Fish Species of the Mt. Hood Area

TROUT AND STEELHEAD OF THE MT. HOOD AREA

High Mountain Cutthroat Trout (“cutts”)

Oncorhynchus clarkii clarki

 

The native trout that live in the streams and lakes of Mount Hood are coastal cutthroat trout.  Now don't let the "coastal" part confuse you.  Although some members of this subspecies spend part of their life in the ocean, these are stream residents, which spend their entire lives in streams. The other two “forms”, of coastal cutthroat are the “fluvial”, which live in large rivers and enter creeks to spawn, and the lake dwellers, which live their entire lives in lakes. Although the biggest cutthroat trout can grow to over 30 pounds in weight (the record being 40 pounds), most of the cutts that you'll catch in the creeks will be a few ounces to a quarter pound. The biggest ones I have ever caught in them were roughly 14 inches in length. They do get larger in lakes. Before you put this book down in exchange for something about more famous rivers known for trophy specimens of trout, keep in mind that these trout are surprisingly scrappy, fighting harder than a lake dwelling trout twice its size. Although I have hooked jumpers, most of these fish have a deep, throbbing or frantic thrashing fight, often trying to foul the line on underwater obstructions. This behavior comes from it living in fast streams.  They are an iridescent golden yellow, completely dotted in spots and have a bright red throat mark, hence the name "cutthroat". They are absolutely gorgeous, with a buttery golden coloration.

Brook Trout (“brookies”)

Salvelinus fontinalis

Brook trout are not as common in the area as cutthroats, which is a good thing because cutthroats are a native species but brook trout are not. They are found in Timothy Lake and an assortment of other lakes in the general area. Brookies and cutthroats are similar in size, although the world record brook trout is only about ten pounds.  Brook trout originated in the eastern United States, and have spread westward by stocking of lakes and rivers. Perhaps the easiest of all trout to catch, fishing for brookies is fairly straightforward. The usual baits such as worms and Salmon Eggs work well, as do lures such as spinners. Nymph patterns such as the Pheasant Tail and the Hare's Ear work well, so do wet flies. They respond to dries with less gusto than cutthroat trout, but can easily be taken on Humpies, March Browns, Cutthroat, and Caddises. Although they rarely jump, brook trout have a hard underwater fight similar to that of a cutthroat, although I have always found Brookies to be a notch below the cutts in strength.

Brook trout differ greatly in appearance to Cutthroat trout.  They are actually a species of char, and are not as closely related to most other trout species.  They are dark green to grey and are dotted with yellow or red markings. On the top of the back are numerous vermiculations (worm-like squiggly patterns).  Brook trout taste delicious, and may be kept (although it is best to check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife).

Rainbow Trout (“bows”)

Oncorhynchus Mykiss

 

Rainbow trout are by far the most common trout in the area, and are present in both wild and stocked numbers. The main species in the vast majority of the lakes, they are also present in many of the rivers and streams. The great thing about these fish is that they are extremely versatile. They appeal to all forms of fishing, and as a result are extremely popular with anglers. Rainbows are the most commonly targeted fish of all Mt. Hood area fishermen, including fly fishermen, still fishermen, trollers, casters, and shore guys. In addition, they appeal to all skill levels. Some rainbows are extremely easy to catch and can be caught by anyone, whereas others provide challenges for even the most experienced anglers. No matter which particular ones you are targeting, though, rainbows are thrilling fish that offer enjoyment to all anglers.

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

 

There are self-sustaining Brown Trout populations in the Oak Grove Fork stream of the Clackamas and Harriet Lake, the lake it drains into. Although they are mainly found in Harriet, Browns commonly enter the river for feeding or spawning purposes. I have personally seen, cast to, and hooked these fish in the stream itself (landed is another matter) and catching them is possible. Although I have never bought into the myth that Brown Trout are far more difficult to catch than other trout, this might be true here. However, this is mainly because of their large size and affinity for baitfish. I have hooked Browns on Royal Wulffs and other attractor patterns, but Wooly Buggers and Muddler minnows are probably much more effective. Although there are Browns in the area, there are many other places in Oregon that I fish that have far better populations of these trout. Still, catching a big Brown Trout from a tightly wooded creek is considered an angling feat of the highest order.

Chinook Salmon

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Not the Chinook salmon you're thinking of, right?  Well, fishing for adult salmon on Mount Hood streams is closed to anglers.  However, the juveniles, or parr, are often caught by anglers seeking trout, often rising to small dry flies and aggressively pursuing wet flies.  They fight like small trout, and can be distinguished from their relatives quite easily, as they are paler, more cylindrical, and have vertical ovals called parr marks along their bodies.  Although not as highly esteemed as the much older and larger adults, they do provide a pleasant consolation if the trout aren't cooperating.  They are usually found in the Salmon River, Zigzag, and other similar places.

Steelhead Trout

Oncorhynchus Mykiss

Although steelhead are not commonly encountered in the small creeks of Mount Hood, there are significant seasonal runs on some of the larger rivers during the midsummer months, particularly on the Sandy and Clackamas River.  Known as the “fish of a thousand casts” for the persistence it takes to hook one of these magnificent fish, fishing for steelhead requires dedication and persistence.  The beginning fisherman would do well to hone his skills on cutthroats, brookies and rainbows before pursuing these elusive fish.  There are innumerable ways to fish for Steelhead, and popular methods include pulling plugs such as Flatfish and Tadpollies, bobber and jig fishing, and side drifting with eggs or shrimp. However, those who choose to fly fish for these ocean-going rainbow trout should fish with an eight weight rod with powerful tippet and sinking fly line.  Fish some of the regular flies that are used for steelhead in other rivers, along with an assortment of shiny Wooly Buggers.