Species Guide

Fish Species

The West's legendary rivers are home to world-class populations of wild trout, char, and steelhead. Learn to identify, understand, and target each species for a more rewarding experience on the water.

Apache Trout

Oncorhynchus apache

The Apache trout is Arizona's official state fish and one of only two trout species native to the state, found nowhere else in the world except the headwater streams and lakes of the White Mountains in east-central Arizona. This golden-hued trout evolved in isolation in the upper Salt River and Little Colorado River drainages on the slopes of Mount Baldy, the sacred peak of the White Mountain Apache people, adapting to the cold, clear mountain streams at elevations above 7,000 feet. The Apache trout's beauty is unmistakable: a warm golden-yellow body overlaid with widely spaced, large dark spots, dark dorsal and caudal fin markings that give it a distinctive spotted-fin appearance, and a golden-olive back. Once one of the first fish listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1967, the Apache trout has been the focus of one of the most successful native trout recovery programs in the United States. Through decades of work by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, the subspecies was downlisted from Endangered to Threatened in 2006. Recovery efforts have included removing non-native trout from headwater streams, constructing fish barriers to prevent reinvasion, and establishing new populations through careful translocations. For fly anglers, catching an Apache trout is a bucket-list experience that combines rare native trout fishing with the stunning scenery of the White Mountains. Apache trout are eager surface feeders that respond aggressively to dry flies, making them a joy to catch on light tackle. The East Fork and West Fork of the Black River, stocked with Apache trout by Arizona Game and Fish, offer the most accessible fishing, while streams on the White Mountain Apache Reservation require a tribal permit and provide a more remote and culturally significant experience.

Avg 8-12"The Apache trout is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act, downlisted from Endangered in 2006 following significant recovery progress. The Apache Trout Recovery Plan establishes the goal of maintaining at least 30 self-sustaining populations of genetically pure Apache trout across their historic range. As of the mid-2020s, approximately 30 populations exist in protected headwater streams, with ongoing work to establish additional populations through non-native fish removal and barrier construction. The Apache Trout Recovery Team, a partnership between federal agencies, the State of Arizona, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and conservation organizations, has achieved remarkable success in restoring this species from the brink of extinction. Key conservation strategies include piscicide treatments to remove non-native trout from target streams, construction of migration barriers to prevent reinvasion, genetic monitoring to ensure population purity, and habitat restoration through improved grazing management and riparian fencing. The White Mountain Apache Tribe has been a critical partner, managing Apache trout populations on tribal lands and allowing limited recreational fishing that generates support for conservation. Anglers contribute to Apache trout conservation through permit fees, catch-and-release practices, and advocacy for habitat protection. Arizona Game and Fish stocks catchable Apache trout in select streams on National Forest land from May through September, providing anglers with opportunities to catch this rare native species without impacting the genetically pure recovery populations. Fishing for Apache trout in their native mountain streams is both a recreational privilege and a conservation success story.

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

The brook trout is widely considered the most beautiful freshwater fish in North America, and catching one in a pristine Montana mountain stream is an experience that captures the essence of backcountry fly fishing. Despite their common name, brook trout are not true trout at all; they are a species of char (genus Salvelinus), more closely related to lake trout and Arctic char than to rainbows or browns. Native to eastern North America from Georgia to Hudson Bay, brook trout were among the first salmonids introduced to Montana's waters in the late 1800s and have since established self-sustaining populations in cold, high-elevation streams and lakes throughout the state. In Montana, brook trout thrive best in small, cold headwater streams and high mountain lakes where competition from larger trout species is minimal. In these environments, they are often the dominant, or only, salmonid present. The trade-off is size: Montana stream-dwelling brook trout typically range from 6 to 10 inches, with fish over 12 inches considered noteworthy in most waters. What they lack in size, however, they more than make up for in beauty and willingness to eat a fly. Brookies are aggressive feeders that will strike attractor dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers with enthusiasm, making them an ideal species for beginning fly anglers and a delightful quarry for anyone who appreciates small-stream fishing. Brook trout do present a conservation paradox in Montana. While they are a beloved and beautiful gamefish, they are non-native and can negatively impact native species, particularly Yellowstone and westslope cutthroat trout. In headwater streams, brook trout often outcompete cutthroats for food and spawning habitat due to their higher reproductive rate and earlier maturation. As a result, Montana FWP has implemented brook trout removal projects on some streams to restore native cutthroat populations. In many waters, liberal harvest limits for brook trout are encouraged to reduce their numbers and benefit native fish. Anglers can enjoy excellent brook trout fishing while actively helping conservation by keeping a few for the pan.

Avg 7-12"Non-native to Montana. Brook trout are abundant and self-sustaining in suitable habitats throughout the state, with no conservation concerns for the species itself. However, brook trout are considered a threat to native cutthroat trout in headwater streams, and Montana FWP actively manages some waters to reduce brook trout populations in favor of native species. Liberal harvest limits are encouraged in many areas.

