Conquering the CT Slam: One Month in UT's Fantastic Trout Waters

Brigham Young, Big game, and Beehives might come to mind when thinking about the state with the great salt lake. Jazz, Joseph, and Zion are sure to be close seconds. With the iconic four corners of the 45th state in the union, folks find it easy to put Utah in a box, but when I close my eyes and recall time spent in this interesting state, all I can see are the looming mountain scapes divided by endless corridors of rushing water. Positioned at the convergence of several major river drainages and smack dab in the middle of the mighty rockies, the flora and fauna found in the continuously changing biomes are a clear reflection of the diversity present across the landscape.
With my affinity for flies, I may hold a bit of bias, but I think the best way to witness this natural medley, is by hitting the trail and following the flow. Easily recognizable trout will swim in these brooks, and come in every shade under the rainbow. They may be eager to greet your line, but these foreign fish will not be the focus this time. From afar these brief blurs of blushing red and subtle olive might be hard to distinguish. But if your cast is keen, you can bear witness to the stark differences and temperaments of each of the native cutthroat species that inhabit Utahs wild waters.
The native range of Bonneville, Bear, Colorado, and Yellowstone cutthroat trout all converge within the state lines, and create an amazing opportunity for any angler willing to explore. Despite difficult spring conditions, my aim is to visit all the different drainages complete the Utah Cutthroat Slam over the next few days. Most of all my goal is to learn a thing or two along the way and document these amazing fish.
I am happy you decided to watch this video, and I hope you enjoy this native trout story.
References:
0:00 - Intro
1:45 - Bonneville Cutthroat
12:10 - Bear River/Lake Cutthroat
24:30 - Challenge Basics
27:30 - Yellowstone Cutthroat
34:16 - Colorado River Cutthroat
41:00 - Outro
Research:
www.utahcutthroatslam.org/uta...
www.tu.org/magazine/conservat...
This is an incredible page for native trout information:
www.nativetroutflyfishing.com/
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[@brettprettyman2190]

We had a lot of fun fishing with you. Thanks man for sharing what our slam is all about and helping raise even more money and awareness. We will reach the $100,000 raised for conservation and outreach sometime this year or in 2025.

[@FLYALLSZN]

You bet! So glad to see all the good that comes from this

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Who is that handsome devil at 44:39 😉🤣 but thanks so much for reaching out and having us be part of your spectacular coverage of the Utah Cutthroat Slam! It is so great to see anglers like yourself embracing the spirit of the Slam and hopefully many more folks are inspired to go out and complete the slam as well and help protect our native cutthroat subspecies!

[@FLYALLSZN]

It was an absolute blast getting to meet up! I know how much fun it was for me, so I sure hope it does the same. It is a win/win for native trout.

[@jamom8804]

So many fun convos that this video brings up! Glad to spend some time out here with you!!!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Always a blast! Thanks again for all the help!

[@macgruber21]

Your earnestness while taking us all along on your journeys is most welcome. Love it, keep expressing yourself and having fun in the trouty places!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!!

[@isaacparks3455]

I love watching fly fishing videos where i truly get to learn something. Love the scenery and the sentimental parts what an amazing video

[@FLYALLSZN]

I am so glad you were able to grab a few nuggets! I love making these kind of videos purely because I get to dive in and research something interesting

[@LeFlyGuy]

Sweet to see a video of such quality on the home state. Watching you fish these rivers just makes the itch worse, the abundance of trout in diverse areas is what I love about Utah.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Glad you dig it! Y’all have some amazing opportunities out there!

[@Trucha801]

One of your best videos yet! Thanks for showcasing my home state

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!!

[@richardjackson6488]

Thank you for the video. I have been binging through them. Truly inspiring. I live in Texas (mostly fish for reds and sea trout). I am originally from Michigan. This year I have been planning my own trip heading north up to Wisconsin then back to Michigan's U.P. and back down to family near Detroit. I plan to hit a lot of spots along the way, but would never have done it without videos like yours and other people like you. You make these types of trips attainable with research and planning. I used to think only the hard core outdoorsman could do trips like this, and the weekend warriors were stuck shoulder to shoulder on a city pond.

[@FLYALLSZN]

That is so far from the truth! I feel like most fly fishing media out there will tell you otherwise. I work a full time job and still have limited time to get these sort of things filmed. With a little prep work beforehand you can get a ton done! I wish you the best of luck in your future trips and hope you find what you're after!! Thank you for your support.

[@klm_41]

Great work. Thank you for putting together something more than a fishing video. Very impressive. Congratulations.

[@FLYALLSZN]

I really appreciate that! Nothing wrong with something of substance and fishing!

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Super excited to see the journey! Love the Utah Cutthroat Slam 😉

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hope you enjoyed!!

[@wildbillsadventuresoutdoor9276]

Awesome catches, and what a beautiful State of Utah! Cool you caught on your video, Buffalo, Moose, and even Rancher cattle off free range land! Thank you for all information on native trout in Utah!

