish 10–16 inches; Bear Lake fish reach 18–24 inches and 4–8 lbs historically. The Bonneville Cutthroat once reached 40+ lbs in Bonneville Lake. Modern Bear Lake fish reach 15+ lbs.

Top 5 Places to Catch Bonneville Cutthroat Trout: 1. Bear Lake, Utah/Idaho — premier destination for large Bonneville Cutthroat 2. Logan River, Utah — excellent stream fishing near Cache Valley 3. Strawberry Reservoir, Utah — stocked trophy fishery 4. Bear River tributaries, Utah — restoration stream access 5. Provo River, Utah — tailwater below Jordanelle with stocked fish