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

The brown trout is the most cunning and elusive trout species swimming in Montana's rivers, and it rewards patient, skilled anglers with some of the state's most memorable catches. Originally native to Europe and western Asia, brown trout were first introduced to North American waters in 1883 and arrived in Montana shortly thereafter. They have since established robust, self-sustaining populations in virtually every major trout stream in the state, from the legendary spring creeks of the Paradise Valley to the sweeping runs of the lower Madison and the deep pools of the Bighorn. Brown trout grow larger than any other trout species in Montana, and fish exceeding 24 inches are caught with regularity on premium waters. The lower Madison River, the Missouri River below Holter Dam, and the Bighorn River are particularly renowned for producing trophy-class browns. Unlike rainbows, brown trout spawn in the fall (October through November), and their aggressive pre-spawn behavior creates an exciting window for streamer fishing as large males become territorial and attack anything that enters their domain. Browns are notably more nocturnal than other trout species, and many of the biggest fish are caught during low-light conditions. What sets brown trout apart from other species is their wariness and selectivity. Large browns are notoriously difficult to fool, often refusing flies that are even slightly off in size, color, or presentation. They tend to establish and defend prime feeding lies (undercut banks, logjams, deep pools, and boulder gardens), and an angler who learns to read water and identify these holding spots will consistently catch more and larger fish. This combination of difficulty, size potential, and intelligence makes the brown trout the most prized quarry for many serious Montana fly fishers.

Avg 13-19"Non-native but fully established and self-sustaining throughout Montana. Brown trout populations are generally stable and healthy, with no special conservation concerns. However, browns can negatively impact native species through competition and predation, particularly on Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Montana FWP manages some waters to favor native species over introduced browns.

Bull Trout

Salvelinus confluentus

The bull trout is the largest native char in the inland waters of the Pacific Northwest, a powerful and elusive predator that inhabits the coldest, cleanest rivers and lakes in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Despite its common name, the bull trout is not a true trout at all; it belongs to the char genus Salvelinus, making it a close relative of brook trout, lake trout, and Arctic char. Bull trout are distinguished by their massive heads, broad jaws, and overall bulk, which earned them the 'bull' moniker from early settlers who encountered these imposing fish in the frigid headwaters of the Columbia, Snake, and Klamath river basins. For fly anglers in the Pacific Northwest, the bull trout occupies a unique and somewhat complicated position. These fish are federally listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act throughout their range in the contiguous United States, meaning that catch-and-release only regulations apply universally: no bull trout may be harvested anywhere in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington. Despite this protected status, bull trout can be legally targeted in many waters, and they are a thrilling quarry on the fly rod. Migratory bull trout that move between lakes and tributary streams can exceed 30 inches and 10 pounds, with the power and aggression of a fish that feeds primarily on other fish. Hooking a large bull trout on a streamer in a clear mountain river is one of the most electrifying experiences in western fly fishing. Bull trout are also critically important as an indicator species for watershed health. They require the coldest water temperatures of any salmonid in North America (sustained temperatures above 59 degrees Fahrenheit can be lethal), and they depend on connected networks of streams, rivers, and lakes to complete their complex life cycle. Where bull trout thrive, you can be confident the watershed is intact, the water is clean, and the habitat is functioning at a high level. Their decline across much of the Pacific Northwest has been driven by dam construction, logging-related sedimentation, water temperature increases from climate change, and competition with non-native brook trout, with which they readily hybridize. Understanding bull trout identification is essential for every western angler, as many are caught incidentally while targeting other species, and proper handling and release are legally mandated.

Avg 12-18"Bull trout are federally listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act throughout their range in the contiguous United States. This listing, first enacted in 1999, means that strict catch-and-release regulations apply everywhere bull trout are found, and intentional killing or harming of bull trout is a federal offense. The primary threats driving their decline include habitat fragmentation by dams and road culverts, degradation of spawning and rearing habitat from logging and development, rising water temperatures linked to climate change, and hybridization with non-native brook trout. Critical habitat has been designated across Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. Recovery efforts for bull trout are extensive and multifaceted. Federal and state agencies have invested heavily in removing migration barriers (replacing undersized culverts, constructing fish passage facilities at dams), restoring riparian habitat along spawning streams, and managing brook trout populations in key bull trout drainages to reduce hybridization. In some areas, such as the upper Jarbidge River in Nevada and certain tributaries in central Idaho, brook trout removal projects using electrofishing and piscicides have shown success in stabilizing bull trout populations. Anglers play an important conservation role by correctly identifying bull trout, handling them with extreme care, and reporting catches to state fish and game agencies to support population monitoring.

Gila Trout

Oncorhynchus gilae

The Gila trout is one of the rarest and most geographically restricted trout species in North America, native exclusively to a handful of headwater streams in the Gila River basin of southwestern New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. Like its close relative the Apache trout, the Gila trout evolved in isolation in the mountains of the American Southwest, adapting to the warm, arid conditions at the southern edge of the trout's range. The species was listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1967 and reclassified as Threatened in 2006 following significant recovery progress. Gila trout are beautiful fish with a golden-yellow to coppery body, fine dark spots concentrated on the upper body, and a characteristic lack of prominent cutthroat slashes beneath the jaw (unlike true cutthroat trout, any jaw markings on Gila trout are faint or absent). The dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins often carry a distinctive yellowish-white leading edge. In the clear, cold headwater streams of the Gila Wilderness, these golden fish are both a conservation success story and a testament to the wildness of one of the most remote landscapes in the Lower 48. For fly anglers, the Gila trout represents the ultimate backcountry native trout experience. The streams where Gila trout swim are almost exclusively in designated wilderness areas, requiring multi-day backpacking trips to access. The West Fork of the Gila River in New Mexico's Gila Wilderness, the first congressionally designated wilderness in the United States, is the most celebrated Gila trout destination. Anglers who make the journey are rewarded with rare native trout in pristine mountain streams surrounded by dramatic volcanic cliff formations and absolute solitude.

Avg 8-12"The Gila trout was one of the first fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1967 and was reclassified from Endangered to Threatened in 2006. The species occupies a fraction of its historic range, with genetically pure populations maintained in approximately 20 protected streams across the Gila National Forest in New Mexico and a handful of streams in Arizona. The Gila Trout Recovery Plan calls for establishing and maintaining at least 17 self-sustaining populations. Recovery efforts have been conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Arizona Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and conservation organizations including Trout Unlimited. Key strategies include chemical treatment of streams to remove non-native trout, construction of fish barriers to prevent reinvasion, translocation of genetically pure Gila trout to restored streams, and habitat restoration through improved grazing management and post-fire rehabilitation. Anglers can fish for Gila trout on certain streams in the Gila National Forest under a special free permit from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. These fishing opportunities are carefully managed to allow recreational access while protecting recovery populations. The experience of catching a Gila trout in its native Gila Wilderness habitat is one of the most unique and meaningful experiences in American fly fishing.

Greenback Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii stomias

The greenback cutthroat trout is Colorado's official state fish, a living symbol of the Rocky Mountain headwaters that once teemed with native trout from the Front Range to the Continental Divide. This subspecies of cutthroat trout is endemic to the Arkansas and South Platte river drainages of eastern Colorado and a sliver of southeastern Wyoming, a relatively small native range that made it especially vulnerable to the habitat destruction, overfishing, and non-native species introductions that devastated western trout populations in the 19th and 20th centuries. By the 1930s, the greenback cutthroat was widely believed to be extinct, a casualty of the mining, logging, and hatchery-stocking era that transformed Colorado's mountain streams. The rediscovery of remnant greenback cutthroat populations in the 1950s and 1960s sparked one of the most remarkable and complicated conservation stories in American fisheries management. Initial recovery efforts identified several populations as greenback cutthroats based on physical appearance, and fish from these populations were used to stock streams throughout Rocky Mountain National Park and the Front Range. However, a landmark genetic study in 2012 revealed that many of these previously identified 'greenback' populations were actually Colorado River cutthroats or hybrids, and that the only confirmed genetically pure greenback cutthroat population existed in a single 4-mile stretch of Bear Creek, a tributary of the Arkansas River near Colorado Springs. This discovery sent shockwaves through the conservation community and fundamentally reshaped greenback recovery efforts. Today, the greenback cutthroat trout is one of the rarest salmonids in North America and is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Recovery efforts centered on the Bear Creek population have expanded to include careful translocations to restored streams in the upper Arkansas River drainage and Rocky Mountain National Park, where non-native fish have been removed to create sanctuary habitats. For anglers, catching a true greenback cutthroat is an extraordinarily rare and special experience: it means fishing small, pristine mountain streams in some of the most beautiful country in Colorado and connecting with a fish that came within a hair's breadth of vanishing forever.

Avg 8-12"The greenback cutthroat trout is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act, a status that reflects its precarious position as one of the rarest trout in North America. Following the 2012 genetic revelation that the only confirmed pure population exists in Bear Creek (a 4-mile stretch of the Arkansas River tributary near Colorado Springs), recovery efforts have been dramatically refocused. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and partner organizations are working to establish additional populations through careful translocation of Bear Creek fish into restored streams where non-native species have been removed. As of the mid-2020s, several new greenback populations have been established in small streams in the upper Arkansas River drainage and in Rocky Mountain National Park. Threats to greenback cutthroat recovery include the extremely limited genetic diversity of the Bear Creek source population, the risk of catastrophic events (wildfire, drought, chemical spill) eliminating the single founding population, ongoing challenges with completely removing non-native fish from restoration streams, and the long-term impacts of climate change on high-elevation stream habitat. Anglers fishing in confirmed greenback cutthroat waters should practice the most careful catch-and-release techniques possible (barbless hooks, wet hands, minimal air exposure, and rapid release), as every individual fish represents an irreplaceable piece of Colorado's native heritage. Some greenback restoration streams are closed to fishing entirely; always check current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations before fishing any stream in greenback cutthroat habitat.

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi

The Lahontan cutthroat trout is the largest subspecies of cutthroat trout in the world and the only trout native to the hydrographic Great Basin of Nevada, California, and Oregon. Named for the ancient Lake Lahontan that once covered much of northern Nevada during the Pleistocene, this remarkable fish evolved to thrive in the alkaline, desert-lake environments of the Great Basin, a trait that sets it apart from all other cutthroat subspecies. Lahontan cutthroats historically reached enormous sizes in the terminal lakes of the region: the 41-pound fish taken from Pyramid Lake in 1925 remains one of the largest cutthroat trout ever documented. The modern story of the Lahontan cutthroat is one of dramatic decline and ongoing recovery. Dam construction, water diversions, overfishing, and the introduction of non-native trout devastated Lahontan cutthroat populations throughout the 20th century, and the subspecies was listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1975. The most famous population, at Pyramid Lake on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation in Nevada, was extirpated entirely by the 1940s when Truckee River diversions destroyed the spawning habitat. The fish that swim in Pyramid Lake today descend from the Pilot Peak strain, a remnant population discovered in a tiny creek on the Nevada-Utah border, which was used to restock the lake beginning in 2006. For fly anglers, the Lahontan cutthroat represents one of the most exciting trophy trout opportunities in the American West. Pyramid Lake has become a world-class destination fishery, producing cutthroats that routinely exceed 20 inches and 5 pounds, with fish over 10 pounds caught regularly and specimens exceeding 20 pounds taken each season. The Truckee River system in California and Nevada also supports Lahontan cutthroat populations, and restoration efforts continue to expand the subspecies' range. Catching a Lahontan cutthroat connects an angler to the deep geological and cultural history of the Great Basin.

Avg 16-20"The Lahontan cutthroat trout is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act, a designation it has held since 1975. The subspecies occupies less than 10 percent of its historic range, with the primary threats being habitat loss from water diversions, competition and hybridization with non-native trout species, and the legacy effects of overfishing that eliminated many populations in the early 20th century. Climate change poses an emerging threat, as rising temperatures may reduce the suitability of already marginal stream habitats. The recovery story of the Lahontan cutthroat at Pyramid Lake is one of the great conservation successes in western fisheries management. The rediscovery of the Pilot Peak strain in a remote creek on the Nevada-Utah border, and its successful reintroduction to Pyramid Lake, has produced a thriving trophy fishery that generates significant economic benefits for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and the surrounding region. Anglers fishing Pyramid Lake contribute directly to conservation through tribal permit fees, which fund ongoing management and habitat restoration. The Truckee River system has also seen significant investment in habitat restoration, including the construction of fish passage facilities and the restoration of spawning habitat, to support Lahontan cutthroat recovery.

Landlocked Atlantic Salmon

Salmo salar sebago

The landlocked Atlantic salmon is one of New England's most prized gamefish, a freshwater-resident form of the Atlantic salmon that spends its entire life in lakes and rivers rather than migrating to the ocean. Found primarily in the lakes and rivers of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, landlocked salmon are genetically identical to their sea-run counterparts but have adapted to a completely freshwater life cycle, using large, cold lakes as their ocean substitute and tributary rivers as spawning habitat. Landlocked salmon are the signature gamefish of Maine's sporting camp tradition, where generations of anglers have gathered at remote wilderness lodges to fish for salmon in the Rangeley Lakes, Moosehead Lake, Sebago Lake, and the rivers that connect them. The fish combine the acrobatic fighting ability of their anadromous relatives with the accessibility of a freshwater species, leaping repeatedly when hooked and running with the kind of power and endurance that makes them one of the most exciting fish available on a fly rod in the northeastern United States. In rivers, landlocked salmon behave much like large resident trout, holding in classic lies and feeding on aquatic insects during hatches. They are particularly responsive to caddis and mayfly emergers, and the sight of a 3-pound landlocked salmon rising to a dry fly in a New England river is one of the defining experiences of northeastern fly fishing. In lakes, salmon are targeted with streamers that imitate smelt, their primary forage fish, trolled or cast from boats during the spring and fall when salmon cruise near the surface in cold-water conditions.

Avg 14-20"Landlocked Atlantic salmon are not federally listed under the Endangered Species Act, though their sea-run counterparts in the Gulf of Maine are listed as Endangered. Landlocked populations are managed as a sport fishery by state fish and game agencies throughout their range. In Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, landlocked salmon are actively managed through stocking programs, habitat protection, and regulations designed to maintain healthy populations in key lakes and rivers. The primary management challenges for landlocked salmon include maintaining adequate forage fish (smelt) populations, protecting spawning tributary habitat from development and sedimentation, and addressing the effects of climate change on lake thermal regimes. Warming lake temperatures can reduce the volume of cold-water habitat available to salmon during summer, compressing the zone where both adequate temperatures and dissolved oxygen overlap. In some lakes, this thermal squeeze has become a significant management concern. Anglers support landlocked salmon management through license fees and through advocacy for habitat protection. Many of the most important landlocked salmon waters are managed with special regulations, including catch-and-release requirements, slot limits, and seasonal restrictions designed to protect spawning fish. The landlocked salmon also has significant cultural importance in New England, where it is closely tied to the region's sporting camp heritage and outdoor recreation economy.

