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Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) and Apache trout (O. apache) are two closely-related species of salmonids native to southwestern United States. These species are also closely related to the rainbow trout (O. mykiss).
The both species were federally listed as endangered species but, due to successful conservation efforts, are currently listed as threatened species.
The Gila Trout
The Gila trout is native to upper Gila River drainage in Arizona and New Mexico. The Gila River is a tributary of the Colorado River.
Juvenile Gila trout (USFWS Photo)
The Apache Trout
The Apache trout is native to the drainages of the upper Salt River, a tributary of the Gila River and upper Little Colorado River, both tributaries of the Colorado River. The Apache trout native waterways are located within the state of Arizona and is sometimes referred to as the Arizona trout.
The Apache trout is a critically endangered species.
Apache trout (USFS Photo)
Challenges
Both the Gila trout and the Apache trout are included Western Native Trout Challenge. Catches of the Gila trout in Arizona and New Mexico qualify whereas the Apache trout must be caught in Arizona to count. Both also qualify for Arizona's Trout Challenge. The Gila trout qualifies for the New Mexico Trout Challenge.
This article was authored by Kurt Zeilenga as part of our Western States Trout Species series.
Suggestions on how to improve this article may be sent to Kurt@TroutAdventures.org.
Additional Reading
Apache Trout and Gila Trout by Arizona Game & Fish
Gila Trout Recovery & Angling by New Mexico Game & Fish
Trout and Salmon of North America by Robert Behnke
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