High Plains Drifters

FFI Cutt Slam

   Since we have revealed our new club challenge involving the Cutthroat trout of Colorado, and some are familiar with the Wyoming Cutt Slam, i also came across other challenges through FFI ,other states and some fly clubs in neighboring states, and those are what i am going to be sharing here and other blog post in the near future, The FFI challenge is being shared in this article and is also available on the FFI website under the conservation tab on the homepage. Tightlines and happy travels if some of you should decide to attempt other challenges, please share pictures and stories of your travels and successes.

 

  

CONSERVATION

 

Cuttcatch Project Recognizes Species Diversity

The Cuttcatch Project is part of an effort by FFI to express the value of species diversity in fisheries. The project is designed to help flyfishers appreciate diversity of native species in general and, in this particular case, value the many subspecies of cutthroat trout. Historically, 14 subspecies of cutthroat trout once existed. Presently, 12 subspecies exist in some portion of their historic native range. Learning to value these cutthroat in their native range is a critical first step for their recovery.

To aid in their recovery, the Cuttcatch Project encourages the flyfisher to collect memories of the different species caught and released. Those FFI members who successfully catch four subspecies of cutthroat trout will receive an FFI hat and certificate in recognition of their accomplishment.

Fly Fishers catching and documenting all 12 subspecies will be eligible for the All Cuttcatch award.

12 Subspecies of Cutthroat Trout

Bonneville cutthroat
Oncorhynchus clarki utah

Coastal cutthroat
O.c. clarki

Colorado River cutthroat
O. c. pleuriticus

Greenback cutthroat
O. c. stomias

Humboldt cutthroat
O. c. ssp

Lahontan cutthroat
O. c. henshawi 

Paiute cutthroat
O. c. seleniris

Rio Grande cutthroat
O. c. virginalis 

Snake River Finespotted cutthroat
O. c. behnkei

Westslope cutthroat
O. c. lewisi

Whitehorse cutthroat
O. c. ssp

Yellowstone cutthroat
O. c. bouvieri

Congratulations to Cuttcatch Award Recipients!

2021
Laurie Banks, 1-4 & 5-8
Spencer Coe, 5-8
Steve Foisie, 1-6
Terry Langowski, 1-4

2020
Spencer Coe, 1-4
Tyrone Herfel, 1-4 & 5-8

2019
Patrick M. Rowland
James Gruetzman
Robert Brehm
Paul K McIlwee III
Wayne Parmley

2018
Patrick M. Rowland

2017
Everett Headley

2016
Vic Kopnitsky
W. Todd Humphrey
Brian K. McBride
Gregory M. Schuster

 

2015
Robert W. Fujimura
Paul Agedius
Steve Bush
Mark Ratzlaff
Cliff Swanson

2014
Dave De Ruysscher
Craig Steele
Matthew D. Hill
Bill Hammons
Keith P. Richard
Thomas V. Scoggins

2013
Patrick M. Rowland 

2012
Russell Hershbarger

2011
Robert C. Marsett

2010
Fred M. Wammock
Brent C. McKell

Cuttcatch Program Guidelines


Rules

  1. Catch and document 4 different subspecies to receive a Cuttcatch Award. The cutthroat trout must be caught from legally catchable populations.
      
  2. The cutthroat should be caught in its native range, not where it has been transplanted and is in fact a non-native.
      
  3. The fish must be caught on single-hook barbless fly, using fly fishing tackle.
      
  4. The fish must be photographed with minimal stress; that is, raised above the water, photographed, and then released unharmed, NOT photographed flopping on the bank.
     
  5. Fly fishers can receive a Cuttcatch Award for every 4 different subspecies.
     
  6. No duplications of subspecies previously caught are allowed on award applications.  
     
  7. The award application must include the following information for each subspecies caught:
  • Cutthroat subspecies name
  • Location: state, county, stream
  • Date
  • Approximate length
  • Fly used
  • Name and address of your local newspaper
  • Signed statement that the above rules were followed.


How To Apply

When four different subspecies of cutthroat are caught, send your documentation, photographs and $8.00 to cover the cost of processing the application:

Cuttcatch Program
Fly Fishers International
1201 US Highway 10 West, Suite E
Livingston , MT 59047
 
Award applications will be reviewed quarterly and valid recipients will be notified. The award recipients will be listed in the FFI Flyfisher and on the FFI E-news, along with a press release sent to the individual's hometown newspaper.
 

Questions

Please contact 406-222-9369 X0 or e-mail conservation@flyfishersinternational.org.

More Information

The angler should create a journal or written record of their journey toward the Cuttcatch. Documentation for each catch (and it's accompanying photo) should include date, location, fly, etc. The Cuttcatch requirements on the website contain a fair bit of specific detail on species and qualifying locations, so the angler should use that information to help inform the log or journal entry. Catch locations might be noted with GPS coordinates, for example, if the angler has a GPS unit.
 

Forms

Please download the forms to your computer to use the fillable form fields.
 Project Cuttcatch Catch Log (PDF) 
 
 Cuttcatch Angler Certification Form (PDF)