Mountain Whitefish

Prosopium williamsoni

The mountain whitefish is one of Montana's most abundant native salmonids and arguably the most underappreciated gamefish in the state. A member of the whitefish subfamily (Coregoninae) within the broader salmonid family, mountain whitefish are present in virtually every cold-water river and large stream in Montana, often outnumbering trout by significant margins. On rivers like the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Bitterroot, whitefish populations can exceed 1,000 fish per mile, making them the dominant salmonid species by biomass in many reaches. Despite this abundance, most fly anglers overlook whitefish entirely or view them as an unwelcome catch, which is unfortunate because they can provide outstanding sport on light tackle. Mountain whitefish are an important ecological component of Montana's river systems. They serve as a primary food source for larger brown trout, bald eagles, ospreys, otters, and other predators. Their fall spawning behavior (typically October through December) plays a critical role in nutrient cycling, and their eggs provide food for other fish and aquatic invertebrates during the lean winter months. In recent years, whitefish populations have been used as indicator species for overall river health, and declines in whitefish numbers on some Montana rivers have raised concerns about changing water conditions and disease pressure. For anglers willing to target them intentionally, mountain whitefish offer several advantages. They feed actively throughout the winter months when trout fishing can be slow, they are abundant and widely distributed, and they fight with surprising strength for their size; a 16-inch whitefish on a 3- or 4-weight rod provides a memorable tussle. Whitefish are also excellent table fare, with firm, mild-flavored white flesh that is delicious smoked or fried. Montana regulations typically allow a generous harvest limit for whitefish, recognizing their abundance and the role that harvest can play in managing populations on some waters.

Avg 12-16"Native and generally stable across Montana, though localized population declines have been documented on some rivers. Whitefish die-offs linked to proliferative kidney disease and other pathogens have occurred on several Montana rivers in recent years, raising monitoring concerns. Mountain whitefish are not listed as a species of special concern but are recognized as an important native species and ecological indicator.

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

The rainbow trout is Montana's most widespread and popular gamefish, celebrated for its explosive surface strikes, aerial acrobatics, and willingness to take a well-presented dry fly. Native to Pacific Coast drainages from Alaska to Mexico, rainbows were first introduced to Montana's waters in the late 1800s and have since established thriving populations in nearly every major river system in the state. On legendary waters like the Madison, Missouri, and Bighorn, wild rainbow trout grow fat on prolific insect hatches and provide some of the finest dry-fly fishing in North America. Rainbow trout in Montana display remarkable variation depending on their home water. Fish in nutrient-rich tailwaters like the Missouri River below Holter Dam can exceed 20 inches with regularity, their deep bodies and broad tails reflecting the abundant food supply. Freestone river rainbows, such as those in the upper Madison and Gallatin, tend to be leaner and more athletic, shaped by faster currents and colder water temperatures. In many Montana rivers, rainbows spawn in the spring from March through June, and anglers should be mindful of spawning redds during this period to protect future generations of fish. Rainbows are arguably the most versatile trout species for fly anglers. They respond well to dry flies during hatches, aggressively chase streamers, and feed heavily on nymphs subsurface throughout the year. Their fighting ability is legendary: a hooked rainbow will often launch itself completely out of the water multiple times during a battle. Montana's catch-and-release regulations on many blue-ribbon streams have produced exceptional rainbow trout fisheries with high densities of large, healthy fish that continue to draw anglers from around the world.

Avg 12-18"Stable and widespread in Montana. Wild, self-sustaining rainbow trout populations exist in most major river systems across the state. However, hybridization with non-native hatchery strains and with native cutthroat trout is an ongoing management concern. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has discontinued stocking rainbows in many waters to protect native cutthroat genetic integrity.

Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis

The Rio Grande cutthroat trout is the southernmost subspecies of cutthroat trout in North America and the only trout native to the Rio Grande basin. Found in the headwater streams of New Mexico and southern Colorado, this subspecies evolved in the mountain waters of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, and Sangre de Cristo ranges, where it once occupied hundreds of miles of stream habitat. Today, genetically pure Rio Grande cutthroat populations persist in approximately 120 streams, representing less than 12 percent of their historic range. Rio Grande cutthroats are strikingly beautiful fish, with coloration that is among the most vibrant of any cutthroat subspecies. The body ranges from greenish-olive on the back to golden-bronze on the flanks, with a flush of rose or crimson along the lateral line that intensifies during spawning season. The characteristic crimson cutthroat slashes beneath the jaw are typically vivid and well-defined. Fine, irregularly shaped spots are concentrated on the upper body, particularly behind the dorsal fin, with fewer spots on the forward body. New Mexico has made the Rio Grande cutthroat trout a conservation priority, with the Valle Vidal Unit of the Carson National Forest serving as the showcase for the state's largest native cutthroat restoration project. The Rio Costilla watershed in the Valle Vidal hosts one of the premier public fisheries for Rio Grande cutthroat trout, where anglers can target these rare native fish in stunning high-mountain meadow streams. For fly anglers who value native fish and wild places, the Rio Grande cutthroat offers an experience that is both ecologically significant and deeply rewarding.

