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Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) and Apache trout (O. apache) are two closely-related species of salmonids native to Arizona and New Mexico. These species are also closely related to the rainbow trout (O. mykiss).
Apache trout and Gila trout likely descended from a common ancestor that entered the Gila River system from the Gulf of Mexico.
The Gila trout and Apache trout were regarded as two subspecies (O. g. gilae and O. g. apache, respectively) of the Gila trout species.
Gila Trout
The Gila trout is trout species native to the upper Gila River drainage in Arizona and New Mexico. The Gila River is a tributary of the Colorado River.
The Gila trout is critically imperiled in Arizona and New Mexico.
Juvenile Gila trout (USFWS Photo)
Apache Trout
The Apache trout is trout species 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. Its native waterways are located within the state of Arizona, and it is sometimes referred to as the Arizona trout.
The Apache trout is imperiled in Arizona
Apache trout (USFS Photo)
Angler Challenges
Both the Gila trout and the Apache trout are included in the 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.
See rules for each challenge and state regulations for restrictions.
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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