Often thought of as the perfect trout for the dry fly, cutthroat trout
are one of our favorite fish to chase. Sometimes it is not the fishing itself but the scenery one sees while in pursuit
of these fish that makes them so special. High alpine lakes, gorgeous mountain streams, and babbling creeks all have
eager Cutthroat trout willing to rise the the dry.
Our mountain streams boast several catch and release waters for Cutthroat
trout, and some specimens can reach in excess of 20 inches. The average fish falls into the 13-16 inch range, and is a load
of fun on a lighter rod.
Fishing in the faster riffles with a high floating dry fly like a stimulator
or hopper pattern will normally produce very well, and nymphing the slower sections of pools can also get you into the
fish. Every break in the current, every boulder or deflection, and every drop-off holds fish. They like to hold in broken
water, where they can see food coming on top, but their predators cannot see them. With cutthroat, you will usually have
much more success fishing for fish you cannot see, than spending my time chasing the ones you do see.
These are delicately marked, pretty fish. And they are simply loads
of fun to fish for. If you enjoy beautiful scenery, solitude, and fishing with dry flies then the cutthroat trout was made
for you!
