Utah Cutthroat Slam To Benefit Lower Beaver River And Other Utah Projects

The Utah Cutthroat Slam, an initiative launched by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and Utah Trout Unlimited in 2016, has recently celebrated a significant milestone. Since its inception, the program has raised over $100,000 in funding, which directly supports various projects aimed at restoring native cutthroat trout populations across the state. This remarkable achievement underscores the program's success in both raising awareness and providing tangible benefits to Utah's native trout species.

The Utah Cutthroat Slam is designed as a fishing challenge that invites anglers to catch the four subspecies of cutthroat trout native to Utah within their historic ranges. The program serves a dual purpose: it offers an engaging outdoor challenge for participants while simultaneously raising funds for conservation efforts. Each participant contributes a $20 registration fee, which is entirely directed toward projects that benefit Utah's native cutthroat trout.

Since the launch of the Utah Cutthroat Slam, it has been completed 1,464 times, with 142 anglers achieving the slam more than once. The program's popularity has continued to grow, with 162 completions recorded in 2023 alone. These numbers reflect the widespread support for the initiative and the enthusiasm of anglers in contributing to the conservation of Utah's native fish species.

The funds raised through the program have been instrumental in supporting 25 different cutthroat trout restoration projects, with 16 of these projects already completed. Among the most notable efforts is the Lower Beaver River improvements project, which received $10,000 in funding. This project focused on enhancing the habitat for cutthroat trout by reshaping streambanks, adding woody debris for fish cover, seeding and planting vegetation, and removing invasive species. These efforts have significantly improved the overall environment for fish and wildlife in the area.

Another significant project funded by the Utah Cutthroat Slam is the Clear Creek flood mitigation and stream improvement project. With an allocation of $9,000, this project aims to redesign the stream stabilization in the area to reduce flooding and improve habitat for Bonneville cutthroat trout and other fish species. The project is expected to be completed by early 2025.

Get our free mobile app

Additionally, the Chalk Creek Bonneville cutthroat trout telemetry study, which received $8,000, has provided valuable insights into the migration patterns and spawning areas of Bonneville cutthroat trout in the Chalk Creek drainage. The data gathered from this study will inform better management practices for the species in the region.

The Utah Cutthroat Slam continues to offer anglers a unique opportunity to explore Utah’s diverse fisheries while contributing to critical conservation work. For those interested in participating, more information and registration details can be found on the Utah Cutthroat Slam website.