Cutbow Trout

The cutbow is a hybrid trout resulting from the crossbreeding of rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Found in various parts of North America, especially where the habitats of the parent species overlap, cutbows exhibit features of both species. Known for their aggressive feeding behavior and adaptability, they are popular targets for anglers.
Length~35 (max 50)
Weight~2 (max 3)
WaterFresh, brackish
Water Temp4-10° F
- Other names-
- Length~35 (max 50)
- Weight~2 (max 3)
- WaterFresh, brackish
- Water Temp4-10° F
Popular lures for Cutbow Trout
Regulation for Cutbow Trout
- SeasonAlways open
- Bag limit4
- Vessel limit-
- Trophy limits-
- Max size-
- Min sizeNo
- Measurement-
- Prohibited methods-
Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- Cutbows inhabit rivers, streams, and lakes with clear, cold water
- They thrive in areas with abundant cover like rocks, logs, and vegetation
- Their diet includes insects, small fish, and crustaceans, making them opportunistic feeders
- Juveniles prefer shallow, slower-moving waters with plenty of hiding spots
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- Spawning occurs in spring, often in gravel-bottomed streams
- Hybrid offspring result from interbreeding between rainbow and cutthroat trout during overlapping spawning seasons
- Eggs are laid in nests (redds) dug by females in stream beds
- Juveniles emerge and stay in nursery habitats before moving to larger bodies of water as they mature