Fishing Forum

[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I was wondering if anyone could help me out with this question.[/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Is there a sure fire way to tell if you’ve got a Brown or a Cutthroat trout ?[/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I know on the Cutthroat there are some red markings under the jaws but it’s not always that visible or even there. I also thought they have an orange tint to the lower fins, but that’s not always there or visible either. To me some of the Cutthroats look a lot like a German Brown. So now that I sound like a complete “trout moron”, can someone give me an easy way to tell if I have a German Brown or a Cutthroat?[/size][/font]
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[url "http://dwrcdc.nr.utah.gov/rsgis2/Search/Display.asp?FlNm=salmtrut"]Brown[/url]

[url "http://dwrcdc.nr.utah.gov/rsgis2/Search/Display.asp?FlNm=oncoclut"]Cutts[/url]

Check out the above links.

There are a few different strains of cutthroat trout in Utah.

Most cutts (especially the Bonneville which is above) will have red on the gill plate, and the distinct slashes under the jaws. Their spots are normally a solid black. You'll also notice that the spots are more concentrated in the back end of the fish and on the back.

Depending on what environment the browns live in they vary from a dark yellowish brown color, to an almost solver color. Most of the silver colored ones will come from stillwater I have noticed. The spots are more evenly distributed on the body, and many of the spots are multie colored. Red spot with a black ring is somewhat normal, but I have seen other brilliant colors as well.

Check out the link below. We have some great specimans on both in the trophy room.

Hope this helps. []
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To start, at least you have caught a trout even if it is difficult to identify.[cool] That is better than no trout at all.

From what I know and have experienced, it is very easy to tell the difference between a Brown and a cutt while river fishing. It becomes difficult however when lake fishing as browns take on a more silver appearane and all their bright markings are generally faded. I have found that Cutts look pretty close to the same in both rivers and lakes - it is those browns in the lakes that change colors. Cutt's will almost always have the slash and their spots will be the same color. Browns have both red and black spots, although faded at times and will never have a slash mark. It can still be hard sometimes but just look a little harder and it is usually becomes clear.
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If it fought well it was a brown, if it didn't it was a cutt. Just kidding guys, but I have little respect for cutthroats. I know we need to protect them and all, but I think they are way over rated.
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