Embedded Files
Work in progress!
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 rainbow trout (O. mykiss) and, at historically, were considered rainbow trout subspecies.
The Gila Trout
The Gila trout is native to Gila River drainage in Arizona and New Mexico.
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, a tributary of the Colorado River. The Apache trout native waterways are located within the state of Arizona.
Apache trout (USFS Photo)
Challenges
Gila trout and 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 Program. 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
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse