Where to Catch Bonneville Cutthroat Trout

Bonneville cutthroat trout (BCT) are native to streams that terminate in the Bonneville Basin, excluding the Bear River. While the Bear River terminates in the Bonneville Basin, these cutthroat trout have evolved on a separate path from other Bonneville cutthroat trout because of a historic stream capture of the Bear River from the Snake River to the Bonneville Basin. Any cutthroat trout caught while angling streams in the Bonneville Basin will be accepted as BCT for the Utah Native Cutthroat Slam. While the Weber River (including the Ogden River) is not in the Bear River Drainage, the Bonneville cutthroat trout in these drainages historically mixed with Bear River cutthroat trout and cutthroat trout angled in these drainages can count toward either the Bear River or Bonneville cutthroat trout catch, BUT NOT BOTH. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU CLAIM A BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT TROUT CATCH FROM THE WEBER RIVER, THEN YOU NEED TO CATCH A BEAR RIVER CUTTHROAT TROUT FROM A DIFFERENT DRAINAGE AND VICE VERSA. Some headwater lakes in the Weber River and Provo River have been historically stocked with non-native cutthroat trout. If you wish to angle BCT from headwater lakes in these two drainages, check with the Northern Region UDWR Office (801-476-2740) for a list of lakes containing native BCT. The following areas/streams will provide the best opportunities to catch native Bonneville cutthroat trout in Utah:

Weber River: Special fishing regulations are present in portions of the Weber River Drainage so check the Fishing Guidebook before planning a trip.

1. Weber River from the confluence with the Ogden River upstream to Echo Dam is managed by the UDWR for native cutthroat trout (Bear River/Bonneville cutthroat trout). Land on the Weber is primarily privately owned but there are several points of public access through the Walk-In Access program.

2. Weber River and its tributaries from the town of Oakley, UT upstream to the headwaters is managed by the UDWR for native cutthroat trout (Bear River/Bonneville cutthroat trout).

3. Beaver Creek (upstream from Kamas) is managed by the UDWR for native cutthroat trout (Bear River/Bonneville cutthroat trout).

Ogden River:

1. South Fork of the Ogden River
2. Wheeler Creek. Angling conditions can be tough as Wheeler Creek is a small, brushy stream.
3. Wolf Creek. Angling conditions can be tough as Wolf Creek is a small, brushy stream.

Sevier River:

1. Salina Creek: the reach upstream from Interstate 70 will have more pure fish as rainbow trout occur downstream.
2. Manning Creek (Monroe Mountains)
3. Clear Creek and tributaries (65 total stream miles) now contain BCT after extensive restoration efforts.
4. Mammoth Creek upstream of Mammoth Spring
5. East Fork Sevier River in Black Canyon, upper Sevier River, and Asay Creek near Hatch are stocked annually with BCT.
6. Southern Utah Lakes – BCT are stocked annually in Manning Meadow Reservoir, Barney Lake, Pine Lake, Yankee Meadow Reservoir, Upper Enterprise Reservoir, and all three Kent’s Lakes on Beaver Mountain.

Central Region Waters (CRO) where BCT fishing opportunities exist. Below are the waters where Bonneville cutthroat trout present are considered to be genetically pure:

1) American Fork River Drainage

a) Silver Lake Flat Reservoir and Silver Lake are home to BCT and anglers are catching them in the lake, reservoir and Silver Creek both above and below the reservoir.

b) Mary Ellen Gulch, a tributary to the North Fork of American Fork River approximately 4 miles upstream from Tibble Fork Reservoir has a small population of pure BCT for anglers to enjoy.

c) North Fork of American Fork Canyon River below Tibble Fork and above Tibble Fork up to Dutchman Flat and Mineral Basin.

2) Spanish Fork River Drainage

a) Headwaters of Diamond Fork River a tributary to the Spanish Fork River is managed by the UDWR for BCT. The Tributaries include Upper Diamond Fork River, Shingle Mill Creek, Chase and Halls Fork Creek. Each of these creeks were restored for native BCT in 2006 and a fish migration barrier was constructed near Three Forks to prevent other non-native trout species from mixing and competing with the BCT in the 21 miles of these headwaters streams. Diamond Fork itself also has also been stocked with BCT since the 2018 fires.

b) Sixth Water Creek, a tributary to Diamond Fork is also home to catchable BCT. A favorite place to catch these BCT is above and below the Ray’s Valley Bridge area.

c) Right Fork of Clear Creek and Starvation Creek, tributaries to Soldier Creek in the upper portion of Spanish Fork Canyon are managed by UDWR for BCT. Angling conditions can be tough as Clear Creek is a small, brushy stream that is accessed along the northern end of Skyline Drive (USFS Road 150) from HWY 6 and Starvation Creek often runs off-colored.

d) Nebo Creek, Holman Creek and Bennie Creek. Fires in 2018 removed all fish in this drainage. BCT were re-introduced in 2019 and are doing very well.

e) Upper reaches of LF and RF of Hobble Creek and Wadsworth Creek have recently been stocked with BCT. Most fish present in these creeks are brown trout but an occasional BCT can be caught as well.

f) Salt Creek up the Nebo Loop Road in Nephi Canyon now has a small population of BCT. Majority of fish here are brown trout but some BCT are present.

3) Provo River Drainage

a) Upper Provo River is managed by DWR for BCT. The Upper South Fork and its tributaries including Buck Hollow and Benches Creek are the best locations to target BCT in the Upper Provo River area. These streams are small with Benches Creek being very tight and brushy to fish.

b) For viewing purposes only, Cascade Springs is now home to a recently reintroduced population of genetically pure BCT (fall 2017). This is a great place to take the kids to see native BCT in the clear spring pools of Cascade Springs.

4) Jordan River Drainage

a) Mill Creek in Millcreek Canyon just East of Salt Lake City near 3300 south and Wasatch Blvd is home to a completely restored native fish community and includes native BCT from the mouth of the canyon to the headwaters. This is a great place close to home to catch the native BCT.

b) Parley’s Canyon Creek is managed by UDWR for BCT. It runs adjacent to Interstate 80 and is bisected in several locations by the interstate.

c) Mountain Dell Creek a tributary to Little Dell Reservoir is managed by UDWR for BCT. It is also home to brook trout. Catch and release only for BCT and artificial flies and lures only regulations apply.

d) Lambs Canyon Creek is a small very brushy stream where BCT were restored by UDWR and is now managed for BCT. Hard to fish in most stretches due to the brush covering most of the stream.

e) Little Dell Reservoir is managed by DWR as a wild brood population of BCT and is used to supplement all the other BCT populations along the Wasatch Front for both conservation and sportfish purposes. Eggs and milt from adult BCT running up Mountain Dell Creek are collected to be reared for supplemental stocking. Catch and release only of BCT is allowed in this 250-acre reservoir. Brook trout can also be caught and UDWR encourages anglers to harvest a limit of brook trout. Only artificial flies and lures are allowed and no motors or swimming are allowed on the reservoir, float tubes and canoes or kayaks are popular and allowed.

f) Mountain Dell Reservoir was recently drained for dam repairs and it is closed to fishing and trespass to protect water treatment needs. It is home to BCT and UDWR uses this population of BCT as a brood source to supplement the other BCT populations along the Wasatch Front for both conservation and sportfish purposes. Like Little Dell, eggs and milt from adult BCT running up Parley’s Creek are collected to be reared in the hatchery for supplemental stocking.

g) Lower Bells Reservoir is a short hike from Wasatch Blvd area at 3450 E. Little Cottonwood Rd and home to a nice BCT population.

h) Big Cottonwood Canyon Creek in the Cardiff Flat area has been stocked with BCT. Majority of the fish present here are brown trout but one may catch some BCT on occasion.

5) Wasatch Front High Mountain Lakes

a) Several of the High Mountain Lake along the Wasatch Front above the Salt Lake Valley are managed by DWR for BCT and are stocked frequently with native BCT. These lakes include; White Pine Lake, Red Pine Lake and Upper Red Pine Lake all in Little Cottonwood Canyon. These lakes require a 2-3 hour hike on good USFS trails to reach and fish. Upper Bells Reservoir just south of Little Cottonwood Canyon is also home to BCT and requires a 3-hour hike to fish. The streams leaving these reservoirs are also home to native BCT. Twin Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon is managed for BCT and is just a 30-minute hike from the west side of the Brighton Ski Resort parking lot.

6) Deep Creek Mountain Streams

a) Beginning at the southern end of the Deep Creek Range and moving north along the eastern slope the streams are; Trout Creek, Birch and North Fork of Birch Creek, Granite Creek, Red Cedar Creek, Tom’s Creek, Indian Farms Creek and Basin Creek. Each of these streams can be accessed from the valley floor by dirt road and most have limited trails anglers can follow for access to the stream to fish. Tom’s and Indian Farms Creeks have roads that can provide some access to upper reaches of these two streams for additional fishing opportunities. All of these streams are managed by UDWR Central Region Office for and contain genetically pure populations of BCT.

