Take care. It is some serious country for sure. Thanks Benjamin. Great looking blog by the way. The Gila trout is native to tributaries of the Gila River in Arizona and New Mexico. Biologists have spent decades trying to bring them back. However, by the 1950s none were left in Arizona. Thanks, Ben! 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. Great photos. Native to the Gila River drainage in Arizona and New Mexico, Gila Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) are one of Arizona’s two native trout species. Wow, Ben, thanks for the great pictures of those beautiful trout. Gila trout are generally sexually mature by age 3 and their life expectancy may range between 4-6 years. 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. Drought, overfishing, overgrazing, wildfires, and the undertow of history have taken their toll on Gila 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. But, I don’t think that I want to try to get into those areas to fish for it! They are opportunistic feeders, mainly feeding on aquatic and terrestrial insects and invertebrates. What streamers did you guys use! Historically, this fish was native to the San Francisco, Verde, Gila, and Agua Fria River drainages. Gila Trout are also native to Arizona and listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Great fish Ben! 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. Just now saw this, gorgeous fish! 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. In Arizona, Gila trout are found in six recovery streams spread across the Agua Fria River, Blue River, lower Gila River, and Verde River drainages. Sorry man, no trekking pole was found. 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. 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. 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. We fell on the slippery rocks and bushwhacked through the dense undergrowth to cast our lines for this rare Southwestern trout. Just a few more years and the rest of the Pinalenos have recovered well enough to be reopened too. 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. 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. This was a spur of the moment decision to go. 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. The Gila Trout looks similar to an Apache Trout with smaller spots and a more brown that yellow base color. Fishing areas like that is a great time. 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. Here are some of the common fish found in the Gila River, Largemouth bass, Sunfishes, Channel catfish, Flathead catfish, Gila trout. Dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins have a white to yellowish tip that may extend along the leading edge of the pelvic fins. 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. . After many setbacks--one being a major car accident that had shutdown the freeway, causing. The Department maintains an active Gila trout recovery and management program to increase their existence in Arizona within their historical range. Streams in this watershed harbor one of five known relict genetic lineages of Gila trout, which live only in New Mexico and Arizona. Hoping to cross the Gila off the list. Also, thanks for caring so much about their habitat. A major step was taken Monday when AZGFD, U.S. It’s crazy to see it on the internet like that. WE ARE LOCATED AT ABOUT 5000 FOOT ELEVATION IN NORTH EAST ARIZONA, WITH LOCAL ACCESS TO ABOUT 15 TROUT STREAMS IN OUR IMMEDIATE AREA. The Gila Trout requirement for the Wild Trout Challenge is currently suspended. Currently, all Gila trout recovery streams in Arizona are closed to angling. 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). 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. Glad you made it out there. I found the fish to not be that picky though. Simi’s? Thanks Pete. One-thousand are scheduled to be stocked into the West Fork of Oak Creek in late October. By the way, you didn’t happen to find a trekking pole up there did you? Stay up to date on new fishing regulations and future habitat work. Gila trout typically spawn in early spring, when water temperature is rising and runoff flows are declining. 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. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is stocking Gila trout in the East Verde River every week throughout the summer. However, Gila trout in the East Verde River, Frye Mesa Reservoir, Watson Lake, Lynx Lake, and Goldwater Lake can be angled. Wow. The Gila trout is one of only two native trout species in Arizona. 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. Body color is iridescent gold on the sides that blend to a darker shade of copper on the gill plates. I’ve added your link to my blog list. OUR CHAPTER WAS STARTED IN 2009 AND HAS ABOUT 55 MEMBERS AT PRESENT. Almost as rare as a Gila Trout are the streams of that size that hold trout (of any species) of the dimensions pictured. Unfortunately, no populations are currently open to angling. Glad to know it is an attainable goal. Small, profuse spots cover the upper half of the body and a faint, salmon-pink band is present on adults, particularly during spawning season. Beautiful trout and of an amazing size. 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. Those look like a great option for getting down in those plunge pools. OUR VISION AND GOALS … One major cause of Gila Trout population decline was (and still … What stream? They are easily caught fishing nymphs, wet or dry flies, and they will also take small spoons and spinners. I look forward to following along. Wish I had time to order some of your Frye Creek Special streamers. (U.S. Arizona Ecological Services Field Office < October 2006 : 15 Kb : Federal Register Notice: Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of the Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) From Endangered to Threatened; Special Rule for Gila Trout in New Mexico and Arizona: U.S. 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]. Most beautiful gila I’ve ever seen! In the mean time, thanks for sharing you trip! 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 New Mexico state record Gila trout is 4 pounds, 8 ounces. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993).. . “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 … 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, one of two trout species native to Arizona, are being restored to the Mt. By the time the species was formerly described in 1950 its distribution had been dramatically reduced to as few as 20 stream miles [1]. Good luck if you head down there. The Gila Trout is one of the rarest trout species in the United States. The best part about fishing for Gila trout is that they aren't too difficult to catch. The Gila River is home to what now is the protected Gila Trout. The extent of the historical distribution of the Gila Trout is not known with certainty. We fell on the slippery rocks and bushwhacked through the dense undergrowth to cast our lines for this rare Southwestern trout. Their iridescent gold sides blend to a darker shade of copper on the gill covers. Lol. Right on Max. “The one stream in Arizona with Gila trout is closed to fishing, due to fires,” he said. and it was a bit surreal to hold a fish that has been on the brink of extinction for so long. Natural fish barriers prevented Gila trout from entering the upper Tonto Creek drainage (AZ). Fed by springs and snowfall from Mt. The Gila trout is one of Arizona’s two threatened native trout species and is also found in New Mexico. Looks awesome! The same techniques used to catch rainbow trout work very well for Gila trout. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Excellent report and fish Ben! Fish and Wildlife Service and volunteers from Trout Unlimited and the University of Arizona backpacked 250 Gila trout into Frye Creek. The Gila trout is one of Arizona’s two threatened native trout species and is also found in New Mexico. Parr marks are commonly retained by adults, although they may be faint or absent. I am pretty sure I will never see one of those in the wild. 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. As I researched Gila trout, online sources seemed contradictory and discouraging. See you on the trail! Photos by Tyler Coleman Here are a few pictures from our trip spent chasing native wild trout in a remote creek in Arizona. Beautiful fish… I’ve spent a lot of time in that canyon. 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. That last one is hands down the best gila trout I have ever seen. The Gila trout was historically found in the Gila River of Arizona and New Mexico, and the Verde and Aqua Fria drainages. Under a new proposal, the fish would be upgraded to "threatened" on the federal government’s list. If you look carefully you’ll see a couple of your quail hats floating around in there…. A real treasure and so much to be thankful for. Angling is currently closed in all recovery streams occupied by Gila trout. I used a small simi seal bugger variation that I tied up specifically for the trip. Thanks David. Gila trout are being restored to Frye Creek in southeast Arizona. There are also opportunities in New Mexico to catch Gila trout during a limited angling season with catch-and-release only regulations. I have a bunch of your mini hoppers to try out. 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. and it was a bit surreal to hold a fish that has been on the brink of extinction for so long. Starting in 1999, Gila trout were reintroduced into Dude Creek in the Verde River drainag… Spots on the body are small and profuse, generally occurring above the lateral line and extending onto the head, dorsal fin, and caudal fin. 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. 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. So, I am grateful for you sharing your experience. 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. "Some great strides have been made in Gila trout recovery so far," says Eric Gardner, head of the Arizona … Fly-fishers can catch Gila trout without consulting hatch charts and without technical rigs or special flies. I am planning on making my first trip down there this weekend. Thanks Simon. Looks like you and DJ knocked it out of the park! WELCOME TO THE HOME PAGE OF GILA TROUT CHAPTER # 530 OF TROUT UNLIMITED, LOCATED IN PAYSON, ARIZONA. Thanks Max. Of course, Worsham’s fish is heavier than both. Conservation efforts started in the 1990’s to bring this native species from endangered to threatened. Couldn’t agree more Phil. Thanks for the comment. One of these days I hope to make to that creek to check it out. . Body color is iridescent gold on the sides that blend to a darker shade of copper on the gill plates. It was fun to cross them off the list but a pretty tight stream to fish. Thanks for the kind words. That is a trout I hope to pursue someday. 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. Gilas are one of two Arizona native trout species. Baldy, the Little Colorado River is characterized by very cold, fast moving waters with interspersed deep … Gila trout have been described as “taking their colors from the New Mexican sunset”, an apt description. I let the organization keep the bid as a donation but canceled the trip. Written by: Tyler Coleman Wild Gila trout are among the rarest trout in the U.S., found only in Arizona and New Mexico. The Gila trout is one of the toughest "life list" trout species to find. Awesome fish and pictures. A Gila Trout caught at Goldwater Lake by a young angler in Prescott Arizona. Thanks, Ben– after years of people saying “you should have a blog,” reading yours was what inspired me to go for it. Great work, Ben! You could get into some serious back country adventures along that creek! Like the Apache trout, some Gila trout may display “bandit” like horizontal bars across their irises. 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. That’s certainly true in much of the Gila, where smallmouth bass and opportunistic browns now dominate the main stem of the Gila River. Graham area. The Gila trout is found historically in the Verde and Agua Fria drainages in Arizona. The Gila Trout is one of Arizona’s two native trout species. Next time you’re out this way let me know and we’ll get out. Gila trout are found in moderate to high gradient perennial mountain streams above 5,400 ft elevation with stream temperatures below 77°F. It's possible to catch Gila trout and their eastern Arizona cousins, the Apache trout, in two or three days of fishing. 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. It’s so easy to feel like your the only one who goes there. Fish and Wildlife Service: July 18, 2006 : 125 Kb Gila trout are found only 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. . 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. Love that species of trout. 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. Thanks Emily.

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