Where to Catch Bonneville Cutthroat Trout

Bonneville cutthroat trout (BCT) are native to streams that terminate in the Bonneville Basin, excluding the Bear River. While the Bear River terminates in the Bonneville Basin, these cutthroat trout have evolved on a separate path from other Bonneville cutthroat trout because of a historic stream capture of the Bear River from the Snake River to the Bonneville Basin. Any cutthroat trout caught while angling streams in the Bonneville Basin will be accepted as BCT for the Utah Native Cutthroat Slam.   While the Weber River (including the Ogden River) is not in the Bear River Drainage, the Bonneville cutthroat trout in this drainage historically mixed with Bear River cutthroat trout and cutthroat trout angled in this drainage can count toward either the Bear River or Bonneville cutthroat trout catch, BUT NOT BOTH. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU CLAIM A BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT TROUT CATCH FROM THE WEBER RIVER, THEN YOU NEED TO CATCH A BEAR RIVER CUTTHROAT TROUT FROM A DIFFERENT DRAINAGE AND VICE VERSA.   Some headwater lakes in the Weber River and Provo River have been historically stocked with non-native cutthroat trout. If you wish to angle BCT from headwater lakes in these two drainages, check with the Northern Region UDWR Office (801-476-2740) for a list of lakes containing native BCT. The following areas/streams will provide the best opportunities to catch native Bonneville cutthroat trout in Utah:

Weber River: Special fishing regulations are present in portions of the Weber River Drainage so check the Fishing Guidebook before planning a trip.

1. The Weber River from the confluence with the Ogden River upstream to Echo Dam is managed by the UDWR for native cutthroat trout (Bonneville/Bear River cutthroat trout).
2. The Weber River and its’ tributaries from the town of Oakley, UT upstream to the headwaters is managed by the UDWR for native cutthroat trout (Bonneville/Bear River cutthroat trout).
3. Beaver Creek (upstream from Kamas)

Ogden River:

1. South Fork of the Ogden River
2. Wheeler Creek. Angling conditions can be tough as Wheeler Creek is a small, brushy stream.
3. Wolf Creek. Angling conditions can be tough as Wolf Creek is a small, brushy stream.

Northern Wasatch Front streams:  The UDWR Northern Region Office has restored native BCT to several of the small streams along the Wasatch Front north of Salt Lake City. For more information on these angling opportunities, call the Northern Region Office at 801-476-2740.

Provo River:

1. South Fork of the Provo River headwaters
2. Bench Creek
3. South Fork of Little Dear Creek (downstream from Deer Creek Reservoir). Angling conditions can be tough as the South Fork of Little Deer Creek is a small, brushy stream.

Jordan River:

1. Mill Creek (Mill Creek Canyon) has been recently restored to native BCT
2. Parley’s Canyon Creek (along Interstate 80 in Parley’s Canyon)
3. Little Dell Reservoir (including Little Dell Creek). Because this is a BCT brood source, these waters are catch and release for BCT and artificial flies and lures only.
4. Lambs Canyon Creek. Angling conditions can be tough as Lambs Canyon Creek is a small, brushy stream.

Southern Wasatch Front high mountain lakes: Many of these lakes require a 2-3 hour hike on a good Forest Service trail in order to access the lake.

1. Little Cottonwood Canyon lakes (White Pine Lake, Red Pine Lake and Upper Red Pine Lake) are managed for BCT and stocked frequently.
2. Upper Bells Reservoir
3. Twin Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Spanish Fork River:

1. Diamond Fork River headwaters including the tributaries Shinglemill, Chase, and Halls Fork creeks. These streams were restored to BCT in 2006 and are protected from non-native trout by a barrier.
2. Little Diamond Fork Creek
3. Right Fork of Clear Creek (tributary to Soldier Creek). Angling conditions can be tough as the Right Fork of Clear Creek is a small, brushy stream.

Deep Creek Mountains (eastern slope): These are extremely remote, small, brushy streams that terminate at the valley floor. These streams can be accessed from the valley floor by a dirt road and most have poorly defined trails along the streams. For more information on angling opportunities in this mountain range call the UDWR Central Region Office at 801-491-5678.

1. Trout Creek
2. North Fork of Birch Creek
3. Granite Creek
4. Red Cedar Creek
5. Tom’s Creek
6. Indian Farms Creek
7. Basin Creek

Sevier River:

1. Salina Creek: the reach upstream from Interstate 70 will have more pure fish as rainbow trout occur downstream.
2. Manning Creek (Monroe Mountains)
3. Clear Creek and tributaries (65 total stream miles) now contain BCT after extensive restoration efforts.
4. Mammoth Creek upstream of Mammoth Spring
5. East Fork Sevier River in Black Canyon, upper Sevier River, and Asay Creek near Hatch are stocked annually with BCT.
6. Southern Utah Lakes – BCT are stocked annually in Manning Meadow Reservoir, Barney Lake, Pine Lake, Yankee Meadow Reservoir, Upper Enterprise Reservoir, and all three Kent’s Lakes on Beaver Mountain.

