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© 2026 Barbless.co. Flow and gauge data from USGS; weather from Open-Meteo. · v2026.10.18.2

  1. Home
  2. Fish
  3. Trout
  4. Cutbow Trout

Updated June 25, 2026

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Cutbow Trout: fish species profile

Fish › Trout

TroutSalmonidae

Cutbow Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii × mykiss

A hard-fighting trout hybrid found where rainbow and cutthroat waters overlap in eastern Idaho.

Overview

Size range

12–39 in

Size range

12–39 in

Size range

Typical adult length in the waters we cover.

Water temperature

Coldwater

Water temperature

Coldwater

Water temperature

Preferred thermal regime for this species.

Active season

Year round

Active season

Year round

Active season

When anglers most often encounter this species.

Origin

Hybrid

Origin

Hybrid

Origin

Stocking and native history where this species is found.

Habitat

Rivers & Large Rivers, Lakes & Reservoirs

Habitat

Rivers & Large Rivers, Lakes & Reservoirs

Habitat

Primary water types where this species is found.

About Cutbow Trout

Cutbows are hybrids of rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Idaho anglers most often run into them in cold eastern Idaho rivers such as the Henrys Fork, South Fork Snake, Snake, and Teton where both parent species occur.

Cutbow Trout Silhouette

Cutbow Trout species silhouette
Primary

Behavior

spawning
As a trout hybrid, cutbows are associated with gravel-bottom stream habitats used by trout for spawning.
feeding style
Feeds on insects, crustaceans, and small fish, and will take drifting food in current.
seasonal notes
Most active in cold, productive river systems; fish often key on aquatic insect hatches but can also chase minnows and other larger prey.

Habitat

water types
rivers, streams, coldwater
preferred holds
Look for them in cold currents with gravelly runs, riffles, seams, and deeper pools near feeding lanes.

Where Found

Blue Ribbon waters

  • Cutbow trout

    Henrys Fork of the Snake River

  • Cutbow trout

    Henrys Fork of the Snake River, Box Canyon to Riverside

  • Cutbow trout

    Henrys Fork of the Snake River, Headwaters to Box Canyon

  • Cutbow trout

    Henrys Fork of the Snake River, Riverside to Mouth / terminus

  • Cutbow trout

    South Fork Snake River

  • Cutbow trout

    Teton River

Recommended waters

  • Cutbow trout

    Bitch Creek

  • Cutbow trout

    Snake River, Osgood Diversion Dam to Henrys Fork

Diet

They feed on insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

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  • Pink AlbertInferred
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  • SculpinInferred
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  • TricoInferred
  • Yellow SallyInferred

Angler Tactics

tactics
Match insect activity when fish are rising, then switch to nymphs or small streamers through seams, riffles, and deeper slots. In larger rivers, cover water and watch for fish holding where current delivers food.
effective methods
dry flies, nymphs, streamers, spinners, small spoons

Regulations

Regulations can vary by river section and may follow trout rules rather than a separate cutbow listing. Always check the specific Idaho Fish and Game seasons and rules for the exact water you plan to fish.

Regulations vary by water. Check current Idaho Fish and Game rules before fishing.

Conservation

Status: Hybrid, rainbow trout × cutthroat trout

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OverviewSilhouetteBehaviorHabitatWhere FoundDietAngler TacticsRegulationsConservation

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On this profile

  • 8 waters
  • 25 food sources
  • 1 photo