Plate No. 01Fish
Species Profile
Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis
The native trout of northern New Mexico, named for the crimson slash beneath its jaw. Once on the edge of disappearing, careful stream restoration has brought it back to the cold creeks near El Porvenir.
Habitat
Cold, clear headwater streams of the Sangre de Cristo range
Diet
Aquatic insects, terrestrial bugs, smaller fish
Size
8–14 in (20–36 cm)
Status
New Mexico State Fish · Sensitive Species
§ Field Notes
Fun facts.
01
Named for the deep red ‘cutthroat’ slash mark beneath the jaw.
02
The only trout truly native to the Rio Grande basin.
03
Designated the official state fish of New Mexico in 1955.
04
Spawns in late spring when water temps creep above 41°F.
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