Where to Catch Bear River Cutthroat Trout

Bear River cutthroat trout (BRCT) are native to the Bear River and its’ tributaries, including Bear Lake. While the Bear River terminates in the Bonneville Basin, these cutthroat trout have evolved on a separate path from other Bonneville cutthroat trout because of a historic stream capture of the Bear River from the Snake River to the Bonneville Basin. This native cutthroat trout subspecies remains abundant and additional pure populations are being protected/restored in Rich County through chemical restoration projects.   While the Weber River (including the Ogden River) is not in the Bear River Drainage, the Bonneville cutthroat trout in this drainage historically mixed with Bear River cutthroat trout and cutthroat trout angled in this drainage can count toward either the Bear River or Bonneville cutthroat trout catch, BUT NOT BOTH. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU CLAIM A BEAR RIVER CUTTHROAT TROUT CATCH FROM THE WEBER RIVER, THEN YOU NEED TO CATCH A BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT TROUT FROM A DIFFERENT DRAINAGE AND VICE VERSA.  Any cutthroat trout caught while angling streams in the Utah portion of the Bear River and Weber River (including the Ogden River) drainages will be accepted as BRCT for the Utah Native Cutthroat Slam.   Some headwater lakes in the Bear River have been historically stocked with non-native cutthroat trout. If you wish to angle BRCT from any headwater lakes, check with the Northern Region UDWR Office (801-476-2740) for a list of lakes containing native BRCT. The following areas/streams will provide the best opportunities to catch native Bear River cutthroat trout in Utah:

Upper Bear River: This is the headwater portion of the Bear River, including its’ major tributaries: East Fork, West Fork, Stillwater Fork, Hayden Fork, and Mill Creek. The majority of this area lies on the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest and is easily accessible.

Rich County:

1. Woodruff Creek Reservoir.   This reservoir contains a strong population of native BRCT that can be caught from the shore or from a small boat. The boat ramp at Woodruff Creek Reservoir is rudimentary and the launching of anything but smaller boats is discouraged.
2. Big Creek. A strong population of BRCT remains in the headwaters of Big Creek, however portions of this stream are privately owned so please respect private property. Big Creek is slated for chemical reclamation during the next few years; please contact the Northern Region UDWR Office (801-476-2740) for BRCT fishing opportunities in this stream.
3. Otter Creek (all three headwater forks). This stream is being chemically restored to native BRCT during 2015-2016. Please contact the Northern Region UDWR Office (801-476-2740) for BRCT fishing opportunities in this stream.
4. Bear Lake. Bear Lake is being managed to provide a trophy BRCT fishery and angling opportunities for large BRCT are available year round. Special fishing regulations are present on Bear Lake so check the Fishing Guidebook before planning a trip. Up to date fishing reports are available from the Bear Lake UDWR Field Station at 435-946-8501.

Cache County:

1. Logan River. The Logan River in Logan Canyon (upstream from 3rd dam to the headwaters) is managed for native BRCT. The majority of the Logan River upstream from 3rd Dam is on the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest. The densities of BRCT are strong in the Logan River and its’ tributaries making this a great destination to catch a pure, native BRCT. Special fishing regulations are present in the Logan River so check the Fishing Guidebook before planning a trip.
2. Blacksmith Fork River. A small population of BRCT remains in the Blacksmith Fork River. The Left Hand Fork, Rock Creek, and Curtis Creek, all tributaries of the Blacksmith Fork, contain larger populations of native BRCT.

Weber and Ogden Rivers: Special fishing regulations are present in portions of the Weber River Drainage so check the Fishing Guidebook before planning a trip.

1. The Weber River from the confluence with the Ogden River upstream to Echo Dam is managed by the UDWR for native cutthroat trout (Bear River/Bonneville cutthroat trout).
2. The Weber River and its’ tributaries from the town of Oakley, UT upstream to the headwaters is managed by the UDWR for native cutthroat trout (Bear River/Bonneville cutthroat trout).
3. Beaver Creek ( upstream from Kamas)
4. South Fork of the Ogden River
5. Wheeler Creek. Angling conditions can be tough as Wheeler Creek is a small, brushy stream.
6. Wolf Creek. Angling conditions can be tough as Wolf Creek is a small, brushy stream.

Where to Catch Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT) are native to the Snake River Drainage and in Utah their distribution is limited to the northwest corner of the state. Historically, YCT occurred in Goose Creek and the Raft River drainages in Utah, but presently populations only occur in the Raft River drainage. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) is working on establishing more populations of YCT that are accessible to anglers in the Raft River drainage. Any cutthroat trout caught in the Utah portion of the Raft River Drainage will be accepted for the Utah Native Cutthroat Slam, however, these streams will provide the best opportunities to catch this native fish in Utah:

Johnson Creek: Brook trout were chemically removed from this stream in 2013-2014. The genetically pure population of YCT located in the headwaters is beginning to build in numbers and slowly disperse downstream. For the next few years, the concentration of YCT will be in the headwater tributary, the Left Hand Fork, however, YCT will be present throughout the Sawtooth National Forest portion of this stream in the near future.

Onemile Creek/Sawmill Canyon: Yellowstone cutthroat trout are the only species of trout in Onemile Creek and its’ tributary, Sawmill Canyon. Yellowstone cutthroat trout occur in good densities in both of these streams on the Sawtooth National Forest, but angling conditions can be tough as these are small, brushy streams.

Wildcat Creek: Yellowstone cutthroat trout are the only species of trout in Wildcat Creek on the Sawtooth National Forest. The population of YCT has been depressed since a wildfire in the mid 2000s, however YCT that would have been lost in the chemical treatment of Johnson Creek recently were transplanted into Wildcat Creek during 2012-2013. These fish should help this population continue to build post-wildfire. The best bet to catch fish in this stream is in the headwaters, downstream from the two headwater forks. Angling conditions can be tough as Wildcat Creek is a small, brushy stream.

For those unfamiliar with this part of Utah, please contact the Northern Region Office (801-476-2740) and ask for a fisheries biologist that can discuss streams in the Raft River.

Where to Catch Colorado River Cutthroat Trout

Colorado River cutthroat trout (CRCT) are native to streams that flow into the Green and Colorado rivers. Any cutthroat trout caught while angling streams that are tributaries to the Green or Colorado rivers will be accepted as a CRCT for the Utah Native Cutthroat Slam.   Some headwater lakes in the Uinta Mountains have been historically stocked with non-native cutthroat trout. If you wish to angle CRCT from headwater lakes in the Uinta Mountains, check with the Northern Region UDWR Office (801-476-2740) or Northeastern Region UDWR Office (435-781-9453) for a list of lakes containing native CRCT. While many of the streams containing CRCT in Utah are remote and access can be difficult, the following areas/streams will provide the best opportunities to catch native Colorado River cutthroat trout in Utah:

North Slope of the Uinta Mountains:

1. East Fork of the Blacks Fork
2. Little East Fork of the Blacks Fork. While this reach is remote, a trail does parallel the stream.
3. West Fork of the Smiths Fork
4. Gilbert Creek. This stream was chemically restored to native CRCT in the early 2000s. Angling conditions can be tough as Gilbert Creek is a small, brushy stream.
5. Henrys Fork. While this reach is remote, a trail does parallel the stream.
6. Burnt Fork and tributaries
7. North and South Forks of Sheep Creek
8. Sheep Creek Lake

South Slope of the Uinta Mountains:

1. Main stem Whiterocks River from Chepeta Lake outlet to lower Whiterocks Canyon.
2. Reader Creek: CRCT densities are highest upstream of Chepeta Road Crossing.
3. East Fork Whiterocks River
4. Uinta River lower canyon upstream to headwater tributaries. While this reach is remote, a trail does parallel the stream.
5. Yellowstone River
6. Garfield Creek
7. Hells Canyon Creek. Angling conditions can be tough as Hells Canyon Creek is a small, brushy stream.
8. Lake Fork River upstream from Moon Lake
9. Crater Lake outlet to confluence with the Lake Fork River
10. Rock Creek upstream of Upper Stillwater Reservoir. While this reach is remote, a trail does parallel the stream.
11. Fall Creek. While this reach is remote, a trail does parallel the stream.
12. Outlet tributaries to Jody and Boot lakes
13. South Fork of Rock Creek
14. West Fork of the Duchesne River
15. Currant Creek Reservoir and tributaries

North Tavaputs Plateau:

1. Willow Creek (tributary to Strawberry River downstream from Soldier Creek Dam)
2. Timber Canyon Creek
3. Lake Canyon Lake
4. West Willow Creek
5. She Canyon Creek including headwater tributaries

Southeastern Utah: (for more information contact the Southeastern UDWR Office 435-613-3700)

1. White River (Right, Left, and Middle Forks)
2. Scad Valley Creek
3. Ferron Reservoir
4. Duck Creek reservoir (including tributaries)

Fremont River:

1. UM Creek
2. Pine Creek (south of Bicknell)

Escalante River:

1. East and West Forks of Boulder Creek
2. Pine Creek (upstream of the Box)
3. Twitchell Creek
4. White Creek

Southern Utah Lakes:  CRCT are stocked annually in several Boulder Mountain lakes, including Dougherty Basin Lake, Round Willow Bottom Reservoir, Long Willow Bottom Reservoir, Pine Creek Reservoir, Solitaire Lake, Crescent Lake, and Short Lake. Several other lakes on Boulder Mountain and Thousand Lake Mountain have had non-native cutthroat trout stocked historically. For a full list of lakes stocked with CRCT, refer to the Boulder Mountain Sport Fish Management Plan, Boulder Mountain fishing brochure, or call the Southern Region Office at 435-865-6100.