Fly Fishing for Colorado’s Native Cutthroat Trout: A Conservationist’s Approach

Colorado’s native cutthroat trout are a prized catch for anglers, not only for their beauty but also for their significance in the state’s rich biodiversity. With multiple subspecies, including the Greenback Cutthroat, Colorado River Cutthroat, and Rio Grande Cutthroat, fly fishing for these native trout is about more than just catching fish—it’s about participating in a larger conservation effort to protect these species and their delicate habitats.

Understanding Colorado’s Cutthroat Trout

Each of Colorado’s native cutthroat species has a unique historical range, often limited to specific river systems and high alpine lakes. Over the years, human activities like mining, developing, and introducing non-native species have drastically reduced their populations. As a result, cutthroat trout are now a key focus of conservation efforts across the state.

• Greenback Cutthroat Trout: Once thought extinct, the Greenback is Colorado’s state fish and is now limited to a few streams along the Front Range.
• Colorado River Cutthroat Trout: Found primarily in the western part of the state, these trout are thriving in remote mountain streams and lakes.
• Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout: Native to southern Colorado, these fish primarily inhabit watersheds in the San Luis Valley​(

Fly Fishing with a Conservation Focus

Catching cutthroat trout requires understanding their fragile environments and using sustainable fishing practices. Here’s how you can enjoy fishing for these native trout while contributing to their preservation:

1. Practice Catch-and-Release

Catch-and-release fishing is essential to protecting cutthroat populations. Given their limited range and vulnerability to environmental changes, releasing these fish ensures future generations can continue to thrive. Always use barbless hooks, handle the fish with wet hands, and release them quickly to minimize stress.

• Tip: Avoid fishing during spawning periods (typically late spring and early summer) to allow the trout to reproduce undisturbed​

2. Choose the Right Gear and Flies

Fly fishing for cutthroat trout often means fishing in high-altitude, remote streams and lakes. Use a lightweight rod (3-5 weight) to target these often smaller fish, and opt for dry flies and small nymph patterns that imitate their natural food sources like caddisflies, mayflies, and terrestrials.

• Top Flies:
  • Parachute Adams (Sizes 14-18)
  • Elk Hair Caddis (Sizes 14-18)
  • Stimulators (Sizes 12-16)​

3. Support Habitat Restoration Projects

Many organizations across Colorado are working on habitat restoration projects to restore cutthroat trout’s native streams and lakes. These efforts often include removing non-native species, rebuilding stream banks, and reintroducing cutthroat trout into their historic ranges. By volunteering or donating to groups like Trout Unlimited or the Greenback Cutthroat Recovery Program, anglers can help ensure the long-term health of these species.

4. Respect the Ecosystem

Cutthroat trout are often found in some of Colorado’s most fragile ecosystems—remote high mountain streams and alpine lakes. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out all waste, staying on trails, and avoiding disturbing riparian zones that are critical for aquatic life.

• Tip: High-elevation streams and lakes are particularly sensitive to human impact, so tread lightly and avoid wading through spawning areas​

Conclusion: A Conservationist’s Legacy

Fly fishing for Colorado’s native cutthroat trout is more than a sport—it’s a commitment to preserving one of the state’s most iconic species. By practicing sustainable fishing techniques and supporting local conservation efforts, anglers can contribute to the long-term survival of these beautiful fish, ensuring that future generations can experience the joy of fishing for Colorado’s native cutthroat.