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Oncorhynchus
clarki lewisi
RON
PITTARD GRAPHIC
TEXT BY ROSS PURNELL
The native trout species of the northern Rockies, the westslope
cutthroat historically thrived in the eastern portions of British
Columbia, Washington, and Oregon; the Idaho Panhandle; and western
Alberta and Montana. Like many other cutthroats, genetically pure
strains of the species are now relatively rare because of introductions
of exotics like rainbow trout, and other non-native cutthroat species
that interbreed with westlopes. Competition from other exotics like
brown and brook trout, overfishing, and loss of habitat have also
been factors in the shrinking range of this once prolific trout
species.
The best
places in the world today to catch these trout include the Elk
River drainage in eastern British Columbia; The Castle and Oldman
rivers in Alberta; Kelly Creek and the St. Joe River in the Idaho
Panhandle; and the Flathead River and Swan River in Montana.
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Westlope cutthroat trout have no spots, or relatively few spots,
in an arch around their pelvic fins. |
Westslopes are among the
most brightly colored of all cutthroat trout. They develop brilliant
red, orange and yellow colors near spawning time. Male fish may
become bright red over the entire ventral area during this period.
Westslopes have small irregular
spots concentrated toward the back of the body. The most distinct
identifier is the spot-free semi-circle that starts near the pectoral
fins, extends up toward the lateral line under the dorsal fin
and above the pelvic fins, and ends near the anal fin.
Westlope cutthroat trout
have evolved in the cold barren headwaters of Rocky Mountain streams
and rivers. Their habitat and genetic makeup demands that they
take advantage of every possible feeding opportunity. Translation:
They are suckers for dry flies--even attractor dry flies like
Royal Wulffs, Madame Xs, and whatever else you have in your box.
You can also catch them on nymphs and streamers, but it's rarely
required.
Westlopes aren't known as
large trout, but there are 20-inch fish on the best waters. They
aren't known as particularly great fighters either, but that's
usually of little concern when casting dry flies with a light
rod in a high mountain stream.
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