Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout

Introduction: The Rio Grande Cutthroat was the first trout to be discovered in North America by Europeans and was first described in 1541 by Spainards in search of gold. The this trout is also a minor subspecies of the Yellowstone Cutthroat and is native to the Rio Grande, Canadians and Pecos River drainages of New Mexico and Colorado. In streams this trout reaches an average size of 8 to 12 inches. This trout like other interior cutthroat has faced a huge decline in its range due mostly to the introduction of non-native trout. While rainbow trout have played a large role in loss of Rio Grande Cutthroat, brown trout which are fall spawners are now the most threatening species due to competition with the cutthroat. While is native range has been reduced but 90 to 95 percent today, there are still about 75 pure populations of Rio Grande Cutthroat and populations and they are begining to gain ground again due to more enlighted livestock raising and stocking practices.

Description: The Rio Grande Cutthroat is similar in appearance to both the Colorado River and Greenback Cutthroat, have large spots that are concentrated toward the tail and above the lateral line. The body coloration of this fish often exhibits are redish mark along the lateral line and it has yellow or golden background colors, which is greenish yellow toward the back. Like the Humboldt Cutthroat this trout also often exhibits spots around its eyes.