Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroat trout are the native trout of the Pacific Northwest — wild, beautiful, and deeply connected to the rivers and streams of Oregon and Washington. Named for the distinctive red slash marks beneath their jaw, cutthroat are willing risers to dry flies and an ideal target for anglers of all skill levels. At NWFFO, we have a deep appreciation for these native fish and the wild places they call home.
Seasons & Prime Waters
Cutthroat trout fishing is best from late spring through fall (May through October), with dry fly fishing peaking during summer caddis and terrestrial seasons. Key PNW waters include:
- McKenzie River — classic drift boat fishery for native cutthroat
- Clackamas River & Tributaries — excellent native cutthroat water close to Portland
- Willamette River tributaries — accessible cutthroat fishing throughout the Willamette Valley
- Oregon coastal streams — virtually every coastal river and stream holds native cutthroat
- Washington coastal streams — strong cutthroat populations throughout the Coast Range drainages
- Cowlitz River (WA) — good cutthroat fishing in the upper river and tributaries
- Lewis River (WA) — native cutthroat in the upper river and forks
- Cascade mountain streams — small stream cutthroat fishing at its purest
- Yakima River (WA) — westslope cutthroat in Central Washington
- Upper Columbia tributaries (WA) — remote cutthroat in stunning high country
Recommended Gear
Cutthroat trout are forgiving targets, but reward anglers who fish light and precisely.
Rods
A 9-foot 4 or 5-weight is perfect for most cutthroat fishing. For small mountain streams, a 7.5 or 8-foot 3-weight is ideal — short enough to navigate tight brush and delicate enough for small flies.
Reels & Lines
A weight-forward floating line is all you need for cutthroat. Match it to your rod weight and keep it simple — cutthroat aren’t line-shy like brown trout.
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Leaders & Tippet
A standard 9-foot 4X or 5X leader covers most situations. Cutthroat are generally less leader-shy than browns, but finer tippet improves presentation on clear, low water.
Waders & Boots
Lightweight breathable waders work well for summer cutthroat fishing. For small stream fishing, wet wading in warm months is a great option.
Flies That Work
Cutthroat are enthusiastic dry fly eaters — one of the reasons they’re so beloved by PNW anglers.
Dry Flies
Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulff, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Humpy, Chernobyl Ant
Nymphs
Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail, Prince Nymph, Copper John
Streamers
Woolly Bugger, Muddler Minnow — effective in larger rivers and for bigger fish
Book a Guided Cutthroat Trout Trip
Our guides know the best cutthroat water in Oregon and Washington — from classic drift boat rivers to hidden mountain streams. Whether you’re introducing a new angler to fly fishing or looking for a memorable day on the water, cutthroat trips are some of our favorites to guide.
Learn to Fly Fish for Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroat trout are an excellent species for beginning fly fishers. Our classes are designed to get you on the water quickly with the skills to catch fish — and cutthroat are the perfect teacher.