Westslope Cutthroat Trout

Body Type: A medium-sized Cutthroat native to the Columbia and upper Missouri River drainages. The body has irregular, moderately sized spots concentrated heavily toward the tail with few or no spots below the lateral line forward of the dorsal fin. Coloring is golden-yellow to olive with vivid red-orange slash marks and often a rose-red lateral band.

Preferred Water Temperature: 48°F–62°F. Adapted to the cold, clear streams of Montana, Idaho, and British Columbia. One of the most cold-sensitive Cutthroat subspecies.

Habitat: Clear, cold mountain streams and lakes of the upper Columbia River and upper Missouri River drainages. Found in Montana, Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia. Hybridization with Rainbow Trout and Yellowstone Cutthroat is a significant conservation threat. Best populations exist in isolated headwater streams above natural barriers.

Best Lures: Small dry flies are the classic approach — large attractor patterns like the Royal Wulff produce well. Elk Hair Caddis and hoppers work in summer. Small inline spinners produce for spin anglers. Soft hackle wet flies are excellent.

Best Baits: Nightcrawlers and red worms produce consistent results. Salmon eggs work in streams. Grasshoppers are excellent in late summer. Check regulations — many waters are catch-and-release.

Size & Weight: Typically 10–16 inches and 0.5–2 lbs in streams. Large river fish and lake fish reach 3–5 lbs. World record: 7 lbs 14 oz.

Top 5 Places to Catch Westslope Cutthroat Trout: 1. Flathead River, Montana — excellent wild population 2. Clearwater River, Idaho — outstanding wild fishery 3. Bob Marshall Wilderness streams, Montana — remote and pristine 4. St. Joe River, Idaho — beautiful wild Westslope water 5. Lochsa River, Idaho — excellent clear-water stream fishing