The Westslope cutthroat trout is native to Idaho streams and lakes in the northern half of Idaho. Of the many Idaho Westslope fisheries, the Lochsa River and its tributaries between Lolo Pass, Montana and Lowell, Idaho (where it is joined by the Selway River, another Westslope water) offers consistent fishing success. The Middle Fork of the Salmon River (and its tributaries), along with North Idaho Rivers like the St. Joe and the North Fork of the Clearwater rivers are excellent places to catch Westslope cutthroat trout as well.

The Western Native Trout Challenge website has an interactive fishing map for Idaho showing color coded species locations along with water identification.  When clicking on a location it also gives you a link to the Idaho Fish and Game fishing planner which in combination can provide key information for trip planning.

Action starts in mid April on the lower stretches, fly fishing with standard nymphs drifted below strike indicators while keeping an eye peeled for rising fish on warmer days. These fish are feeding on March mayflies or caddis flies, with Pale Evening Dun mayflies appearing just before runoff in early June. Streamers can also provide action early.

Some summer club favorite flies include

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

KEY IDENTIFIERS:

• Body greenish-gold to dark red
• Deep red slash under throat
• Small, irregularly shaped black spots on back, upper sides and head
• Concentrated spotting near tail, no spots on belly or pectoral fins
• Red or rosy gill plate