Avg 8-12"The Rio Grande cutthroat trout is a Species of Special Concern in New Mexico and Colorado and has been considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act, though it has not been listed as of the mid-2020s. The subspecies occupies less than 12 percent of its historic range, with genetically pure populations persisting in approximately 120 streams across New Mexico and southern Colorado. The primary threats are hybridization with non-native trout, competition from introduced species, and habitat degradation. The most significant conservation effort for Rio Grande cutthroats is the Rio Costilla watershed project in the Valle Vidal Unit of the Carson National Forest. This landmark project restored Rio Grande cutthroats to approximately 120 miles of stream, 15 lakes, and a 300-acre reservoir by removing non-native trout and constructing fish barriers. The scale and success of the Rio Costilla restoration make it one of the largest native trout recovery projects in U.S. history and a model for similar efforts elsewhere. Anglers fishing for Rio Grande cutthroat trout should practice careful catch-and-release with barbless hooks, wet hands, minimal handling, and rapid release. The Valle Vidal opens to fishing on July 1 each year, with the closure protecting the cutthroat spawn and elk calving earlier in the season. Supporting conservation organizations working on Rio Grande cutthroat recovery, such as Trout Unlimited and the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, helps ensure the long-term survival of this unique southwestern native trout.

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

The smallmouth bass is one of the most popular and widely distributed gamefish in North America and one of the finest freshwater species available to fly anglers. Found in clear, cool rivers and lakes from the Great Lakes to the Southern Appalachians, smallmouth bass combine aggressive feeding behavior, remarkable fighting ability, and a preference for the kinds of rocky, current-rich habitats that are ideally suited to fly fishing. Pound for pound, the smallmouth bass is widely considered the hardest-fighting freshwater fish in North America, earning it the nickname 'the bronze bomber' for its explosive takes and powerful, acrobatic battles on the end of a line. While smallmouth bass are not a traditional trout-stream species, they have become increasingly important to fly anglers as warm-water fly fishing has grown in popularity. Rivers like the French Broad in North Carolina, the Susquehanna and Delaware in Pennsylvania, and the St. Lawrence in New York support world-class smallmouth fisheries that attract dedicated fly anglers. In many regions, smallmouth bass inhabit the lower reaches of the same river systems that hold trout in their upper reaches, providing fly anglers with a warm-water counterpart to their cold-water fishing. Smallmouth bass are particularly appealing to fly anglers because they readily take surface flies. On warm summer evenings, smallmouth will crush poppers, sliders, and large dry flies with explosive strikes that rival any trout rise. Their willingness to feed on the surface, combined with their strength and acrobatic leaping ability, makes smallmouth bass on a fly rod one of the most thrilling freshwater fly fishing experiences available.

Avg 12-16"Smallmouth bass are not threatened or endangered and are one of the most abundant and widely distributed gamefish in North America. They are present in 48 of the 50 United States and across much of southern Canada. In many regions, smallmouth bass are managed as an important recreational species with specific size and creel limits designed to maintain quality fishing. Catch-and-release fishing is widely practiced and encouraged in trophy smallmouth fisheries. The primary management concerns for smallmouth bass relate to water quality and habitat protection. Smallmouth are sensitive to water pollution, sedimentation, and thermal changes, making them an indicator species for overall stream health. Emerging threats include the introduction of non-native predators, diseases affecting smallmouth populations in some watersheds, and climate change impacts on water temperature and flow regimes. In many areas, habitat restoration projects that benefit trout also benefit smallmouth bass in the warmer downstream reaches of the same watersheds. Anglers can support smallmouth bass conservation by practicing catch-and-release (especially during the spawning season), supporting clean water initiatives, and advocating for the protection of free-flowing rivers.

Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii behnkei

The Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout is the signature native fish of western Wyoming and one of the most visually striking and eagerly sought trout subspecies in the American West. Named for the profusion of tiny, pepper-like spots that cover virtually the entire body, a spotting pattern denser and finer than any other cutthroat subspecies, this fish is endemic to the Snake River drainage of northwestern Wyoming and adjacent portions of eastern Idaho. The heart of its range is the legendary Snake River itself, flowing through Jackson Hole beneath the towering rampart of the Teton Range, in a landscape so dramatic that it serves as the backdrop for some of the most iconic fly-fishing imagery ever captured. Snake River fine-spotted cutthroats are among the most aggressive dry-fly feeders in the cutthroat family, a trait that has made them the centerpiece of the Jackson Hole and Snake River fly-fishing experience. During the prolific hatches of the Snake River (Pale Morning Duns, Green Drakes, Flavs, Gray Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and enormous salmonfly and golden stonefly emergences), fine-spotted cutthroats feed with an abandon that delights anglers and guides alike. A typical day of float fishing the Snake River during the early-summer hatch season can produce dozens of fish brought to hand on dry flies, with the best fish pushing 18 to 20 inches and fighting with the current-fueled power that river cutthroats are known for. Despite healthy populations in the mainstem Snake River and many of its tributaries, fine-spotted cutthroats face ongoing management challenges. Hybridization with Yellowstone cutthroats (which were historically stocked in some Snake River tributaries) and with non-native rainbow trout threatens the genetic purity of fine-spotted populations. Additionally, the fine-spotted cutthroat's range is relatively small compared to more widespread subspecies, concentrating the population in a limited geographic area. Wyoming Game and Fish Department, along with federal land managers, actively monitors fine-spotted cutthroat populations, manages for native fish in key tributaries, and maintains regulations designed to protect this iconic subspecies for future generations of anglers.

