This document focuses on the current status, distribution and range for five subspecies of cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki, which are found largely on national forest system lands and ecosystems in the Rocky Mountain and Intermountain West within the U.S. from the Canadian to the Mexican border. The 5 subspecies -- Westslope, Yellowstone, Bonneville, Rio Grande, and Colorado River cutthroat trout -- are designated either species of special concern or sensitive. These subspecies are presently restricted to a fragment of their former range. Includes assessment methods, and origins and taxonomic theory. Illustrated.

Discusses taxonomy, reasons for decline, life history and ecology, and suggestions for preservation and management of six closely related trouts native to western North America: Colorado River cutthroat, Salmo clarki pleuriticus; greenback trout, S. c. stomias; Lahontan cutthroat, S. c. henshawi; Paiute trout, S. c. seleniris; Gila trout, S. gilae; and Arizona native trout, S. apache. Meristic characters, distribution and status, habitat requirements and limiting factors, protective measures, and management recommendations are presented for each taxon.