Colorado River Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus)

Body Type: One of the rarest Cutthroat subspecies — a medium-bodied trout with large, widely scattered spots concentrated toward the posterior. Coloring is golden-yellow to copper on the sides with vivid red-orange slash marks. The lateral band is often rose-red on spawning fish. Generally less heavily spotted than Yellowstone or Westslope Cutthroat.

Preferred Water Temperature: 48°F–62°F. Adapted to the cold, clear streams of the upper Colorado River drainage at elevations typically above 7,000 feet.

Habitat: Headwater streams and isolated high-mountain lakes of the upper Colorado River basin in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. A sensitive subspecies with greatly reduced range — survives in isolated stream segments above natural or artificial barriers that prevent upstream hybridization with Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout strains. Active restoration and recovery programs.

Best Lures: Small inline spinners (size 0–1) are highly effective. Tiny dry flies and nymphs on a size 14–18 hook are the traditional approach — Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Hare's Ear Nymph. Small floating Rapalas work in deeper pools.

Best Baits: Small nightcrawlers and red worms produce consistent results. Salmon eggs work in streams. Wax worms are effective in cold conditions. Always verify current regulations — many Colorado River Cutthroat waters are catch-and-release only.

Size & Weight: Typically 8–14 inches in native stream habitat. Fish in restoration lakes and reservoirs reach 16–20 inches and 2–4 lbs.

Top 5 Places to Catch Colorado River Cutthroat Trout: 1. Trappers Lake, Colorado — historical heritage water and restoration lake 2. North Fork White River, Colorado — native habitat 3. Flat Tops Wilderness streams, Colorado — remote wild fishing 4. Grand Mesa streams, Colorado — accessible with good populations 5. Routt National Forest streams, Colorado — various stocked restoration waters