Cutthroat Trout are native to the cold-water rivers flowing into the Pacific Ocean as well as the rivers of the Rocky Mountains, and Great Basin of North America. Resident Cutthroat Trout mature in freshwater rivers and/or lakes over the course of 2-3 years. There are 14 subspecies of Cutthroat Trout found in North America, including Coastal Cutthroat Trout, which can exhibit limited anadromy, using near-shore Pacific Ocean habitats to feed and grow. Cutthroat Trout spawn during the spring and generally do not die after spawning. Cutthroat Trout can interbreed with Rainbow Trout, producing fertile hybrids, commonly known as “cutbows.”
