TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



THE RED THROAT TROUT OR THE 

 CUTTHROAT TROUT 



Genus: Salmo, Species: Clarkii. 



The Red Throat or Cutthroat Trout, of which there 

 are at least ten sub-species, is a native of the waters on 

 both sides of the Rocky Mountains. 



In speaking of this species of trout I cannot do better 

 than quote what David Starr Jordan has to say about it 

 in his book entitled "Fishes": 



"This species has much smaller scales than the rainbow or 

 steelhead, the usual number in a longitudinal series being i6o to 

 170. Its head is longer (about four times in length to base of 

 caudal). Its mouth is proportionately larger, and there is always 

 a narrow band of small teeth on the hyoid bone at the base of the 

 tongue. These teeth are always wanting in Salmo irideus and 

 rivularis in which species the rim of the tongue only has teeth. 

 The color in Salmo clarkii is, as in other species, exceedingly varia- 

 ble. In life there is always a deep-red blotch on the throat, be- 

 tween the branches of the lower jaw and the membrane connecting 

 them. This is not found in other species, or is reduced to a nar- 

 row strip or pinkish shade. It seems to be constant in all varieties 

 of Salmo clarkii, at all ages, thus furnishing a good distinctive 

 character. It is the sign manual of the Sioux Indians, and the 

 anglers have already accepted from this mark the name of cut- 

 throat trout. 



The cutthroat trout of some species is found in every suitable 

 river and lake in the great basin of Utah, in the streams of Colo- 

 rado, Wyoming, and Montana, on both sides of the Rocky Moun- 

 tains. It is also found throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, 

 British Columbia, the coastwise islands of southeastern Alaska 

 (Baranof, etc.), to Kadiak and Bristol Bay, probably no stream 



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