The adults show a preference for small streams, and the lower downstream reaches of large river systems, although some populations of adults migrate considerable distances upstream. They spawn in small tributaries from late winter to late spring. Juveniles rear in streams for two or more years.

If they are alone in the stream they are found primarily in pools and other slow water habitats - especially pools with root wads and large wood. Cutthroat trout prefer slow velocity habitat types with large amounts of woody debris such as beaver ponds and dam pools, rather than in higher velocity riffles, rapids, and cascades. Plunge pools are also a favored habitat type during summer, as the fish hide behind the obstruction that causes the plunge. Where they live is partly determined by the presence of other salmonids, as cutthroats can be displaced from pools by young coho salmon and from riffles by young steelhead.

Seaward migration peaks in May, with two-year-olds headed mostly for sheltered saltwater areas and 3 and 4 year olds migrating to open ocean. The urge to head for open ocean doesn't seem to be strongly developed in coastal cutthroat, so they tend to stay close to shore or in areas of reduced salinity like river plumes. Unlike salmon and steelhead, they seldom overwinter in salt water, preferring to return to streams in the late summer, fall, or winter of the year they go to sea. Fish that are returning to spawn seek their natal streams, while those returning to fresh water just to overwinter are not so precise. Cutthroat trout exhibit the most variable range in migratory behavior to be found in the salmonid complex, perhaps as a result of the great varieties of habitats that they can occupy. They can be found in large river systems, small streams, tributaries, nearshore marine waters, estuaries, sloughs, lagoons, bogs, ponds, and large lakes. Coastal movements of tagged fish are usually to the south, the direction of prevailing currents during the summer. They feed mostly on fishes and crustaceans, with the northern anchovies an important food source. Studies show that dietary overlap with other salmonids is moderate, perhaps due in part to their preference for closeness to shore.

They survive spawning and recover rather quickly. Some fish return to spawn three, four and even five times. They may live to an age of seven or eight years.

The cutthroat has been declared a "Species of Special Concern" by the California Department of Fish and Game.

In the 1930's and 40's the fishery for sea-runs was more significant than those for salmon and steelhead. The fish were abundant and highly sought after. After WWII, populations began to decline, at least partly due to increased logging that affected habitat in streams. Stream and estuarian habitat has been degraded by siltation and loss of cover and pool habitat from logging, failing roads, agricultural development, and channelization for flood control. In conjunction with this habitat loss is the problem of increased pH levels in the water. Habitat reconstruction programs must also address the pH problems of the water itself if they are to be successful in recreating optimum environment.

Added to loss of habitat, the sea-run cutthroat trout stands out among salmonids as one of the most susceptible to capture by angling and, therefore are among the most venerable to overharvest. Mortality rates of cutthroat caught with bait range from 30 to 50%.

What can be done about this decline? Rebuilding of instream structures, biomonitoring, improving water quality and pH levels, reduced creel limits, eliminating the use of bait for angling can all help.

Angling surveys conducted on the Smith River during the early 1980's produced annual catch estimates of about 2,000 cutthroat trout. Annual diving surveys of the river and its forks since 1988 revealed an average population of about 1,000 cutthroat, or 20 trout per mile. Approximately half of these trout exceeded a length of 12 inches.

A review of anadromous salmonid stock status in British Columbia and Yukon streams performed by the North Pacific International Chapter of the American Fisheries Society found the following:

A total of 612 anadromous cutthroat stocks were identified. Stock status information was unavailable for 492 of the stocks. Among the remaining 120, 16 stocks appeared to be at high risk of extinction, 5 at moderate risk, and 30 of special concern. An additional 15 extinct cutthroat stocks were recorded.

Management efforts in California have been limited to population inventories, periodic stocking of coastal lagoons, and habitat protection. Coastal cutthroat trout abundance is low in most waters, particularly where juvenile steelhead are present.

Since approximately 60% of the occupied stream mileage is on private land, the buck stops with us.

Anglers are the ones on the front lines. We are quick to note changes in our favorite fishing areas and the populations within them. We can make a difference.

Columnist Joan Carter co-owns, with her husband, Dan Carter's Guide Service.