The Utah Cutthroat Slam: A 7–9 Day Fly Fishing and Photography Road Trip

This fall, I’m hitting the road for a 7–9 day fly fishing and camping adventure across Utah to complete the Utah Cutthroat Slam—an incredible opportunity to catch all four of Utah’s native cutthroat trout species. Along the way, I’ll be camping, backcountry hiking, and capturing the experience through landscape and wildlife photography.

This isn’t just about landing fish—it’s about exploring Utah’s best fly fishing rivers and lakes, experiencing fall trout hatches, and immersing myself in the wild places where native trout still thrive.

What is the Utah Cutthroat Slam?

The Utah Cutthroat Slam is a unique conservation-focused fly fishing challenge organized by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and Trout Unlimited. Anglers are challenged to catch and release each of Utah’s four native subspecies of cutthroat trout:

• Bonneville Cutthroat Trout

• Bear River Cutthroat Trout

• Colorado River Cutthroat Trout

• Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

How to register for the Utah Cutthroat Slam:

• Go to: https://www.utahcutthroatslam.org

• Pay a $20 fee

• Catch and photo-document each species in its native range

• Submit your catches online and receive a medallion and certificate

This slam supports native trout restoration, stream conservation, and public access projects throughout Utah.

Planning the Ultimate Fly Fishing Road Trip in Utah

This journey through Utah’s high mountain lakes, clear-running creeks, and remote rivers is part fishing trip, part photography expedition. I built the route using:

• Topographic maps and stream overlays

• Trout Routes

• Google Earth

• Fly hatch charts by elevation

• Public land and fishing access maps (Trout Routes)

• Backcountry campsite locations

I’ll be camping near rivers and lakes in a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed sites on public lands. Each area was chosen for both trout habitat and scenic value.

Fall Fly Fishing in Utah: Weather Planning & Elevation Strategy

Timing: Late September through early October

Elevations Fished: 4,000 to 10,500 feet

Weather Ranges: 25°F–70°F depending on elevation

Weather can turn quickly in the mountains, so I’ve preloaded NOAA zone forecasts, packed a four-season tent, down layers, and waterproof dry bags for gear and electronics.

Essential Cold Weather Gear for Utah in Fall:

• Merino base layers and thermal socks

• Midweight fleece and insulated down jacket

• Lightweight rain shell

• Waterproof boots

• Sleeping bag rated for 15°F or lower

Backcountry Photography Gear List

Capturing the beauty of Utah’s remote trout streams is a major part of the trip. I’ll be focusing on golden aspen stands, river reflections, early morning fog, and (hopefully) those buttery-yellow fins of native cutthroat.

Photography Equipment:

• Camera: Canon R5 (full-frame mirrorless)

• Lenses: Canon L 70–200mm, Sigma 24–70mm Art, Canon 16–35mm

• Tripod: K&F Concept carbon tripod

• Editing: Lightroom Mobile on iPad Pro

• Accessories: Circular polarizer, extra batteries, weatherproof storage (K&F Concept Camera Backpack)

Fly Fishing Gear Checklist

I’m using lightweight, versatile gear that works for small creeks and open lakes:

Rods & Reels:

• 9’ 4wt fly rod for small streams

• 9’ 5wt fly rod for alpine lakes and wind

• Sage Spectrum C reels with floating line

Line & Leaders:

• Seaguar Red Label fluorocarbon (4-8 lb for leader/tippet)

• Tippet rings, floatant, strike indicators

Top Flies for Fall in Utah:

• Griffith’s Gnat, Parachute Adams, BWO

• Ants, Beetles, Hoppers

• Zebra Midges, Soft Hackles

• Mini Leeches and Buggers for lakes

Route Breakdown: Fishing Locations by Species

1. Bonneville Cutthroat – Weber River

• Area: Above Echo Reservoir

• Best Flies: Midges, Adams, caddis

• Camping: Echo State Park

2. Bear River Cutthroat – Oakley Region

• Streams: Small headwater creeks

• Flies: Hoppers, beetles, ants

• Camping: Smith and Morehouse CG

3. Colorado River Cutthroat – Boulder Mountain

• Lakes: Dougherty Basin, Round Willow Bottom

• West Fork Avintaquin Creek (from DWR WMA property boundary to headwaters)
• Meadow Creek

• Flies: Griffith’s Gnat, beetles, mini leeches

• Camping: Singletree or dispersed

4. Yellowstone Cutthroat – Idaho Border Streams

• Streams: High elevation creeks

• Flies: Attractors, BWO, soft hackles

• Camping: Dispersed or Clear Creek area

Safety & Backcountry Preparedness

Navigation & Tools:

• Gaia GPS with topo layers and access overlays

• Compass and printed maps

• Satellite beacon (Garmin inReach Mini)

Emergency & First Aid:

• First-aid kit

• Water filtration (Sawyer Squeeze)

• Bear-safe food storage

• Spare batteries + power bank

( Anker SOLIX C300 Portable Power Station – 288Wh | 300W )

Helpful Resources and Downloads

• Utah Cutthroat Slam Official Site

• Cutthroat Slam Information Packet (PDF)

• Utah Stream Access Map (DWR)

• Utah Hatch Charts by Elevation (Fly Shops/Trout Unlimited)

• NOAA Zone Forecasts

Final Thoughts: Wild Trout, Wild Places

The Utah Cutthroat Slam is more than a checklist—it’s a tribute to the rivers that still run wild, the fish that still swim free, and the people working to keep them that way. Whether you’re drawn by the challenge, the scenery, or the stories, this trip is one you’ll never forget.

I’ll be documenting it all in a full photo essay and fly fishing trip report once I’m back—so stay tuned.