Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1900. Body shape similar to rainbow trout. Back and sides are lightly spotted; Dorsal, adipose and tail fins are heavily spotted. Red or reddish-orange slash on throat. Length: 8 to 22 inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over 6 pounds. Location: Cutthroat trout are rarely found in Arizona's streams, but widely occur in the White Mountain lakes which are stocked by the Department. They prefer the same habitat as rainbow trout and are found in similar areas. Food: They feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects and fish. Angling: The same techniques used to catch rainbow trout work well for cutthroats. They may be caught on a variety of flies and artificial lures but a live nightcrawler is hard to beat. Use light line and small hooks! Table Quality: Depending on the fishes diet, the meat can be white to orange-red in color. The meat is firm, flaky and is considered excellent eating.