Bonneville Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii utah)

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