[@FLYALLSZN]

It was an amazing adventure! Highly recommend

[@xjcrawler01]

Nicely done, I did the WY Cutthroat slam last year in a similar way. There are a bunch of these challenges that have the same purpose. Thank you for bringing these causes to the limelight.

[@FLYALLSZN]

I am hoping to knock out the WY Slam this summer if I have time!

[@MrJoeTheShow23]

Once again crushing it Mike!! Keep rocking it

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!! Really appreciate the support

[@faizaabdulla735]

So informative and entertaining. Thank you for creating!

[@FLYALLSZN]

So glad you enjoyed it! That really means a lot!

[@MoDilemma]

I really love your videos. We have winter and high water in germany and your videos get us over this hard time. Hope you are well and as we say: tight lines. 😬🤘🏻 Best greetings.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Howdy from America! I am so glad you enjoy the videos! Thank you for the support

[@masonfarr4405]

Right in my home state! Huge fan! You really got me into fly fishing!!! Cool to see you here! Safe travels!

[@masonfarr4405]

I live right in Ogden and this is absolutely awesome to see! Hope all is well for you!

[@masonfarr4405]

I’ve pulled out multiple big browns and rainbows from the Ogden river! Tons of fun out here! Happy you got a piece of it 👍

[@FLYALLSZN]

That is phenomenal! Utah is loaded with unique fishing opportunities, I may have to return asap

[@scottrick5190]

Congrats on the slam. Great job on the video.

[@FLYALLSZN]

SCOTT!! So good to hear from you! Thank you so much as always!

[@jamesjacobson3966]

Bonnie’s are also found in SW Wyoming. They’re one of the four sub species required to achieve the Wyoming Cut Slam.

[@carywood3946]

Awesome video. Learned so much!

[@FLYALLSZN]

You and me both! It was such a fun video to make

[@leifnagle8658]

Your best video!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you!!

[@TheMegachocho]

Welcome to Utah bro! My native state

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you! Had a blast

[@willdout3258]

Thank you for showcasing Utah!! It has some amazing places to fish if you are willing to look!! Thank you for bringing too light the cutthroat slam. Something I have participated in. I hope this reaches far and wide. And people will participate in it. Even if they don’t come and fish. Just buy a license knowing it will help with the conservation of these amazing species!!! Thanks again!!

[@FLYALLSZN]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! That’s the message I was hoping to get across because that’s the experience I had with it!

[@j.r.h.342]

Thank you for visiting utah and casting light on our slam! I've been waiting for you to catch wind of this and it appears I missed it by a month. Utah is quite the gem for trout fishing. I love to see it portrayed the way it should be. Delicate, wild, and very natural.

[@FLYALLSZN]

It was an absolute blast! So much out there to explore. This really only covers the surface

[@mikegolfpro]

Sweet video, awesome to see some amazing footage from some of our amazing state. Well done and excellent narration as always. Decent guides too 👀

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!!

[@timkern177]

The only place I haven't fished that is in this video is wheeler. Great representation of Utah!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!!

[@brendonvirgil-virgilcustom8441]

Awesome video! I think about doing the slam every year, but work and life always get in the way.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much! It’s well worth it

[@brettprettyman2190]

There is no time requirement to do the slam. Register and catch the species whenever you have time. You have a liftet ime to do it.

[@tt_imo4296]

Just started learning fly fishing last year, and I love your videos! Cant wait to bring out my rod again

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hell yeah! Thank you so much!

[@ThomasVigil]

Very well done sir. I am impressed with your presentation. The depth, research, and passion for telling these stories is evident. Keep up the remarkable work!! 👊

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you very much! It was an absolute blast to make!

[@louismocniak9983]

Script sounds like it could be from dances with wolves! Really well done!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed!

[@hyrumprince5383]

Awesome video!! Congrats on the slam!

[@FLYALLSZN]

It wasn't easy but it was well worth it!

[@econgreg]

Well done.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you very much!

[@stephenp106]

Another good one, Mike. Wow, I thought I fished some tight quarters. I was wrong. Again, I enjoyed the education you always bring to these videos. Thanks for taking me along with you. steve

[@FLYALLSZN]

Howdy Steve! Thank you so much!! This was a really fun video to make!

[@gthornock]

This was done so well. Thank you for such a great video.

[@jakekaiser1399]

Beautiful video and the story telling, focus on conservation, and a level of depth beyond just catching fish is inspirational to someone who also makes a fishing video from time to time. Thank you for sharing and all the effort on these amazing videos.

[@chach3]

I completed the cutthroat slam in 2 days. I had a ton of fun doing it. I want to get back and do it again soon.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Love to hear that! You definitely should!

[@eriklosure2781]

Good stuff brother, makes me want to bust out the fly rods but I guess ice fishing will do for now

[@FLYALLSZN]

You and me both! This weather makes any fishing tough!

