Rio Grande Cutthroat Species Distribution

Historically, Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout occupied all cool waters in the Rio Grande drainage, including the Chama, Jemez and Rio San Jose drainages, along with suitable waters of the Pecos and Canadian drainages. They currently live in only about 100 headwater streams, occupying 10 percent of their former range. They have a yellowish green-gray to gray body with scattered black spots, and a densely spotted tail. Adults grow up to 12-13 inches long. The Rio Grande Cutthroat has officially been designated as the New Mexico State Fish.