Same Fish, Different Day

We've seen the physical changes salmon and steelehead undergo as they return to freshwater to spawn but what about searun Cutthroat Trout? Recapture rates remain high for our Coastal Cutthroat Campaign in Puget Sound, giving us the opportunity to see the subtle shape-shifting that occurs for Cutthroat prior returning to freshwater.

This 18-inch long Coastal Cutthroat captured today had grown half an inch since we saw it in December about 20 yards down the beach. With darkening spots, yellowing body color, elongated teeth, and increased weight, we expect to track this tagged sea trout as it moves onto the spawning grounds sooner rather than later.