Apache Trout

Body Type: Arizona's state fish and one of only two trout species native to the Southwest. The body is golden-yellow to olive with medium black spots scattered across the body and fins. A distinctive black stripe runs through the eye. The belly is yellow-gold. A striking and unique-looking trout found nowhere else in the world outside its native range.

Preferred Water Temperature: 50°F–65°F. Adapted to the cool mountain streams of the White Mountains of Arizona at elevations of 7,500–11,500 feet.

Habitat: Clear, cold headwater streams and lakes in the White Mountains of east-central Arizona on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. A federally threatened species with strict management. Habitat is restricted to a small native range that has been fragmented by barriers to prevent hybridization with Rainbow Trout.

Best Lures: Small inline spinners (size 0–1) in gold are effective. Tiny dry flies and nymphs on a fly rod are the traditional approach. Small floating Rapalas produce in pools. Beetle Spins and small spinners work.

Best Baits: Small nightcrawlers and red worms are the top bait. Salmon eggs produce. Wax worms work in cold conditions. Crickets are effective in summer. Fishing is restricted on many Apache Trout waters — check current regulations carefully.

Size & Weight: Typically 8–14 inches and 0.5–1.5 lbs in streams. Trophy fish in White Mountain Apache tribal lakes reach 5+ lbs. World record: 5 lbs 15 oz from Hurricane Lake, Arizona.

Top 5 Places to Catch Apache Trout: 1. Hurricane Lake, White Mountain Apache Reservation — trophy fish with tribal permit 2. Reservation Lake, White Mountain Apache — excellent access with tribal permit 3. North Fork White River, Arizona — native stream habitat 4. West Fork Black River, Arizona — restoration stream 5. East Fork White River, Arizona — good wild population

Arizona's state fish and one of only two trout species native to the Southwest. The body is golden-yellow to olive with medium black spots scattered across the body and fins. A distinctive black stripe runs through the eye. The belly is yellow-gold. A striking and unique-looking trout found nowhere else in the world outside its native range.

Clear, cold headwater streams and lakes in the White Mountains of east-central Arizona on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. A federally threatened species with strict management. Habitat is restricted to a small native range that has been fragmented by barriers to prevent hybridization with Rainbow Trout.

50°F–65°F. Adapted to the cool mountain streams of the White Mountains of Arizona at elevations of 7,500–11,500 feet.

Best Lures: Small inline spinners (size 0–1) in gold are effective. Tiny dry flies and nymphs on a fly rod are the traditional approach. Small floating Rapalas produce in pools. Beetle Spins and small spinners work. Best Baits: Small nightcrawlers and red worms are the top bait. Salmon eggs produce. Wax worms work in cold conditions. Crickets are effective in summer. Fishing is restricted on many Apache Trout waters — check current regulations carefully.

2 fishing locations where you can catch Apache Trout

Typically 8–14 inches and 0.5–1.5 lbs in streams. Trophy fish in White Mountain Apache tribal lakes reach 5+ lbs. World record: 5 lbs 15 oz from Hurricane Lake, Arizona.

1 official record on file for Apache Trout