. Next time you’re out this way let me know and we’ll get out. Gila trout are also stocked into the East Verde River, Frye Mesa Reservoir, Watson Lake, Lynx Lake, and Goldwater Lake for non-recovery purposes to maintain sport fisheries. By the time the species was formerly described in 1950 its distribution had been dramatically reduced to as few as 20 stream miles [1]. I am planning on making my first trip down there this weekend. Arizona Gila Trout The yellow Gila trout tucked away from humanity in a tiny trickle of water greedily ate our flies and made us forget about the thorns and brush that tore at our clothing. Fish and Wildlife Service: July 18, 2006 : 125 Kb . The Gila trout is one of Arizona’s two threatened native trout species and is also found in New Mexico. The Gila trout was first described as a species in 1950 (Miller 1950) and were native to the upper Gila and Verde watersheds of Arizona and New Mexico, but have declined significantly since the 1800s. (U.S. Just a few more years and the rest of the Pinalenos have recovered well enough to be reopened too. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is stocking Gila trout in the East Verde River every week throughout the summer. Baldy, the Little Colorado River is characterized by very cold, fast moving waters with interspersed deep … However, by the 1950s none were left in Arizona. You could get into some serious back country adventures along that creek! Fish and Wildlife Service and volunteers from Trout Unlimited and the University of Arizona backpacked 250 Gila trout into Frye Creek. I have a bunch of your mini hoppers to try out. That's certainly true in much of the Gila, where smallmouth bass and opportunistic browns now dominate the main stem of the Gila River. Gila trout have been described as “taking their colors from the New Mexican sunset”, an apt description. Thanks Emily. Fishing areas like that is a great time. One of these days I hope to make to that creek to check it out. Photo by Christ Hunt, Trout Unlimited Although one does not usually associate trout with the Sonoran Desert environment of Arizona and New Mexico, the Gila trout—as well as its close relative, the Apache trout—has survived in. The Gila trout is one of Arizona’s two threatened native trout species and is also found in New Mexico. OUR CHAPTER WAS STARTED IN 2009 AND HAS ABOUT 55 MEMBERS AT PRESENT. Stay up to date on new fishing regulations and future habitat work. Small, profuse spots cover the upper half of the body and a faint, salmon-pink band is present on adults, particularly during spawning season. Drought, overfishing, overgrazing, wildfires, and the undertow of history have taken their toll on Gila trout. I am pretty sure I will never see one of those in the wild. But, I don’t think that I want to try to get into those areas to fish for it! The Gila Trout requirement for the Wild Trout Challenge is currently suspended. It just feels good to know they are there, healthy, and that you were there to make the connection. Spots on the body are small and profuse, generally occurring above the lateral line and extending onto the head, dorsal fin, and caudal fin. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993).. Wow, Ben, thanks for the great pictures of those beautiful trout. The Gila trout is one of only two native trout species in Arizona. Hoping to cross the Gila off the list. Beautiful trout and of an amazing size. See you on the trail! We fell on the slippery rocks and bushwhacked through the dense undergrowth to cast our lines for this rare Southwestern trout. The Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae gilae) had an historic range that included the headwaters of the Gila River drainage in New Mexico, the Gila River, and possibly the San Francisco Drainage, and the Verde and Agua Fria drainages of Arizona [1]. The Gila Trout looks similar to an Apache Trout with smaller spots and a more brown that yellow base color. The native trout of Arizona have had a rough history with both the Gila and Apache originally listed as endangered, but since have been downlisted due to successful culturing in captivity, greater knowledge of existing populations, and active management and conservation. The Gila trout is native to tributaries of the Gila River in Arizona and New Mexico. The International Game Fish Association All-Tackle World Record Gila trout stands at 3 pounds, 7 ounces and was caught by Bo Nelson in 2011 from Arizona’s Frye Mesa Reservoir. One-thousand are scheduled to be stocked into the West Fork of Oak Creek in late October. Introducing Gila trout to the East Verde River is a real treat for anglers thanks to a great deal of work by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and local conservation organizations. The New Mexico state record Gila trout is 4 pounds, 8 ounces. So, I am grateful for you sharing your experience. The Gila trout is found historically in the Verde and Agua Fria drainages in Arizona. We fell on the slippery rocks and bushwhacked through the dense undergrowth to cast our lines for this rare Southwestern trout. Historically, Apache Trout occupied streams and rivers in the upper White, Black, and Little Colorado River drainages in the White Mountains of east-central Arizona. Beautiful fish… I’ve spent a lot of time in that canyon. Thanks, Ben– after years of people saying “you should have a blog,” reading yours was what inspired me to go for it. Glad you made it out there. Those look like a great option for getting down in those plunge pools. Fed by springs and snowfall from Mt. Here are some of the common fish found in the Gila River, Largemouth bass, Sunfishes, Channel catfish, Flathead catfish, Gila trout. The Gila trout was historically found in the Gila River of Arizona and New