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Like
a pack of wolves in the forest, the illusive coastal cutthroat travel
in schools along kelp beds, estuaries, bays, rivers and lakes. Characterized
by two orange slashes under the jaw, these magnificent looking fish
possess beauty that not many other species can match.
Average length of coastal cutthroat trout ranges
between 10 to 16 inches. Large fish up to 20 inches are not rare
in certain regions, and the odd fish bigger than 20 inches have
been reported in the past. Their distinct characteristic is the
orange slash on the bottom of each gill plate. Their back is generally
blue or green, and body is heavily spotted. Newly arrived fish from
the ocean usually have a silver body. Their lower fins are yellow
and gill plates are pink. Adults turn orange when spawning.
Click here to view identification photographs of coastal cutthroat trout
Coastal cutthroat trout are well distributed along
the Eastern Pacific coastline, from Prince William Sound in Alaska
to Northern California. They occupy streams that feed into the Pacific
Ocean, as well as lakes that are connected by these streams.
Like salmon, coastal cutthroat trout have a tendency
to spend part of their life in the ocean, but they do not have a
regular life cycle. Young fish remain in streams for one or two
years before entering the ocean during adult stage. Some fish may
remain in streams for the entire life span. They generally prefer
small streams, and do not travel far during their ocean phase. These
are efficient predators that feed heavily on small fish, crustaceans
and insects.
Coastal cutthroat trout can be found in streams
around early fall and spring. During this period, these fish aggressively
feed on salmon eggs (fall) and juveniles (spring). there are not
too many "prime" cutthroat locations as these fish are
highly mobile. To increase your chance of finding them, fish around
creek mouths, sloughs, brackish water and estuaries. During certain
time of the year, coastal cutthroat trout can also be found in sheltered
bays and kelp beds.
Those who target coastal cutthroat trout often describe
the process as looking for a needle in the hay stack. Cutthroat
trout are opportunists and their whereabouts are usually determined
by the locations of food. With some background research and good
timing, your chance of finding a school of feeding cutties would
increase. Cutthroat trout can be taken on both fly gear and spincasting
setup. When flyfishing, a small minnow pattern that is slowly retrieved
below the surface can trigger a bite. Spincasters can either use
lures or bait such as worm or roe. Effective lures include small
(1/4oz or less) silver spoons or spinners with blue or orange stripes.
One cautious note regarding baitfishing for cutthroat
trout. Coastal cutties are aggressive feeders, and they do not hesitate
when bait is presented in front of them. If catch and release is
being practiced, it's best to avoid using bait as the fish may swallow
the hook easily.
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