Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

Like other states, Montana considers it's Yellowstone Cutthroat trout to be of special concern - and due to last summer's Derby fire, the concern has just risen. Ash from the fire has contaminated two streams and threaten Yellowstone Cutthroat trout that live in it.

To mitigate the problem, Montana is preparing to move these trout out of the contaminated streams and into new streams before winter sets in. Moving fish always presents some risk - but if all goes well, these fish have a chance of surviving.

Although decreased populations exist, Yellowstone Cutthroat can still be found in Utah, Nevada, Montana, and Wyoming. Like Bull trout, these fish also require very clean and cold (39-59 degrees Fahrenheit) water to survive. They're very sensitive to sediments in their habitat. Preserving these fish has become a prime concern in many states.

Historically, Yellowstone Cutthroat trout were thought to inhabit much of the Yellowstone River basins. But over the years, there has been a decline in the number of these trout. Hybridization and other environmental factors are to blame.

Cutthroat trout are distinguished from other trout by the red slash marks under the lower jaw. Yellowstone Cutthroat trout are distinguished by other Cutthroat trout by the medium-large black spots on the hind end and the drab brownish, yellowish, or silvery coloration with bright colors usually absent in mature fish.

Yellow Cutthroat trout generally spawn in the Spring and early Summer.