Avg 12-16"The Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout is not currently listed under the Endangered Species Act, but it is classified as a Species of Special Concern by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and is the focus of active management and monitoring programs. The subspecies' relatively limited geographic range (essentially the Snake River drainage of northwestern Wyoming and adjacent Idaho) concentrates the entire population in a small area, making it potentially vulnerable to catastrophic events or widespread habitat changes. Primary management concerns include hybridization with non-native rainbow trout and previously stocked Yellowstone cutthroats, potential impacts from climate change on water temperatures and flow regimes, and maintaining adequate population connectivity between the mainstem Snake River and tributary spawning streams. Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages fine-spotted cutthroat waters with regulations designed to protect native fish, including slot limits and reduced bag limits on many waters in the Snake River drainage. Tributary streams are managed to favor native cutthroats, with non-native trout removed where feasible. The health of the mainstem Snake River population is closely monitored through annual electrofishing surveys and creel census data. Anglers on the Snake River and its tributaries are encouraged to practice voluntary catch-and-release for all cutthroat trout, use barbless hooks, and handle fish gently to maximize post-release survival. The strong, self-sustaining population in the mainstem Snake River through Jackson Hole represents one of the most successful native cutthroat trout fisheries remaining in the Rocky Mountain West.

Steelhead

Oncorhynchus mykiss

The steelhead is the undisputed monarch of Pacific Northwest fly fishing, a sea-run rainbow trout that combines the power of a salmon with the acrobatics of its resident rainbow cousins, wrapped in a chrome-bright package that can exceed 20 pounds. Genetically identical to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), steelhead are the anadromous form of the species: born in freshwater rivers, they migrate to the Pacific Ocean as juveniles, spend one to three years feeding in the rich saltwater environment, then return to their natal rivers to spawn. This ocean migration transforms a modest stream-resident rainbow into a muscular, silver-sided powerhouse that is widely considered the greatest gamefish available to fly anglers in North America. Steelhead are found in rivers throughout the Pacific Northwest, with Idaho, Oregon, and Washington offering the most celebrated fly-fishing opportunities. Idaho's Clearwater and Salmon rivers host legendary runs of summer steelhead, B-run fish that spend extra time in the ocean and return as massive 10- to 20-pound adults. Oregon's Deschutes River is perhaps the most iconic swing-fishing destination in the world, with summer steelhead providing consistent action from July through November. Washington's Olympic Peninsula rivers, the Skagit system, and tributaries of the Columbia River offer both summer and winter steelhead runs, drawing anglers from around the globe. Swing fishing for steelhead with a spey or switch rod is widely regarded as the pinnacle of fly-fishing pursuits. The technique involves casting a fly across and downstream, then allowing it to swing through the current on a tight line, covering water methodically as the angler steps downstream between each cast. The take of a steelhead on the swing, a sudden, violent pull that can nearly wrench the rod from your hands, is an experience that steelhead anglers describe as addictive beyond reason. The combination of the cast, the swing, the anticipation, the remote and beautiful river settings, and the sheer power of the fish creates a pursuit that many dedicated anglers build their entire fishing lives around.

Avg 24-30"Steelhead conservation status varies significantly by population and geographic region. Several steelhead populations, known as Distinct Population Segments (DPS) or Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESU), are listed as Threatened or Endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Snake River Basin steelhead (which includes Idaho's Clearwater and Salmon River fish), Upper Columbia River steelhead, and several other DPS carry Threatened status, while others remain unlisted. The primary threats to steelhead are dam-related migration barriers and mortality, degraded freshwater habitat from logging and development, reduced ocean survival linked to changing marine conditions, and interbreeding with hatchery fish that can reduce wild population fitness. Hatchery programs for steelhead are widespread and controversial. While hatcheries provide fishing opportunity and mitigate some of the losses caused by dams, extensive research has shown that hatchery steelhead are less fit than wild fish, and interbreeding between hatchery and wild populations can reduce the survival and reproductive success of subsequent generations. Many rivers now operate under Wild Fish Management policies that distinguish between hatchery and wild steelhead in harvest regulations. Anglers can support steelhead conservation by releasing all wild steelhead (identified by an intact adipose fin), supporting dam removal and fish passage projects, and advocating for hatchery reform that reduces genetic impacts on wild populations.

