In the warm months of the year they stay in the cooler, deeper areas of lakes and rivers. Brown trout are very competitive and tend to crowd out other fish, including other trout. The meat of this trout is often pink and is excellent eating. Bottom of gills have two distinct red stripes on each side. This cutthroat sub-species, native to the Truckee, Carson, and Walker River systems, is classified by the California Department of Fish and Game as a threatened species.
Lahontan cutthroat prefer cold water lakes and rivers and feed on insects and smaller fish.
Like other trout, cutthroats bite best in the early morning and evening hours. Although now uncommon, Lahontan cutthroat were at one time fished commercially in Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, Nevada. Salmon occasionally have 12 usually 13 or more. There are usually large, angular black spots on the back and spots on both lobes of the tail. There are usually spots on the back and upper lobe of the tail, but none on the lower lobe.