Where to Catch Greenback Cutthroat Trout in Colorado: Best Streams, High Lakes, and How to Fish Them

Looking to catch Colorado’s rarest native trout? In this episode of the Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Podcast, we’re talking about everything you need to know to find and fool Greenback Cutthroat Trout — from the alpine creeks of Rocky Mountain National Park to secret high lakes near the Continental Divide.

The Greenback Cutthroat Trout isn’t just a gorgeous fish — it’s a symbol of Colorado’s native heritage and a bucket-list catch for fly anglers. But they don’t live in your average tailwater. These trout thrive in remote high-altitude waters, and catching one takes more than just tying on a pretty fly.

1. Where to Find Greenback Cutthroat Trout in Colorado:

• Top streams and lakes near RMNP, Guanella Pass, Herman Gulch, and Roaring Fork tributaries

• How to navigate the access points, trailheads, and wilderness rules

• The best time of year to target greenbacks in lakes vs creeks

2. The Gear You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Best rod weights for backpacking and alpine streams

• Ideal leader and tippet setup for spooky water

• Why a lightweight pack and hiking boots matter more than a thousand-dollar reel

3. What Flies Work (and When):

• Dry Flies: Parachute Adams (#16–18), Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16), Black Ants

• Nymphs: Pheasant Tails, Frenchies, and Beadhead Midges (#18–20)

• Bonus: Small streamers in deep pools during fall feeding binges

4. Catch and Release Ethics and Regulations:

• Why barbless hooks and wet hands matter

• How to identify pure-strain greenbacks

• What waters are part of Colorado’s recovery efforts (and how to fish them responsibly)

5. Why This Species Matters:

• Brief history of the Greenback Cutthroat’s near-extinction

• How conservation efforts brought them back from the brink

• What anglers can do to help ensure their future

This is one of the most complete guides to catching Greenback Cutthroat Trout in Colorado — and it’s designed for modern anglers who want more than just a stocker pond experience. Whether you’re a backcountry veteran or new to hiking with a rod, this episode gives you the insight to turn a bucket-list dream into a fly fishing reality.

Subscribe to the podcast and join us each week as we break down rivers, lakes, tactics, and conservation news across Colorado’s wild trout country.

In This Episode You’ll Learn: