Oncorhynchus clarkii: the trout with many homes
by Ariana Wilson
The cutthroat trout is the state fish for several western states, including Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. There are 14 recognized subspecies of cutthroat trout, with distinct subspecies designated as the state fish for Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.
Cutthroat trout are typically found in well-oxygenated, shallow rivers and they reproduce in cold, deep lakes. They are native to alluvial or freestone streams, which in fly-fishing terminology refers to areas with loose gravel or sand. Some coastal cutthroat trout exhibit semi-anadromous behavior, living in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Fish hatcheries in Yellowstone National Park were established in the early 20th century to breed this game fish in waters that could support population growth. Approximately 818 million cutthroat trout eggs were distributed from Yellowstone to various hatcheries across the United States.
This fish, in all its variations, is a favored target for anglers — particularly fly fishermen. However, some subspecies are currently listed as threatened in their native habitats due to habitat loss and the introduction of non-native species — two of which are now extinct. To aid in the native species restoration, cutthroat trout are raised in hatcheries and stocked in non-native lake environments to support recreational fishing.
Ari is a senior journalism major and the science editor this semester, with an adoration for the environment and conservation. She is currently pursuing her scientific diving certification and plans to meld her journalistic passions with scientific research in the future. For any science inquiries, please contact ajw167@humboldt.edu.