Author: (Richardson, 1836)
FBname: Cutthroat trout
Remark: Synonymy to clarify with <i>Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi</i> (Girard, 1856) [or Suckley, 1874?].
Comments: Prefers relatively small streams, with gravel bottoms and gentle gradients.  Spawning adults migrate from the sea into streams to spawn (Ref. 27547).  The young fish usually stay in the stream for a year or two before entering the sea, but some populations never got to sea at all.  In rare cases, some individuals of sea-going populations, may remain in fresh water for as long as eight years (Ref. 28866, 28869).  Feeds on small fishes, crustaceans, and insects (Ref. 4925).  The flesh is orange-red and of excellent flavor (Ref. 27547).  Utilized fresh and eaten fried, broiled, and baked (Ref. 9988).  This species does not compete well with other fish, tends to hybridize, and is unable to withstand fishing pressure = depletion of stocks.