Each of these streams terminate at the valley floor, they are small streams that are very tight and brushy with multiple plunge pools and vertical fish migration barriers throughout the length of the streams. These are very remote streams and receive very little pressure and can be a great place to be alone and have a great fishing experience for Utah’s native BCT.

7) Other Waters

FYI, there are many other waters within the CRO that have cutthroat trout but in many of these other waters the cutthroat would be considered hybridized or not pure BCT so they have not been included in this list. However, for the purposes of the Cutthroat Slam Program these other waters would also qualify for catching BCT within their native range. For more information on these additional angling opportunities or any of those listed above, call the Central Region Office at 801-491-5678.

With any of these streams or fishing in general we would encourage anglers to check the Fishing Guidebook for specific rules and regulations. A few of the waters listed may be catch and release only or require use of artificial flies and lures.

Where to Catch Bear River Cutthroat Trout

Bear River cutthroat trout (BRCT) are native to the Bear River and its tributaries, including Bear Lake. While the Bear River terminates in the Bonneville Basin, these cutthroat trout have evolved on a separate path from other Bonneville cutthroat trout because of a historic stream capture of the Bear River from the Snake River to the Bonneville Basin. This native cutthroat trout subspecies remains abundant and additional pure populations are being protected/restored in Rich County through chemical restoration projects. While the Weber River (including the Ogden River) is not in the Bear River Drainage, the Bonneville cutthroat trout in these drainages historically mixed with Bear River cutthroat trout and cutthroat trout angled in these drainages can count toward either the Bear River or Bonneville cutthroat trout catch, BUT NOT BOTH. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU CLAIM A BEAR RIVER CUTTHROAT TROUT CATCH FROM THE WEBER RIVER, THEN YOU NEED TO CATCH A BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT TROUT FROM A DIFFERENT DRAINAGE AND VICE VERSA. Any cutthroat trout caught while angling streams in the Utah portion of the Bear River and Weber River (including the Ogden River) drainages will be accepted as BRCT for the Utah Native Cutthroat Slam. Some headwater lakes in the Bear River have been historically stocked with non-native cutthroat trout. If you wish to angle BRCT from any headwater lakes, check with the Northern Region UDWR Office (801-476-2740) for a list of lakes containing native BRCT. The following areas/streams will provide the best opportunities to catch native Bear River cutthroat trout in Utah:

Upper Bear River: This is the headwater portion of the Bear River, including its major tributaries: East Fork, West Fork, Stillwater Fork, Hayden Fork, and Mill Creek. The majority of this area lies on the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest and is easily accessible.

Rich County:

1. Woodruff Creek Reservoir. This reservoir contains a strong population of native BRCT that can be caught from the shore or from a small boat. The boat ramp at Woodruff Creek Reservoir is rudimentary and the launching of anything but smaller boats is discouraged.

2. Big Creek. A strong population of BRCT remains in the headwaters of Big Creek, however portions of this stream are privately owned so please respect private property. Big Creek was treated chemically in 2018-2019 to remove nonnative brook trout and the BRCT population is still rebuilding; please contact the Northern Region UDWR Office (801-476-2740) for BRCT fishing opportunities in this stream.

3. Otter Creek (all three headwater forks). This stream was chemically restored to native BRCT during 2015-2016. Please contact the Northern Region UDWR Office (801-476-2740) for BRCT fishing opportunities in this stream.

4. Bear Lake. Bear Lake is being managed to provide a trophy BRCT fishery and angling opportunities for large BRCT are available year-round. Special fishing regulations are present on Bear Lake so check the Fishing Guidebook before planning a trip. Up to date fishing reports are available from the Bear Lake UDWR Field Station at 385-835-1104.

Cache County:

1. Logan River. The Logan River in Logan Canyon (upstream from 3rd dam to the headwaters) is managed for native BRCT. The majority of the Logan River upstream from 3rd Dam is on the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest. The densities of BRCT are strong in the Logan River and its tributaries making this a great destination to catch a pure, native BRCT. Special fishing regulations are present in the Logan River so check the Fishing Guidebook before planning a trip.

