Apache Trout

Apache trout is one of two native trout in Arizona. They are only found in the White Mountains of Arizona and only on the Fort Apache Reservation. It’s yellowish-gold in color and has black spots. The eyes often have the appearance of having a black stripe through them. Size usually ranges between 6 to 24 inches and weighing up to 6 pounds.

They are currently listed as "threatened" on the Federal Endangered List - although today they appear to be making a comeback.

The Arizona Fish and Game Department (along with other organizations) have joined to create an Apache Trout Recovery program in an effort to restore populations of the trout.

Sterilization has been part of the recovery effort. In some areas, rainbow and brook trout compete with apache trout for resources. This problem has contributed to the decline of apache trout.

To mitigate the problem, the AZFGD have sterilized some streams to rid them of competing rainbow and brook trout. Once the unwanted fish are removed, apache trout are reintroduced back into the stream. Last summer a portion of the creek at Sheeps Crossing was sterilized for this purpose.

The sterilization process is so delicate and finely tuned, that only unwanted fish are removed. Other fish and plant species are not affected by the process.

Apache Trout Hatcheries

There are two state trout hatcheries in Arizona that that raise Apache trout for local stockings. They are the Silver Creek Hatchery (near Show Low) and the Tonto Creek Hatchery (in the Tonto National Forest).

The Tonto Creek Hatchery raises other kinds of trout as well as Apache. They only hatch and raise Apache trout until they reach fingerling size. Once the trout reach fingerling size, they're transported to the Silver Creek Hatchery where they're raised further until they reach a catchable size.

The Silver Creek Hatchery is considered the primary Hatchery for Apache Trout. This hatchery devotes itself entirely to raising Apache trout and raises about 90,000 a year.

And there are two hatcheries on the Fort Apache Reservation that raise apache trout in addition to rainbow, brown and brook trout. These are the Williams Creek National Hatchery and the Alchesay Hatchery.

Apache Trout Fishing

There are several places in Arizona where you can catch Apache trout. Some of these spots on reservations land (requiring a special tribal fishing permit) and others are in state fishing areas.

State Fishing Waters include:

• Upper Silver Creek
• East Fork of the Black River
• Upper West Fork of the Black River (near Big Lake)
• West Fork of the Black River (campground)
• West Fork of the Little Colorado River at Sheeps Crossing (below Mt. Baldy)
• West Fork of the Little Colorado River in Greer
• Lee Valley Reservoir

All of the state fishing waters are open to the public and require a valid Arizona State Fishing License.

White Mountain Apache Reservation Waters include:

• Sunrise Lake
• Christmas Tree Lake
• Horseshoe Lake
• Hawley Lake
• Pacheta Lake
• Earl Park Lake (special permit required)
• Hurricane Lake
• Bog Lake
• Shus Be Tou & Shus Be Zahze

All of these waters are on the Apache Indian Reservation and require a special tribal fishing permit. You do not need a state fishing license to fish these waters.

It should be noted that the White Mountains are occupied by two different Apache Tribes (White Mountain Apache Tribe and San Carlos Apache Tribe). The fishing waters on the San Carlos Apace Reservation do not have any apache Trout.

Both tribes also have different tribal fishing permits and they can't used to fish each other's waters. So if you want to catch apache trout, be sure to get the White Mountain Tribal Fishing Permit and fish on the White Mountain Reservation (also known as Fort Apache Reservation).

Apache Trout Fishing Tips

When fishing for apache trout, artificial flies work best. However, you can also use natural baits (worms, grasshoppers, beetles, salmon eggs, etc.) small lures and spinners. Smaller hooks (size 14 - 18) are usually recommended for Apache trout. For more fishing tips on catching apache trout, click here.

Fishing for apache trout is a unique and rare experience that most trout anglers don't get to share in. So if you're ever in Arizona, it's an opportunity you won't want to pass up!

More Information

For more information about other fishing opportunities on the Apache Reservations in Arizona, click here.