ECOLOGICAL DATA
Distribution: spawn in small, low gradient streams or
tributaries of larger drainages; common in shallow nearshore.
Habitat: enter natal streams to feed and spawn from Jul-Feb (Sep-Oct for larger
rivers and Jan-Feb for small streams); spawn from Dec-May in gravel redds in streams;
alevins (24 mm) emerge from gravel during Jun and Jul; juveniles rear in freshwater for
2-3 yr; at 10-25 cm smolts migrate during April and May to estuaries and marine water;
reside close to shore, usually over cobble/sand beaches influenced by freshwater source (e.g.
creek or stream); usually remain close to natal estuary (within 10 km), but may range up
to 70 km; immatures and adults return to overwinter in freshwater streams in fall and
return to estuarine areas in spring; adults hold in tidal pools as early as Jul in
preparation for spawning migration as 4-5 yr olds.
Tidal elevation: juveniles and adults reside in shallow nearshore.
Food:feed on cobble/sand beaches with freshwater inflows; small fishes
(stickleback, sand lance, herring), salmon eggs and fry, smelt, sculpins, shrimp,
euphausiids.
Predators: harbour seals, mink, otters and birds.
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GROWTH RATE
Reach 1.8 kg and about 50 cm; may live up to 10 yr.
FISHERY
Important sport fish; supports unique beach/estuary sport
fishery.
REFERENCES
Armstrong, R.H. 1971. Age, food, and migration of sea-run
cutthroat trout, Salmo clarki, at Eva, southeastern Alaska. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc.
100: 302-306.
Burns, T. 1980. Coastal cutthroat trout in British Columbia. B.C. Min. Environ. Fish
Wildl. Branch, Victoria: 4 p.
Giger, R.D. 1972. Ecology and management of coastal cutthroat trout in Oregon. Ore.
State Game. Comm., Fish. Res. Rep. 6: 61 p.
Guiguet, T. 1980. An annotated bibliography on the utilization of estuarine habitats
by cutthroat and steelhead trout and Dolly Varden char. Hab. Protect. Sec. Fish. Wildl.
Branch, Min. Environ.: 12 p.
Johnston, J.M. 1981. Life histories of anadromous cutthroat with emphasis on migratory
behaviour, p. 123-127. In E.L. Brannon and E.O. Salo [ed.] Salmon and trout
migratory behaviour symposium. Univ. Wash., Seattle.
Pauley, G.B., K. Oshima, K.L. Bowers, and G.L. Thomas. 1989. Species profiles: life
histories and environmental requirements of coastal fishes and invertebrates (Pacific
Northwest) - sea-run cutthroat trout. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv. Biol Rep. 82(11.86). U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, TR EL-82-4: 21 p.
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