Species / Cutthroat Trout / California
Trout & Salmon
Cutthroat Trout Fishing in California
The native trout of the interior and coastal West, with Yellowstone, westslope, Lahontan, greenback, and coastal subspecies. Cutthroat rise readily to dry flies in summer.
Best Months: Jun to Sep
Plan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Cutthroat Trout
3 picks for October.
Parachute Adams #12-20
FlyDry Fly
Shop This FlyPat's Rubber Legs #4-10
FlyNymph
Shop This FlyWoolly Bugger #2-10
FlyStreamer
Shop This Fly
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Rod & Reel
Cutthroat Trout Setup
Cutthroat Trout
Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, floating line, 9 ft 4X leader. Big foam dries and hoppers in summer.
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb line.
California
Where to Catch Cutthroat Trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · California
Mammoth Lakes Basin
Crowley Lake and the Convict area hold big browns and rainbows in the Eastern Sierra.
Brown Trout · Rainbow Trout · Lahontan Cutthroat
Rivers & Streams · California
Truckee River
Flows from Lake Tahoe through Reno. Wild trout in the upper canyon, hatchery rainbows below.
Rainbow Trout · Brown Trout · Lahontan Cutthroat
California
Shops to Stock Up
Recommended
Gear for Cutthroat Trout
Fly Rods
Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.
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Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.
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Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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RIO Gold Fly Line
A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.
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Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line
A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.
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RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
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RIO Tapered Trout Leaders
Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Simms Freestone Wading Boots
Supportive boots with good grip on slick rock.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Trout Fly Assortment
A starter mix of proven dries and nymphs for Western and Eastern trout water.
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