Trout & Salmon
Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarkii
FreshwaterSalmonidaeVaries by subspecies; some are listed as threatened or endangered, while others are stable.
About
Cutthroat trout are named for the distinctive red or orange slash on their lower jaw. They are opportunistic feeders and their behavior varies depending on the subspecies and environment, but they are generally active predators.
- Average size
- 8-20 inches, 0.5-4 lbs (can vary greatly depending on subspecies and location)
- Colors
- Olive-green to yellowish-brown back and sides, with black spots, and a red or orange slash on the lower jaw.
- Diet
- Aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, zooplankton, small fish, and crustaceans.
- Region
- Western North America, primarily in the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest.