Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout are one of the few trout species native to Utah, named for the reddish-orange slash marks under their jaw. Utah's Bonneville cutthroat strain, found in waters like Strawberry Reservoir and Bear Lake, can grow to genuine trophy size and tend to hold and feed differently than stocked rainbows in the same water — often deeper, more structure-oriented, and more responsive to jigging and bait than to flash alone. Because they're a native, carefully managed fishery in several of Utah's best waters, it's worth double-checking current regulations before you head out.