Mexico, and the Verde and Aqua Fria drainages. The best part about fishing for Gila trout is that they aren't too difficult to catch. Great photos. Though Gila trout are limited to just a few mountain streams in New Mexico and Arizona, they can be found scribbled on the “life lists” of many hopeful fly fishermen. Of course, Worsham’s fish is heavier than both. The Verde River population may have represented an intermediate between the Gila and Apache trout, however this population went extinct by the 1950’s (Miller 1950) and little is known about the original native trout (Behnke 2002). Thanks Benjamin. In the mean time, thanks for sharing you trip! I look forward to following along. Thanks for the comment. I found the fish to not be that picky though. Body color is iridescent gold on the sides that blend to a darker shade of copper on the gill plates. Almost as rare as a Gila Trout are the streams of that size that hold trout (of any species) of the dimensions pictured. Body color is iridescent gold on the sides that blend to a darker shade of copper on the gill plates. It’s crazy to see it on the internet like that. Gila Trout are also native to Arizona and listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. WELCOME TO THE HOME PAGE OF GILA TROUT CHAPTER # 530 OF TROUT UNLIMITED, LOCATED IN PAYSON, ARIZONA. Under a new proposal, the fish would be upgraded to "threatened" on the federal government’s list. It is some serious country for sure. It was fun to cross them off the list but a pretty tight stream to fish. What stream? Excellent report and fish Ben! Gila trout have persisted in five streams within the Gila National Forest, New Mexico, including: Iron, McKenna, and Spruce creeks in the Gila Wilderness Area, along with Main and South Diamond creeks in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area. Native trout, because they’ve been pushed into the recesses of their former ranges, are special creatures in a world where better is often measured by bigger. Written by: Tyler Coleman Wild Gila trout are among the rarest trout in the U.S., found only in Arizona and New Mexico. Simi’s? Gila trout typically spawn in early spring, when water temperature is rising and runoff flows are declining. Native trout, because they've been pushed into the recesses of their former ranges, are special creatures in a world where better is often measured by bigger. Parr marks are commonly retained by adults, although they may be faint or absent. It’s so easy to feel like your the only one who goes there. Take care. Right on Max. Good luck if you head down there. They require clean gravel substrates for spawning, adequate stream flow to maintain water depth and cool temperatures, and sufficient pool density and habitat that provides refuge during periods of drought or warm temperatures. Spots on the body are small and profuse, generally occurring above the lateral line and extending onto the head, dorsal fin, and caudal fin. The Gila Trout is one of Arizona’s two native trout species. Lol. Gilas are one of two Arizona native trout species. Looks awesome! I used a small simi seal bugger variation that I tied up specifically for the trip. Gila trout are found only in Arizona and New Mexico. Also, thanks for caring so much about their habitat. Starting in 1999, Gila trout were reintroduced into Dude Creek in the Verde River drainag… . Altogether, such efforts have helped to fortify five remnant, genetically distinct lineages of Gila trout populations in 17 streams in New Mexico and five in Arizona; these lineages have evolved to accumulate variations in their genomes that, collectively, help the species as a whole. Unfortunately, no populations are currently open to angling. It's possible to catch Gila trout and their eastern Arizona cousins, the Apache trout, in two or three days of fishing. If you look carefully you’ll see a couple of your quail hats floating around in there…. They are opportunistic feeders, mainly feeding on aquatic and terrestrial insects and invertebrates. "Some great strides have been made in Gila trout recovery so far," says Eric Gardner, head of the Arizona … Their iridescent gold sides blend to a darker shade of copper on the gill covers. After many setbacks--one being a major car accident that had shutdown the freeway, causing. Just now saw this, gorgeous fish! Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. “The one stream in Arizona with Gila trout is closed to fishing, due to fires,” he said. Love that species of trout. There are also opportunities in New Mexico to catch Gila trout during a limited angling season with catch-and-release only regulations. This was a spur of the moment decision to go. Thanks for the kind words. A real treasure and so much to be thankful for. Gila trout are found in moderate to high gradient perennial mountain streams above 5,400 ft elevation with stream temperatures below 77°F. I’ve added your link to my blog list. “This release is a large step forward in conserving Gila trout,” said Andy Dean, lead Gila trout biologist with the service’s New Mexico Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in … Thanks Simon. The habitat didn’t allow for much in the way of casting, but bow-and-arrow casting small streamers seemed to do the trick. The Department maintains an active Gila trout recovery and management program to increase their existence in Arizona within their historical range. The Gila trout has been listed as endangered since 1967.Gila trout were originally native to the upper Verde, Agua Fria and San Francisco river drainages in Arizona. The same techniques used to catch rainbow trout work very well for Gila trout. A Gila Trout caught at Goldwater Lake by a young angler in Prescott Arizona. They are easily caught fishing nymphs, wet