2. Blacksmith Fork River. A small population of BRCT remains in the Blacksmith Fork River. The Left Hand Fork, Rock Creek, and Curtis Creek, all tributaries of the Blacksmith Fork, contain larger populations of native BRCT.

Weber and Ogden Rivers: Special fishing regulations are present in portions of the Weber River Drainage so check the Fishing Guidebook before planning a trip.

1. Weber River from the confluence with the Ogden River upstream to Echo Dam is managed by the UDWR for native cutthroat trout (Bear River/Bonneville cutthroat trout). Land on the Weber is primarily privately owned but there are several points of public access through the Walk-In Access program.

2. Weber River and its tributaries from the town of Oakley, UT upstream to the headwaters is managed by the UDWR for native cutthroat trout (Bear River/Bonneville cutthroat trout).

3. Beaver Creek (upstream from Kamas) is managed by the UDWR for native cutthroat trout (Bear River/Bonneville cutthroat trout).

4. South Fork of the Ogden River is managed by the UDWR for native cutthroat trout (Bear River/Bonneville cutthroat trout).

5. Wheeler Creek. Angling conditions can be tough as Wheeler Creek is a small, brushy stream and is managed by the UDWR for native cutthroat trout (Bear River/Bonneville cutthroat trout).

6. Wolf Creek. Angling conditions can be tough as Wolf Creek is a small, brushy stream and is managed by the UDWR for native cutthroat trout (Bear River/Bonneville cutthroat trout).

Where to Catch Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT) are native to the Snake River Drainage and in Utah their distribution is limited to the northwest corner of the state. Historically, YCT occurred in Goose Creek and the Raft River drainages in Utah, but presently populations only occur in the Raft River drainage. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) is working on establishing more populations of YCT that are accessible to anglers in the Raft River drainage. Any cutthroat trout caught in the Utah portion of the Raft River Drainage will be accepted for the Utah Native Cutthroat Slam.

Runoff in the Raft River Mountains typically gets started in April, ramps up in May, and concludes by mid-June. Although there may be limited opportunities for success during the runoff period, the best angling is available during the summer months after spring flows have subsided. The following streams/tributaries should provide the greatest chances of success in the summer and early fall:

Johnson Creek, USFS boundary upstream:

On the road heading west and south from Yost turn left at the ‘Y’ (41.956837, -113.549697), you’ll be on Forest Road (FR) 002 (rough and rocky in places, high clearance vehicle, 4wd recommended). USFS boundary is at (41.927359, -113.560495); fish upstream from here. Brook trout were chemically removed from the lower stretches of this stream in 2013-2014. The genetically pure population of YCT located in the headwaters (Left Hand Fork Johnson Creek and Browns Canyon) have dispersed downstream and are now readily catchable along the length of the creek starting at the Sawtooth National Forest sign. Conditions may be brushy, but to the dedicated angler, plenty of fish are to be found. Johnson Creek currently holds the densest population of YCT in the Raft River Mtns.

Onemile Creek/Sawmill Canyon:

From Onemile Road (FR 005) (41.971440, -113.427820), hike and fish a short piece of Onemile Creek into Sawmill Canyon; or from FR 005 turn onto FR 005A, travel half a mile (41.961575, -113.438163), then hike a short distance down the hill east to Sawmill Canyon. Yellowstone cutthroat trout are the only species of trout in Onemile Creek and its tributary, Sawmill Canyon. Yellowstone cutthroat occur in both of these streams on the Sawtooth National Forest, but angling conditions can be tough as these are small, brushy streams. The best angling opportunity in the Onemile Creek drainage is up Sawmill Canyon, so be careful of which creek you fish past the confluence of Onemile Creek and the Sawmill Canyon tributary. If you stay on Onemile Creek past the confluence, you might not see any fish!

George Creek, headwaters below Cabin Spring:

Take FR 005 to the top of the divide between George Creek and Onemile Creek, turn south on FR 011 (41.935677, -113.477707) (rough and rocky, high clearance vehicle, 4wd recommended), wind your way around and across the top of the mountain for 5 miles, park at the split in the road (there might be a Forest Service “Authorized Use Only” sign); hike 1 mile downstream (west) and fish below Cabin Spring (41.912887, -113.430001), the main tributary entering from the north/northwest; there is a piece of private land a short distance downstream of Cabin Spring that may be posted “No Trespassing” — if so, you may have to hike to the west and north of the creek around the private property to get back to USFS property downstream

These are small streams with small populations of cutthroat trout. Casting will be difficult or impossible in many places, and you may have to cover a lot of stream in order to find success. However, it is possible to catch fish in all of these drainages. For more information, please call the Northern Region Office at 801-476-2740.