[@dustinbailey1980]

Man great video! I was able to get my Bonneville just up my local canyon. Definitely the easiest of the slam. I went in the fall and the raft was really really difficult.. I'll definitely be doing it again this next season. I got my Colorado on Boulder MTN and I'll definitely be spending more time there soon!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hell yeah! It is such a cool opportunity to get out and explore those other drainages

[@dustinbailey1980]

@@FLYALLSZN I sent some pictures to your page. When you had asked about the slam. Pretty awesome to see how it turned out and using your channel to spread the word! Hopefully get to fish with ya someday!

[@brettprettyman2190]

Reach out if you need some help with the Yellowstone.

[@dustinbailey1980]

@@brettprettyman2190 I nabbed one last season, but only 3 outta 4 in my group were able to do so. The raft was really really low, fish seemed very spooked, and we still had to save enough time to get to right fork Logan for the bear. I honestly think time of year was the only issue

[@sudden_shift]

I love this so much. It makes me want to find some sort of slam to do in my state! I was wondering what kind of pants or socks you’re using to cover up your calves. It would really be a good piece of clothing to have come summer time!

[@FLYALLSZN]

You should! Its a fun way to shake up your fishing! They are just wading socks, each major wading brand should have their own.

[@sudden_shift]

@@FLYALLSZN Awesome! Will definitely find some of those. One more thing I forgot to ask. Where can I find those kind of camo pants you’re wearing? I was thinking they’d be great throw on to help keep both bugs and the sun off me!

[@devineyfajr]

Keep speaking, bro

[@Ridge_Fishing]

Where you mention that adfluvial CRCT’s are almost extinct in Utah that would be incorrect. There are hundreds of lakes throughout the state with them. More then the 3 others. But glad you were able to come experience the terrain of all 4 species in our state.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Which native remnant adfluvial populations of the CRCT are you referring to? Or are you referring to barren alpine lakes that have been stocked with CRCT?

[@Mtn_Fly]

🔥🔥

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you!

[@charliecarteroutdoors9217]

Awesome videos, I just bought my first fly rod because ill be in New Mexico for 3 months and want to experience fly fishing. What camera do you use for your main camera? Mabe we will cross paths in NM if your still living there. Keep the videos coming.

[@jerryg957]

Found your channel early this month. Need some advise on Missouri trout fishing. Can you recommend and Emerger fly and size that would work there. Got Mosquito, Griffith Nats and Parachute Adams dry fly. So far have caught 0 fish with fly rod, do ok with spinning gear and a trout worm. You put out some awesome content, appreciate the time you take to post.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Howdy! Might I suggest focusing on presentation rather than fly selection? Changing your angle, drift, casting distance, tippet size, and sound creation can make a huge difference. Wild fish in MO are very weary critters, but they are far from picky. In the past I have found no real issue with the "what" I may throw, but everything to do with the "how" I throw. Hope that helps!

[@jerryg957]

Thanks, making a trip this coming Sunday for a few days.@@FLYALLSZN

[@gemstatefisherman3409]

Are you planning of doing the Wyoming CT slam? Or maybe you already have?

[@FLYALLSZN]

Summer 2024 👀

[@gemstatefisherman3409]

@@FLYALLSZN awesome, I also am planning on doing it again this year. Soon as run off settles down. I’m going for a fast turn on it. Giving myself 3 days .

[@FLYALLSZN]

@@gemstatefisherman3409 Thats a good plan! I bet you'll knock it out of the park!

[@tachi1579]

imagine opening the fridge for a snack and the next moment some wierd lookin dude yeets you into the atmosphere

[@guylewis7418]

Keep the browns and ‘bows.

[@FLYALLSZN]

I would if I could! Most of the time I dont have the ability to keep them and cook them. Plus some of these waters we C&R only.

[@guylewis7418]

@@FLYALLSZN I understand. It was a great video, nonetheless!

[@edfaulx]

UTAH CUTTHROAT SLAM #213

[@FLYALLSZN]

That is awesome! You should do it again!

[@yakkerssteve6842]

Hey man I live in Logan and have done the slam a few times. Love the cutties but if your ever back in the area there are some tailwaters with world class browns.

[@FLYALLSZN]

I’ve heard some stories of the big browns!

[@davemckenzie7851]

Why not just toss the rainbows and browns on the shore? Probably an unpopular opinion, but it would be significantly cheaper and likely much more efficient.

[@FLYALLSZN]

It’s a real catch 22. Certain watersheds wouldn’t allow that, but also I don’t know if I have the heart to kill something and waste it. Wouldn’t be right in my eyes.

[@davemckenzie7851]

@@FLYALLSZNbut if that’s the end goal anyway, to make it a native watershed, it’s going to happen at some point, one way or another. I would have a hard time with it too. And I think it has a lot to do with what kind of fish you’d be killing. Equate it to the Asian carp problem on the big rivers.

[@FLYALLSZN]

@@davemckenzie7851 That could be comparing apples to oranges

[@spaddriver1957]

Against the law in Utah to waste any fish, game or rough. Also big fines for bucket biologists introducing non- native fish into lakes, rivers, and streams. I'll gladly turn someone in for the possibly of a lifetime fishing license or cash rewards!. You Betcha!.