Species
Cutthroat Trout
On record in 77 waters across 4 states
Cutthroat trout are the West's original trout, named for the slash of red or orange under the jaw that no other species carries. Several distinct subspecies exist — Yellowstone, Bonneville, Lahontan, coastal, and others — and each one is tied to a specific river system or lake basin that shaped it over thousands of years.
Cutthroat Trout are on record in 77 waters across 4 states, most heavily in Washington, Utah, North Dakota and Nevada. FishableWaters tracks every cutthroat trout stocking from state agency reports — use the state links and most-stocked list below to find waters near you.
By state
- Washington44 waters
- Utah27 waters
- North Dakota3 waters
- Nevada3 waters
Most-stocked waters
- Bear LakeUT6×
- Little Dell ReservoirUT5×
- Navajo LakeUT4×
- Scofield ReservoirUT4×
- Solitaire LakeUT4×
- Strawberry ReservoirUT4×
- Panguitch LakeUT3×
- Lost Creek ReservoirUT3×
- Deer Creek LakeUT2×
- Deer CreekUT2×
- Currant Creek ReservoirUT2×
- Angel LakeNV2×
- Pine Creek ReservoirUT2×
- Fish LakeUT1×
- Carolyn LakeUT1×
How to catch them
Cutthroat are famously willing to eat, especially in high-elevation lakes and streams that see little fishing pressure — a well-presented dry fly or small spinner is often all it takes. In bigger water like Pyramid Lake or Yellowstone Lake, trophy fish require more patience and heavier gear.
Dry flies and small nymphs work well in streams, while trolled spoons and bait fished near drop-offs produce in lakes. Nightcrawlers and small spinners are reliable searching baits when you're not sure where fish are holding.
Know your fish
The red-orange slash under the lower jaw is the field mark, paired with spotting that's usually denser toward the tail than the front of the body. Coloration varies a lot by subspecies and habitat, from silvery Lahontan strains to golden-hued Yellowstone fish.
Spring through fall in most streams, with peak activity in early summer once high-elevation water opens up after runoff. Some cutthroat fisheries, like Pyramid Lake, fish best in the cooler months of fall through spring when big fish move shallow.
Freshest cutthroat trout stockings
| Jul 20, 2026 | Silver Lake Flat ReservoirUT | 5,010 |
| Jul 20, 2026 | Silver LakeUT | 3,001 |
| Jul 18, 2026 | Angel LakeNV | 131 |
| Jul 16, 2026 | Deer CreekUT | 1,474 |
| Jul 16, 2026 | Solitaire LakeUT | 113 |
| Jul 16, 2026 | Solitaire LakeUT | 387 |
| Jul 16, 2026 | Pine Creek ReservoirUT | 300 |
| Jul 16, 2026 | Deer CreekUT | 1,026 |
| Jul 15, 2026 | Daggett LakeUT | 2,013 |
| Jul 15, 2026 | Tail LakeUT | 512 |
| Jul 13, 2026 | Solitaire LakeUT | 113 |
| Jul 13, 2026 | Deer Creek LakeUT | 1,026 |
| Jul 13, 2026 | Deer Creek LakeUT | 1,474 |
| Jul 13, 2026 | Pine Creek ReservoirUT | 300 |
| Jul 13, 2026 | Solitaire LakeUT | 387 |
Cutthroat Trout — FAQ
Where can I catch cutthroat trout?+
Cutthroat Trout are stocked across 4 states, led by Washington, Utah, North Dakota and Nevada. Pick a state below to see every water stocked with cutthroat trout.
What's the best bait for cutthroat trout?+
Dry flies and small nymphs work well in streams, while trolled spoons and bait fished near drop-offs produce in lakes. Nightcrawlers and small spinners are reliable searching baits when you're not sure where fish are holding.
When is the best time to catch cutthroat trout?+
Spring through fall in most streams, with peak activity in early summer once high-elevation water opens up after runoff. Some cutthroat fisheries, like Pyramid Lake, fish best in the cooler months of fall through spring when big fish move shallow.
How many waters are stocked with cutthroat trout?+
77 waters across 4 states hold cutthroat trout on record, updated daily from agency stocking reports.