Record-breaking 1,750 anglers complete ‘Utah Cutthroat Slam’ competition

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — In 2016, the Department of Wildlife Resources issued a challenge to local anglers across the Beehive state: to catch each of Utah’s four native cutthroat species.

Now, almost a decade later, over 1,750 anglers have completed the Utah Cutthroat Slam challenge, qualifying them to receive the coveted “Bonneville cutthroat trout medallion.” The new medallion marks the fourth in the series.

“The Bonneville cutthroat trout medallion is the fourth and final medallion to be released in this new collectable series,” said Trina Hedrick, Utah DWR’s sportfish coordinator.

The first medallion, known as the Colorado River cutthroat trout medallion, was released when 1,000 completions were reached. Next came the Yellowstone cutthroat trout medallion after Utah anglers reached 1,250 completions. By November 2024, anglers reached 1,500 completions, leading to the release of the Bear River cutthroat trout medallion.

The slam was created as a way to protect native cutthroat trout in Utah. Entry into the competition is $20, and the money goes towards funding trout conservation projects across the state.

Officials with DWR say the program has already raised almost $119,000 since its inception, with anglers from 48 states in the U.S. participating in the slam. One angler from outside the U.S. has event participated.

For information on how to join the competition, you can visit their website here.