or dry flies, and they will also take small spoons and spinners. Dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins have a white to yellowish tip that may extend along the leading edge of the pelvic fins. As I researched Gila trout, online sources seemed contradictory and discouraging. Graham area. Natural fish barriers prevented Gila trout from entering the upper Tonto Creek drainage (AZ). Looks like you and DJ knocked it out of the park! The Gila River is home to what now is the protected Gila Trout. Thanks, Ben! As Gila trout recovery streams are established and meet necessary population criteria to withstand limited angling use, they may be opened to angling for the public in the future. Glad to know it is an attainable goal. Biologists have spent decades trying to bring them back. Thanks to the work of Trout Unlimited and the Arizona Game and Fish Department, there is now a wild fishable population of Gila trout back in Arizona, and efforts continue to be made to stock Gila trout back in their native drainage. The Gila trout is one of the toughest "life list" trout species to find. While Gila trout in Frye Creek was strictly catch-and-release, the limit for taking the trout out of Frye Mesa Reservoir was one fish per angler. Native to the Gila River drainage in Arizona and New Mexico, Gila Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) are one of Arizona’s two native trout species. The extent of the historical distribution of the Gila Trout is not known with certainty. Nonindigenous Occurrences: Gila Trout have been reported in the Lower Colorado, Upper Gila-San Carlos Reservoir, Willcox Playa, Middle Little Colorado, Lower Colorado-Marble Canyon, Tonto, Lower San Pedro, Little Colorado, and Upper Little Colorado drainages in Arizona. That last one is hands down the best gila trout I have ever seen. Wow. Conservation efforts started in the 1990’s to bring this native species from endangered to threatened. The Gila trout took well to the area, and in February 2011 the first-ever open season of Gila trout in Arizona was approved for the Frye Mesa Reservoir. The yellow Gila trout tucked away from humanity in a tiny trickle of water greedily ate our flies and made us forget about the thorns and brush that tore at our clothing. Great looking blog by the way. One major cause of Gila Trout population decline was (and still … Great fish Ben! Currently, all Gila trout recovery streams in Arizona are closed to angling. One of the first North American fish to be actively conserved, there is no doubt that the Gila trout is immensely important to the world of fishing. Awesome fish and pictures. The Gila Trout is one of the rarest trout species in the United States. Gila trout are being restored to Frye Creek in southeast Arizona. Gila trout are generally sexually mature by age 3 and their life expectancy may range between 4-6 years. Angling is currently closed in all recovery streams occupied by Gila trout. Most beautiful gila I’ve ever seen! and it was a bit surreal to hold a fish that has been on the brink of extinction for so long. Thanks Pete. A faint, salmon-pink band is present on adults, particularly during spawning season when the normally white belly may be streaked with yellow or reddish orange. Altogether, the Gila traces a path that begins in the Black Range of New Mexico and flows across the breadth of Arizona before joining the Colorado River near Yuma. Thanks David. However, Gila trout in the East Verde River, Frye Mesa Reservoir, Watson Lake, Lynx Lake, and Goldwater Lake can be angled. That’s certainly true in much of the Gila, where smallmouth bass and opportunistic browns now dominate the main stem of the Gila River. Streams in this watershed harbor one of five known relict genetic lineages of Gila trout, which live only in New Mexico and Arizona. Sorry man, no trekking pole was found. Couldn’t agree more Phil. Photos by Tyler Coleman Here are a few pictures from our trip spent chasing native wild trout in a remote creek in Arizona. I let the organization keep the bid as a donation but canceled the trip. Thanks Max. What streamers did you guys use! and it was a bit surreal to hold a fish that has been on the brink of extinction for so long. Wish I had time to order some of your Frye Creek Special streamers. Historically, this fish was native to the San Francisco, Verde, Gila, and Agua Fria River drainages. Gila trout, one of two trout species native to Arizona, are being restored to the Mt. It is known to be native to higher elevation streams in portions of the Gila River drainage in New Mexico, San Francisco River drainage in Arizona and New Mexico, and tributaries to the Gila River in Arizona. Like the Apache trout, some Gila trout may display “bandit” like horizontal bars across their irises. A major step was taken Monday when AZGFD, U.S. Sign up to receive email updates from Arizona Wanderings, Tags: Arizona Fishing Blog, Arizona Fly Fishing, Arizona fly Fishing Blog, Arizona Gila Trout, Arizona Wanderings, AZ Wanderings, AZWanderings, Fly Fishing Arizona, Gila Trout, Small Stream. Great work, Ben! WE ARE LOCATED AT ABOUT 5000 FOOT ELEVATION IN NORTH EAST ARIZONA, WITH LOCAL ACCESS TO ABOUT 15 TROUT STREAMS IN OUR IMMEDIATE AREA. . By the way, you didn’t happen to find a trekking pole up there did you? Gila trout are capable of hybridizing with rainbow trout which has greatly reduced the range of pure populations of Gila trout and continues to be one of the largest threats to Gila trout. After five months of working closely with Mora National Fish Hatchery staff and learning how to raise Gila Trout, Sterling Springs Hatchery has three raceways of happy, healthy, native Gila Trout that will be stocked into Arizona waters. 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