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Cutthroat trout

Alaska has both sea-run and landlocked versions of aggressive fish

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Description
Cutthroats (Oncorhynchus clarkii) range from lower Southeast Alaska to Prince William Sound in Southcentral. Landlocked cutthroats may reach 24 inches, and sea-run fish reach 18 inches. Adults have a vivid red slash mark under the jaw.

Alaska record
State record: 8 pounds, 6 ounces, caught in 1977 in Wilson Lake (Misty Fjords National Monument) by Robert Denison.

Tips for fishing
Cutthroat trout are aggressive feeders and will hit almost any lure, spinner or fly.

Sea-run cutthroat can be taken in fresh water in the spring or during the fall when they enter fresh water to overwinter. They stay close to the bottom of deep pools or sloughs, and gear must be fished close to the bottom to ensure a hit.

Resident cutthroat can be caught with spinners or spoons fished deep in pools or along lake shorelines. Dry or wet flies fished off inlet streams work well. A muddler minnow on a fast sinking line fished along shores with submerged cover is a sure bet.

Trophy-class cutthroat are best caught by trolling off steep shorelines of landlocked lakes.

Best time to fish

Southcentral Alaska

• Prince William Sound -- April, May, June, July, August, September
• Prince William Sound streams / Copper River basin / Upper Susitna basin -- May, June

• Inside Passage offshore, north of Stikine River -- June
• Inside Passage offshore, south of Stikine River -- June
• Inside Passage streams, north of Stikine River -- May, June
• Inside Passage streams, south of Stikine River -- May, June

Sources of this information include the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

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