Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Cutthroat Trout" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. Rain Forest 33c Cutthroat Trout stamp issued March 29, 2000. Cutthroat Trout are found on the Pacific coast from Prince William Sound, Alaska, to northern California, and inland throughout the western United States and Canada. These fish inhabit the same waters as rainbow trout and feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects, as well as small fish. Adult Cutthroat vary in coloration, depending on their habitat and behaviors. Resident Cutthroat that live in bog ponds range in length from 6 to 16 in. They are usually golden yellow with dark spots on the body, feature dorsal and caudal fins, and display a bright red slash mark under the jaw. Freeswimming residents that are found in large landlocked lakes can grow up to 24 inches in length and are silver with black spots. They have rosy gill covers and a faint slash mark, The sea-run species are smaller - about 18 inches long - and are bluish silver with dark or olive backs and less conspicuous black spots. The characteristic slash is pale yellow. Sea-run adult cutthroat spawn in small, isolated headwater streams from late April to early June. The young emerge from the gravel beds in July, spending three or four years in beaver ponds, sloughs or lakes before they begin their annual migration to sea. Time at sea varies from a few days to several months before returning to their natal stream in the fall, where they mature during the winter. Cutthroat Trout mature at 5 to 7 years and live to be 9 or 10 years old. Image Size: 7 x 6 in. Overall Size: 12 x 11 in. Unframed. (B16695)