Where to Catch Colorado River Cutthroat Trout

Colorado River cutthroat trout (CRCT) are native to streams that flow into the Green and Colorado rivers. Any cutthroat trout caught while angling streams that are tributaries to the Green or Colorado rivers will be accepted as a CRCT for the Utah Native Cutthroat Slam. Some headwater lakes in the Uinta Mountains have been historically stocked with non-native cutthroat trout. If you wish to angle CRCT from headwater lakes in the Uinta Mountains, check with the Northern Region UDWR Office (801-476-2740) or Northeastern Region UDWR Office (435-781-9453) for a list of lakes containing native CRCT. While many of the streams containing CRCT in Utah are remote and access can be difficult, the following areas/streams will provide the best opportunities to catch native CRCT in Utah:

North Slope of the Uinta Mountains:

1.  East Fork of the Blacks Fork
2.  Little East Fork of the Blacks Fork. While this reach is remote, a trail does parallel the stream.
3. West Fork of the Smiths Fork
4. Gilbert Creek. This stream was restored to native CRCT in the early 2000s. Angling conditions can be tough as Gilbert Creek is a small, brushy stream.
5. Henrys Fork. While this reach is remote, a trail does parallel the stream.
6. Burnt Fork and tributaries
7. North and Middle Forks of Sheep Creek (South Fork Sheep Creek currently undergoing cutthroat restoration and is currently likely fishless) and Sheep Creek Lake

South Slope of the Uinta Mountains:

Genetically pure populations:

• Mainstem Whiterocks River from Chepeta Lake outlet to Whiterocks Forest Service campground.
• Reader Creek: CRCT densities are highest upstream of Chepeta Road Crossing.
• Lynn Creek
• Hells Canyon Creek. Angling conditions can be tough as Hells Canyon Creek is a small, brushy stream
• Crater Lake outlet to confluence with the Lake Fork River
• Rock Creek Headwaters Outlet tributaries of Doug and Boot lakes and Jody and Bench Lakes
• South Fork of Rock Creek
• West Fork of the Duchesne River
• South Brownie Creek

Some Hybridization with Yellowstone, Bonneville or Rainbows:

• East Fork Whiterocks River
• Uinta River lower canyon upstream to headwater tributaries. While this reach is remote, a trail does parallel the stream.
• Yellowstone River from Swift Creek trailhead upstream and Garfield Creek
• Lake Fork River upstream and downstream of Moon Lake, downstream to Forest boundary
• Rock Creek upstream of Upper Stillwater Reservoir. While this reach is remote, a trail does parallel the stream.
• Currant Creek Reservoir and tributaries
• Red Creek Reservoir and Red Creek tributary. Highest densities are found in the upper reach. Angling conditions can be tough as Red Creek is a small, brushy stream.

North Tavaputs Plateau:

1. Willow Creek (tributary to Strawberry River downstream from Soldier Creek Dam)
2. Timber Canyon Creek and Lake Canyon Lake
3. West Willow Creek and She Canyon Creek including headwater tributaries
4. Strawberry River (from the Pinnacles upstream to Soldier Creek dam)
5. West Fork Avintaquin Creek (from DWR WMA property boundary to headwaters)
6. Meadow Creek

Southeastern Utah: (for more information contact the Southeastern UDWR Office 435-613-3700)

1. White River (Right, Left, and Middle Forks), Scad Valley Creek near Miller Flat Reservoir area
2. Ferron Reservoir and Ferron Creek (including tributaries Cove, Indian and Big Bear Creeks) as well as Duck Fork reservoir (including tributaries and outflow) and Millsite Reservoir
3. Range Creek

Fremont River:

1. UM Creek and Pine Creek (south of Bicknell)

Escalante River:

1. East and West Forks of Boulder Creek
2. Pine Creek (upstream of the Box), Twitchell Creek and White Creek

Southern Utah Lakes: CRCT are stocked annually in several Boulder Mountain lakes, including Dougherty Basin Lake, Round Willow Bottom Reservoir, Long Willow Bottom Reservoir, Pine Creek Reservoir, Solitaire Lake, Crescent Lake, and Short Lake. For a full list of lakes stocked with CRCT, refer to the DWR stocking report (https://dwrapps.utah.gov/fishstocking/Fish) or call the Southern Region Office at 435-865-6100.