Alaska Cutthroat Trout Fishing.

The sea-run cutthroat trout is extensively sought by anglers through the coastal rivers and streams of Southeast Alaska, and Prince William Sound. Although the best fishing takes place in the fall, a fair amount of fishing does exist year round. The sea-run cutthroat of Alaska is highly sought after by fly-fishermen within the Southeast Alaska streams.

Distribution: Cutthroat trout are found as both sea-run and resident trout in many of the streams and lakes along the coastal range from lower Southeast Alaska to Prince William Sound making them the most common trout species in that region. The resident form of Cutthroat trout lives in a wide variety of habitats from small headwater tributaries and bog ponds to large lakes and rivers. But it’s the sea-run cutthroat that are most often sought after in the rivers and streams of the Coastal Alaska Panhandle.

Feeding Habits: Like the Rainbow Trout, the Cutthroat Trout is also an opportunistic feeders praying upon the insects that are found in the particular river or stream. Insects and larva are the principal food for most cutthroat in Alaska. Other foods, such as small fish, salmon eggs, and Caddisfly Larva, (periwinkles) are common foods when available or in season. Many of the coastal cutthroat stocks time their runs to overlap with the availability of salmon eggs in the streams. Cutthroat trout become more opportunistic in their feeding as they grow in size.

Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska.

We were asked as to where our favorite Cutthroat fishing location in Alaska would be. Without hesitation our answer would have to be the many small pristine coastal stream along the coast of Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska. Most of the Cutthroat we caught ranged from 10-15 inches with the largest having been a 19 incher that really put on a show. These determined little sea run trout leave no shortage of action. We often found ourselves, on our last trip to this area, catching and releasing these trout till our arms were aching.

We typically arrange our trips around the salmon runs and found that this is also a great time for fishing for these Sea Run Cutthroat that follow the salmon into the streams. The road system on this island allows decent access to plenty of fishing areas. We especially like the areas around Craig and Klawock but then that’s where we spend the majority of our time.

Additional Cutthroat Fishing in Alaska.

Add your memories from .