#Cutthroat trout

[fishenjoyer1]

Fish of the Day

Today’s fish of the day is the westslope cutthroat trout! 

The westslope cutthroat trout, also known by scientific name Oncorhynchus lewisi is a common freshwater salmonid. Known by many names, this fish is one of the four living subspecies of cutthroat trout remaining, and the westslope is sometimes considered to have its own subspecies, as separated by major populations in differing rivers and lakes. Within their range, they tend to settle in rivers that contain more pools and vegetation cover, similar to other freshwater trout. Found across the Pacific Northwest, the westslope cutthroat trout is the Montana state fish, living in the lower areas of British Columbia, Alberta, Wahsington, Oregon, Idaho, and, of course, Montana. Primarily found within the Columbia basin and upper Missouri river basin, with historical ranges stretching far further North, South, and West, but now is only a shadow of its former size. This is due to the aggressive spread of other salmonid trout species, such as the brown trout and rainbow trout, which are non native in the areas and introduced by hobby fishers.

The name of cutthroat seems relatively straightforward, considering these fish are well known for teeth lining: the roof of the mouth, underside of the tongue, and clusters in the front of the mouth. This is in fact misleading. The name of cutthroat was given to these fish due to the distinctive red coloring to the lower jaw of the fish. Despite these many teeth, the cutthroat usually subsists on a diet of insects and their larvae, along with a healthy amount of zooplankton, and algaes. The westslope cutthroat in particular can grow to sizes of 6-12 inches, with few weighing more than 5 pounds. This is significantly smaller than most other inland cutthroat trout, which reach sizes of up to 39 inches at a maximum.

The life cycle and reproduction of the westslope cutthroat is the same as many other salmonids, migratory. cutthroat trout in particular though, especially landlocked ones such as the westslope have three different life strategies—stream resident, adfluvial, and fluvial. Stream resident fish are the ones living within river tributaries, never migrating to a fully different area, just to breeding grounds where the water is clear, clean, and oxygenated. Adfluvial fish live in larger lakes, and migrate down into river tributaries to lay eggs in areas of lower predation. Finally, fluvial fish migrate from larger rivers and basins into tributaries, just like the other trout. This all takes place in their breeding season in the spring, triggered by temperature change, as it begins as soon as the water temperatures regularly reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Female cutthroats can lay anywhere between 200-4,000 eggs a season, and after fertilization will hatch within a month into fry. Once they reach an age of 3-5 depending on subspecies the fish will begin doing migrations with others of their species to the same breeding grounds they were born in. The fish can live to reach as old as ten years of age, and survive through multiple breeding seasons, ushering in theoretically thousands of offspring in their life.

That's the westslope cutthroat trout, everybody! Have a wonderful day!

[namu-the-orca]

SALMONIDS of ALASKA The bane of my existence for the entirety of 2020 and part of 2021: the salmon poster. You've seen the separate illustrations, but now, finally, here is the full thing.

This entire project was a journey. I had never illustrated fish before, let alone in this much detail. I have retained an appropriate hatred of scales and fin rays from this project. But also a persistent joy from having created these illustrations, and appreciation for what beautiful animals these salmon are. Putting together the poster, making all elements fit together and - not unimportantly - making the poster fit its allotted space on the wall was an additional endeavour.

It is currently displayed aboard the David B, the vessel of Northwest Navigation who commissioned this piece. If you're interested in having a copy of your own, you can contact them. For now I hope you enjoy reading this (if you open the image in a separate tab, I made it big enough to read) - and mayhaps learn something new about the intriguing world of salmon! I certainly did.

[bent-rod]

What a slab! - Cutthroat Trout, Fly Fishing

[feather-bone]

Cutthroat trout!

[ID: an illustration of a green and red fish leaping up and to the left. It is on a blue background with a white sun, and is smiling. End.]

[ker-bee]

[bohne-bohne]

My grandma’s birthday was this last friday and I drew her a card!

[aldenfreed]

[noisycowboyglitter]

Cutthroat Trout Fishing: Sight Fishing Techniques for Clear Waters

The pursuit of the elusive and stunning cutthroat trout is a celebrated pastime among anglers seeking a thrilling challenge in the great outdoors. These magnificent freshwater fish, named for the vivid scarlet slash beneath their jaws, are prized for their fierce fighting spirit and exceptional table fare.

Buy now:19.95$

Cutthroat trout are primarily found in the clear, cold streams and rivers of the American West, with their native range stretching from Alaska to New Mexico. Skilled anglers must rely on their expertise in reading the water, mastering the perfect cast, and presenting tantalizing dry flies or nymphs to tempt these discerning predators.

The thrill of the hunt is amplified by the cutthroat's keen senses and selective feeding habits, requiring the fisherman to employ subtle, stealthy techniques to outwit their quarry. When a cutthroat does strike, the ensuing battle is a test of angling prowess, as these powerful fish make powerful runs and acrobatic leaps in their bid for freedom.

Buy now

For the dedicated trout enthusiast, the pursuit of the cutthroat is a cherished tradition that captures the essence of fly fishing in its purest form.

Montana's vast, pristine waterways have long been a mecca for fly fishing enthusiasts seeking a quintessential Western experience. From the legendary trout-rich rivers of the Yellowstone and Missouri to the crystal-clear mountain streams of the Rockies, the Treasure State offers an unparalleled diversity of fly fishing opportunities.

Anglers can test their skills against the powerful, hard-fighting rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout that thrive in these vibrant ecosystems. The serene beauty of Montana's rugged landscapes, combined with the sheer challenge of outsmarting these discerning predators, make for an immersive and unforgettable fly fishing adventure.

Buy now

Whether you're a seasoned expert or an eager novice, Montana's renowned fly fishing destinations promise an unmatched blend of scenic splendor and exhilarating angling action that will leave a lasting impression on the passion-fueled angler's soul.

Finding the perfect gift for the fishing enthusiast in your life can be a delightful challenge. From practical gear to whimsical home decor, there are countless options to cater to their outdoor pursuits and celebrate their passion.

Consider a high-quality tackle box, specialized lures and rods, or a stylish set of performance fishing apparel. Decorative pieces featuring wildlife motifs or nautical-inspired artwork make for wonderful accents. You could even put together a custom fishing-themed gift basket filled with gourmet snacks, specialty baits, and other must-have accessories.

Buy now

Whatever you choose, the key is to select presents that reflect their love for the sport and provide them with functional, thoughtful gifts they're sure to cherish.

[i-give-you-a-fish]

You get a Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii

you’ve sorta got the eyes of a girl whose survived a saw trap

WHAT 😭

[troutreznor]

Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri)

[orca-in-disguise]

Critter fact #3:

The Bonneville Cutthroat Trout, Oncorhynchus clarkii utah, is the state fish of Utah. It is identified by the red mark under its lower jaw, and the presence of many large, black spots.

[theflyfishingartist]

Excellent fish!

[ipromisetostaywild]

[bent-rod]

“Fish Art!” - Cutthroat Trout

[ker-bee]

[i-give-you-a-fish]

You get a Lahontan Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi

In wake of the new "Into the Gimmickverse" project, I'm gonna need every gimmick blog to either reply or comment on this post so we can start making a cast list. Have resume's, gimmick and auditions at the ready. We'll be in touch.