Fin's Fish Guide
The Clark's trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 99 cm.
Western North America, in streams, rivers and lakes; some populations migrate from the sea up the rivers to spawn.
Description
The cutthroat trout is a salmonid (family Salmonidae) of western North America. The species can grow to about a metre but usually stays much smaller, and has a streamlined, greenish to golden body with numerous dark spots and a characteristic red to orange slash under the lower jaw, which gives it its name. It prefers small streams with gravel bottoms and gentle gradients; some populations migrate from the sea into rivers to spawn, while young fish stay in the stream for a year or two. Its diet consists of insects, crustaceans and small fishes. It is a prized sport and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Clark's trout?
The Clark's trout has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern. Red to orange stripe under the lower jaw ('cutthroat'); both freshwater and sea-migrating forms.
Where does the Clark's trout live?
The Clark's trout lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western North America, in streams, rivers and lakes; some populations migrate from the sea up the rivers to spawn.
How big does the Clark's trout get?
The Clark's trout grows to a maximum of about 99 cm.
Is the Clark's trout dangerous to humans?
No, the Clark's trout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Clark's trout edible?
Yes, the Clark's trout is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Clark's trout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Clark's trout is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Oncorhynchus
More from the family Salmonidae
Want the complete picture on the Clark's trout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Clark's trout is one of 12,519 species in the app.