Westslope Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi

The westslope cutthroat trout is the most widely distributed native trout subspecies in the northern Rocky Mountains and holds the distinction of being Montana's official state fish. This interior subspecies of cutthroat trout evolved in the upper Columbia and Missouri River drainages west of the Continental Divide, inhabiting the cold, pristine mountain streams and alpine lakes of Idaho, western Montana, and pockets of eastern Washington and Oregon. Smaller and more delicately built than their Yellowstone cutthroat cousins, westslope cutthroats are a jewel of the backcountry, their buttery gold flanks peppered with fine black spots and accented by the hallmark crimson slashes beneath the jaw that define all cutthroat trout. Westslope cutthroats are the quintessential dry-fly trout of the northern Rockies. Found in headwater streams, cascading mountain creeks, and glacially carved alpine lakes from the Bitterroot Range to the Bob Marshall Wilderness, they inhabit some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the American West. On waters like the upper Blackfoot River, Rock Creek, the South Fork Flathead, and the St. Joe River in Idaho, westslope cutthroats rise eagerly to well-presented dry flies, often in settings so remote and wild that the fishing feels almost primeval. Their willingness to eat on the surface, combined with the spectacular scenery of their home waters, makes targeting westslope cutthroats one of the most rewarding experiences in western fly fishing. Despite their cultural and ecological importance, westslope cutthroat trout occupy only a fraction of their historic range. Hybridization with non-native rainbow trout and competition from introduced brook trout have eliminated genetically pure populations from many drainages. Today, the purest remaining westslope cutthroat populations persist in isolated headwater streams above natural or man-made barriers that prevent upstream migration of non-native species. Conservation efforts across Idaho, Montana, and Washington focus on protecting these stronghold populations, removing non-native competitors, and restoring connectivity where genetically pure fish still exist. Anglers who target westslope cutthroats become some of their strongest advocates, understanding firsthand the fragile beauty of the ecosystems these fish depend upon.

Avg 8-14"The westslope cutthroat trout is classified as a Species of Special Concern in Montana, Idaho, and several other states, and it is a candidate for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. Genetically pure populations occupy less than 20 percent of the subspecies' historic range, with the primary threats being hybridization with non-native rainbow trout, competition and displacement by introduced brook trout, and habitat degradation from logging, road construction, and climate change. The loss of genetic purity through hybridization is considered the single greatest long-term threat to the subspecies. Significant conservation and restoration efforts are underway across the westslope cutthroat's range. State and federal agencies, along with organizations like Trout Unlimited and the Western Native Trout Initiative, have implemented projects to remove non-native fish from headwater streams using piscicides, construct migration barriers to prevent reinvasion, and reintroduce genetically pure westslope cutthroats into restored habitat. In Montana, the Blackfoot River watershed has been a particular focus of restoration work, with notable success in re-establishing cutthroat populations in tributaries. Anglers are encouraged to practice careful catch-and-release, learn to identify pure westslope cutthroats versus hybrids, and support habitat protection in the wild mountain drainages these fish depend upon.

Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri

The Yellowstone cutthroat trout is Montana's most iconic native fish, a living symbol of the wild, untrammeled waters of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This subspecies of cutthroat trout evolved in the Yellowstone River drainage over thousands of years and is uniquely adapted to the cold, clear streams and rivers of south-central Montana. Named for the vivid red-orange slash marks beneath its lower jaw, the 'cut throat' that gives the entire cutthroat species complex its name, the Yellowstone cutthroat is one of the most beautiful and culturally significant fish in the American West. Yellowstone cutthroats are generally considered the most eager surface feeders among Montana's trout species, making them a favorite among dry-fly purists. They tend to be less wary than brown trout and more willing to eat a well-presented dry fly, even when no hatch is occurring. On their home waters (the Yellowstone River above Livingston, Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park, the upper Lamar River, and numerous tributary streams throughout the Absaroka and Beartooth ranges), cutthroats will rise freely to attractor dry flies like Royal Wulffs, Stimulators, and Elk Hair Caddis, providing the kind of classic western dry-fly experience that anglers travel thousands of miles to enjoy. Despite their eagerness at the end of a fly line, Yellowstone cutthroat trout face significant conservation challenges. Habitat loss, hybridization with introduced rainbow trout, competition from non-native brook trout and lake trout, and the impacts of whirling disease have reduced their historic range by roughly 60 percent. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, along with federal agencies and conservation groups, has invested heavily in cutthroat restoration projects, including barrier construction to prevent upstream migration of non-native species and targeted removal of lake trout from Yellowstone Lake. Anglers play an important role in cutthroat conservation by practicing careful catch-and-release techniques and supporting habitat protection efforts.

Avg 10-16"Species of Special Concern in Montana. Yellowstone cutthroat trout occupy roughly 40 percent of their historic range. Primary threats include hybridization with non-native rainbow trout, competition from brook trout in headwater streams, predation by non-native lake trout in Yellowstone Lake, and habitat degradation. Active restoration and protection efforts by Montana FWP, the National Park Service, and conservation organizations are ongoing.