Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Paiute cutthroat trout

Synonyms and Other Names: Salmo clarkii seleniris. Species epithet commonly misspelled as 'clarki'.

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Similar in color to other forms of Cutthroat Trout, especially Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, but can be distinguished by an overall green, bronze, to yellow body coloration, a nearly total lack of black spots on the body, and the retention of parr marks in adults (Moyle 2002; Moyle et al. 2008).

Native Range: Approximately 15 km of Silver King Creek and its tributaries (Tamarack Creek, Tamarack Lake Creek, and lower reaches of Coyote Valley Creek) below Llewellyn Falls and upstream of Silver King Canyon Gorge, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Alpine County California (Moyle 2002; USFWS 2004).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Stocked. Cottonwood Creek was stocked for conservation purposes due to the decline of the Silver King Creek basin population (Vestal 1947)

Status: Established in California (Moyle 2002; USFWS 2004)

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: Originally listed as 'endangered' under the Endangered Species Act in 1966; later reclassified (and currently remains) as 'threatened' in 1975 (USFWS 2004). Although the population of Paiute Cutthroat Trout in Coyote Valley and Corral Valley Creeks above the barrier falls are thought to have been introduced at some point in the late 1800s, no records of the fauna in these creeks exist prior to 1889 and it is possible that these populations are in fact native (USFWS 2004; Moyle et al. 2008).

References: (click for full references)

Cordes, J.F., J.A. Israel and B. May. 2004. Conservation of Pauite cutthroat trout: The genetic legacy of population transplants in an endemic California salmonid. California Fish and Game 90(3):101-118.

Moyle, P.B. 2002. Inland fishes of California. Second edition. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.

Moyle, P.B., J.A. Israel, and S.E. Purdy. 2008. Salmon, steelhead, and trout in California: status of an emblematic fauna. University of Califorina at Davis, Davis, CA.

Ryan, J.H., and S.J. Nicola. 1976. Status of the Paiute cutthroat trout, Salmo clarki seleniris Snyder, in California. Inland Fisheries Administrative Report #76-3. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2004. Revised recovery plan for the Paiute cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii seleniris). USFWS, Portland, OR. http://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/fish/documents/pct/revised_final_paiute_cutthroat_recovery_plan.pdf.

Vestal, E.H. 1947. A new transplant of the Piute trout (Salmo clarkii seleniris) from Silver King Creek, Alpine County, California. California Fish and Game 33(2):89-95.

Other Resources:
Cutthroat trout - California Fish Species (University of California Davis)

Author: Neilson, M.E.

Peer Review Date: 1/13/2014

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.