Where are the Trout?

Brooks, Cutts, Bows, and Browns

The four most common species of trout you will find in the Rockies are brooks, cutthroats, rainbows, and browns. Each species has preferences to water temperature, current speed, and holding water. 

Browns- Usually found in the lower portion of a river. Browns prefer warmer water than the other species. Look for them near log jams, overhanging brush, and behind diversion dams. Browns generally don't like swift water. Look for them in cover just after a run. 

Big Lost bows have beautiful color

Rainbows- Often found in the same water as browns, but they like water a little cooler. They also hold in faster currents than the other species of trout. When I fish for rainbows I make a mental note to place my fly in faster water. Rainbows love to hold behind rocks in the middle or end of a run. The transition from the run to pool is also dynamite. Especially in freestone streams. (Note: If you fish the Boise in town you will notice there are more rainbows in the upper portion of the river, and more browns starting around Eagle Island.) 

I love the coloring on Cutts

Cutts- They often hold in about the same water as rainbows, but I would say they like water just a bit cooler than rainbows. Often you will find Cutts at higher elevations. I  find cutts congregated at the end of the run or in the beginning portion of a pool. Big boulders and logs are hot spots for these guys. (Note: I would recommend making a trip to the Middle Fork of the Salmon in July or August. The Cutthroat fishing is great and the scenery is awesome.) 

Brookies- If you want to catch brook trout it usually means getting in your car and start climbing. Brookies can survive in water that is inhabitable for the other three. They are found in the most upper reaches of rivers (generally high mountain streams.) They generally don't get as big as the others species due to the lower amounts of aquatic life in high elevation streams. A fifteen inch brook is nothing to laugh at. Brookies have to be opportunistic so throw a stimulator pattern near cover, and they will come get it.