City of Vernal, Uintah County

In celebration of the

Colorado River Cutthroat Trout

August, 2023

Thanks to efforts from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and Utah Trout Unlimited, Colorado River cutthroat trout can be found in waters across their native range in the Beehive State.

Now, a pair of the beautiful cutthroat trout have found a home in downtown Vernal. Utah Wildlife Walls, a partnership between mural artist Chris Peterson and the Utah Wildlife Federation, unveiled its third mural in Utah during the Dinah-SOAR Hot Air Balloon Festival in Vernal August 25-26, 2023.

"When I first heard about the opportunity to have a Colorado River cutthroat trout mural in downtown Vernal, I was super excited, thinking this would be an incredible opportunity to bring engagement and awareness to our cutthroat trout restoration efforts,” said Trina Hedrick, Aquatics Manager for the Division of Wildlife Resources in the Northeastern Region. “This species is the only trout native to this area, and it was the only trout species present until about the 1880s when brook trout were distributed around the Western U.S. Cutthroat trout were an important species for native peoples, and due to efforts of state and federal agencies, conservation groups and private entities, it continues to be an important native and game species in the state.”

The mural was funded by the Utah Cutthroat Slam – a partnership between the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah Trout Unlimited, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, the Downtown Vernal Alliance, Vernal City, and Visit Dinosaurland.

“We are thrilled Vernal has been chosen to participate in the Utah Wildlife Walls project and are thankful for all the partners that helped make it happen,” said Laura Chynoweth, Chair of the Downtown Vernal Alliance. “It has been an honor to be a part of the collaboration - led by the Utah Wildlife Federation and Chris Peterson Studio.

“While the mural will be here to inspire and educate people for years to come, we like to give the local community a chance to celebrate it together and learn a bout the creature on the wall,” said Utah Wildlife Federation Chair Brett Prettyman. “All wildlife should be celebrated by the citizens of Utah.”

On August 25th, community members and visitors were invited to the mural's unveiling during Dinah-SOAR Days and hear from local wildlife experts on the significance of the cutthroat trout to our area. Partners in the mural were on hand with information about Utah’s four native cutthroat trout, learn how to cast a fly rod, and create cutthroat trout art by painting wood cutouts.

Colorado River Cutthroat Trout

One native trout found in Utah’s waters is the Colorado River cutthroat trout. While all cutthroat can exhibit beautiful colors, especially during the spawn when their cheeks and bellies become a vivid red, none are quite as dazzling as the Colorado River cutthroat. These trout seem to show off their colors year round, making them a favorite for anglers, artists, and photographers alike.
Colorado River cutthroat are lucky enough to live in some of the most beautiful places Utah has to offer such as the Uinta and Boulder Mountains. Native to the Colorado River and Green River drainages, these cutts can be located anywhere from high alpine lakes to desert streams among the red rock. As long as the water is cold enough to support them year round, these fish will thrive in their respective habitats.

Hard work is conducted annually to ensure the persistence of these beautiful cutthroat throughout their native drainages. Several broodstock lakes can be found across the state, and each spring thousands of eggs are collected and used to grow the next generation of Colorado River cutthroat. These fish can then be introduced to their own native creeks, rivers, and lakes and allow for the legacy of this iconic trout to continue for future generations to enjoy.

The Utah Cutthroat Slam is a challenge to catch, photograph and release at least 1 of each of Utah’s 4 cutthroat trout subspecies in their native waters. Register at their website to start the challenge!

Interact with Colorado River Cutthroat Trout!

Photo courtesy of Utah Cutthroat Slam