The Snake River Fine Spotted cutthroat trout is native in eastern Idaho along the Snake River drainage around the Palisades Reservoir . Snake River cuts don’t readily hybridize with rainbow trout and are more resistant to whirling disease than other trout species. Snake River Cuts feed primarily on aquatic and terrestrial insects until age three, at which time they begin to feed heavily on fish as well. As water temperature drop they seek out pool habitat for overwintering until the water temperature rises again (above 34 degrees) at which point they begin to utilize runs more.

Idaho Department of Fish and Game does not recognize the Snake River Fine Spotted Cutthroat as a separate species from the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, although Wyoming Department of Game and Fish does.  The markings on this fish does vary from the Yellowstone, with some differences in the spotting.  Genetic studies done by IDF&G has shown no significant differentiation.  Idaho has very limited waters where this fish has been found.

Before the early May runoff SRFS cutthroat can be caught fly fishing with streamers while keeping an eye peeled for Blue-Winged Olive mayflies (overcast days) or Skwala stoneflies. After runoff (usually the first week in July) Pale Morning Dun mayflies and Green Drake mayflies become the main event.

Some club favorite flies include:

• Cutthroat Candy
• Yellow Turks Tarantula
• Orange Stimulator
• Tan Foam Hopper

Key Identifiers:

• Yellowish brown on back and sides
• Red-orange slash under throat
• Lower Fins red or orange
• Small irregular spots across body, spots on upper fins and tail fin, spots concentrated towards the tail