SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Division of Wildlife Resources officials recently reported over 2,000 fishermen have completed the Utah Cutthroat Slam, reaching a new milestone. Anglers who finish the popular fishing challenge can choose one of the four species-specific medallions.
The slam was introduced in 2016 to create a fun fishing challenge for anglers by the DWR and Utah Trout Unlimited as a way to raise funds for native cutthroat trout conservation and outreach efforts. Only 1,000 fishermen completed the slam by 2022.
To successfully complete the slam and receive a medallion, anglers must catch Utah’s four native subspecies of cutthroat trout in their native ranges.
Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick said this year, there have been 367 slam completions, and over $19,000 in revenue has been generated for native cutthroat trout conservation this year.
“This year, with Cutthroat Slam funding, we were able to restock Bonneville cutthroat trout into a remote stream system with the use of a helicopter,” she said. “That would not have been possible without the additional funds from this program. “We are grateful for our partners, Utah Trout Unlimited, and others involved in these important conservation efforts and this fun initiative.”
Artist Tim Johnson provided the artwork for each new medallion.
Since 2016, the Utah Cutthroat Slam has garnered over 5,729 registered anglers, including anglers from 48 U.S. states and one angler from outside the U.S.
There have been 226 anglers who have completed the slam more than once. The slam has Raised over $126,580 for native cutthroat trout conservation work and outreach that benefits all four subspecies.
Brett Prettyman, Utah Cutthroat Slam Program Director for Utah Trout Unlimited said they were grateful to the anglers who embraced the spirit of the Utah Cutthroat Slam as a true conservation effort, not just a fishing challenge, and shared the adventure with family and friends.
“Hitting the 2,000 completion mark was a milestone we couldn’t have reached without all of you. It is unbelievable,” he said. “We also want to thank the many people from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Trout Unlimited who have believed in and managed the slam over the years. A special thank you to artist Tim Johnson for generously donating his incredible cutthroat art to the cause. It took us 6 1/2 years to reach 1,000 completions, but only three years to reach 2,000. Clearly, the colorful species medallions were a huge hit!”
To learn more about conservation projects funded by the Utah Cutthroat Slam, visit the DWR website.
Anyone interested in participating in the Utah Cutthroat Slam can learn more and register on the website.