Cutthroat Trout, A Jackson Hole Native

Cutthroat Trout are native to the Jackson Hole area.  The Cutthroat was named by naturalist John Richardson who was part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806.  Richardson named the species in honor of William Clark.  The name refers to the distinct red slash on the underside of the lower jaw.  There are several subspecies of cutthroats that are widely distributed throughout the Western United States.

In Wyoming, there are thought to have been six subspecies of cutthroat.  Four of these six subspecies are still found and make up the “Cutthroat Grand Slam”.  The Cutt-Slam consists of catching the Colorado River Cutthroat, Bonneville Cutthroat, Snake, and Yellowstone River Cutthroat trout.  The Yellowstone Cutthroat is found in the greatest abundance and can be caught in several rivers and lakes throughout the state, including, of course the Yellowstone River and Yellowstone Lake.  Possibly the second easiest subspecies to knock of the list is the Snake River Cutthroat.  This is the main species of interest for fly fisherman on the Snake River.  The Colorado River Cutthroat is the only native cutthroat trout in the Green River drainages.  Since stocking began early in the 20^th century, there are now several subspecies of cutthroats in the Green River drainage.  These subspecies include, Yellowstone, Snake, Colorado River, and Bonneville cutthroats (recently introduced through stocking below Fontenelle Reservoir).

Grand Teton Fly Fishing is permitted to guide in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and also the Green River.  Let our guides take you on the adventure of fishing for the Cutt-Slam!