By Daryl Bauer, Fisheries Outreach Program Manager
I have written several blogs about hybrid fish that can be found in Nebraska (e.g. Hybrids–More Sunfish, Hybrids, Walleye-Sauger). Going to return to that topic today with another one. . . .
For the first time this fall, cutthroat X rainbow trout hybrids were stocked in Lake Ogallala. Cutthroat trout have been stocked in the state going back to 1988. Of course the stocking of rainbow trout goes back A LOT further than that. The first rainbow stockings listed in the stocking database occurred in 1928. I am sure other stockings occurred before then.
I will not tell you that anglers have not seen a rainbow or two from Nebraska waters in the past that appeared to have some cutthroat trout blood in them. Will tell you this is the first time that cuttbows have been intentionally stocked.
Also not going to tell you that there has been any particular reason for stocking cuttbows other than they are available, relatively easy to raise, appear relatively easy to catch, and will provide some more variety for Nebraska anglers.
Do not know that I have any particular wizardry for identifying cuttbows. . . .
Generally, cutthroat trout have fewer spots than rainbows with those spots concentrated towards the tail. Cutthroats also have small teeth on the base of the tongue while rainbows do not. There can be differences in the number of lateral line scales and dorsal fin rays, but you know in most cases neither you nor I are going to make identification by those details.
I will always tell you that coloration of fish can vary a lot. For that reason identification solely by appearance or coloration can be misleading. On the other hand, you know I am going to show photos:
Notice of course the red slash under the “chin” of that fish. Obviously, that was a cutthroat trout.
Coloration of rainbow trout can vary greatly depending on sex, sexual maturity, water quality, diet, etc. I hesitate to show any photo of a rainbow and say that is the quintessential rainbow trout. There is so much variability in appearance. However, if I must:
Again, the hybrid cuttbows will have a combination of characteristics of both parent species. Generally, they look like rainbow trout with some cutthroat attributes.
I have been to Lake Ogallala this fall. Have caught several of the recently-stocked cuttbows. From what I have seen, they look like rainbows with a light-colored slash under the jaw:
I saw a lot of variation in coloration, but the faint chin slash was consistent.
Does it make much difference? Nope. Cutthroats, rainbows, cuttbows, they are all fun to catch; all purdy too. On the other hand, take a closer look, you might have caught something interesting.