JOSEPH TOMELLERI GRAPHIC
TEXT BY DENNIS BITTON
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.
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.
From the Virtual Fly Shop.
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