Cutthroat Trout are true trout.  This means that the word "trout" is not just in their name as it is for a brook trout, but actually classifies them in their proper family - trout.  All trout have black spots.  What distinguishes Cutthroat Trout from other true trout is the red-orange slash under their jaw.  Many people will see a Cutthroat and identify it as a Rainbow until they see that red slash.  The black spots on Cutts are not uniformly distributed as they are on other trout, but are found above the middle line on the front part of the fish, becoming more concentrated, larger, and fully covering the rear of the fish.

Cutthroat Tout spawn in the spring.  Water conditions are not very favorable in the spring due to runoff, but the Cutthroat has overcome this and established strong populations throughout the province.  Cutts and Rainbows tend to hybridize, and generally the Rainbow's characteristics are dominant.  This has caused fish and wildlife to stock some Cutts in moving water where they are separated from Rainbows by a natural barrier such as a waterfall.  I was told in winter of 2004 by a fish and wildlife officer that some lakes which have been traditionally stocked with Rainbows, will now be stocked with Cutts.  I think this is probably due to the resurgence to move Alberta's fisheries back to their original and natural glory.

Cutts are native to Alberta.  Many of the Rainbow rivers that we fish today in the southern half of the province were once inhabited by Cutthroat and Bull Trout.  They have also been introduce to many other watersheds in Alberta.  Cutthroat trout survive in water that is low in nutrients, and as such, are very apt to eat whatever comes their way.  They are considered by many to be the easiest trout to catch, however by the end of the summer, they can become quite selective.  On a good day of fishing for Cutts, it is not a stretch to come home after releasing over 50 fish.  Cutts are willing to come to nymphs and streamers with a special keenness for dry flies, making them a perfect fish for fly fishermen.  If you are a beginner, or are taking someone out for the first time, fishing for Cutthroat Trout is a good way to practice hook sets and build confidence for preparation to do battle with more selective trout such as Brown Trout.

Cutts are one of the most fun trout to catch as they will eat most things you throw at them, most times of the year.  A day of Cutthroat fishing will usually mean good numbers - some large - and lots of medium to little guys.  If you put a number of days on your felt soles fishing for cutts then you will inevitably witness one of the most amazing and funny displays in the fishing world.  One day you will be reeling in a moderately sized Cutty, and all of a sudden you will see a flash from behind a rock as a large fish darts towards the end of your line.  Your fish will be going crazy at this point, and all of a sudden - WHAM!, a Bull Trout will have taken your cutthroat in its mouth sideways, and will be fighting you for the rights to that fish.  The Bull Trout will not want to let go, and we have had a couple of instances where we have been able to net both Bull and Cutty!  Your own double header!

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