Gila Trout

Body Type: New Mexico's state fish and one of the Southwest's rarest native salmonids. The body is golden-yellow to yellow-olive with fine black spotting evenly distributed across the body and fins. A distinctive feature is the strongly pinkish-gold lateral band. The fins often show a yellow-gold tint. One of the most visually striking trout in North America.

Preferred Water Temperature: 50°F–65°F. Adapted to the cool mountain streams of the Gila Wilderness in the Black and Mogollon ranges of New Mexico and Arizona.

Habitat: Pristine, isolated headwater streams in the Gila National Forest and Blue Range Primitive Area. Currently occupies less than 20 stream miles of native habitat — one of the rarest freshwater fish in North America. A federally threatened species with active recovery efforts.

Best Lures: Small inline spinners in gold produce consistent results. Tiny dry flies and nymphs are the traditional approach. Small floating lures work in deeper pools. Fishing access is highly regulated — obtain required permits.

Best Baits: Small nightcrawlers and red worms work well. Salmon eggs produce in streams. Always check specific regulations — many Gila Trout waters require catch-and-release with barbless hooks only.

Size & Weight: Typically 8–14 inches and 0.5–1.5 lbs in native stream habitat. Stocked restoration fish in Diamond Creek Wilderness reach 2–3 lbs.

Top 5 Places to Catch Gila Trout: 1. Main Diamond Creek, New Mexico — restoration stream, permit required 2. South Diamond Creek, New Mexico — excellent wild population 3. Iron Creek, New Mexico — trophy fish available with permit 4. Main Fork Gila River, New Mexico — limited access, wild fish 5. McKenna Creek, Arizona — Blue Range restoration population

New Mexico's state fish and one of the Southwest's rarest native salmonids. The body is golden-yellow to yellow-olive with fine black spotting evenly distributed across the body and fins. A distinctive feature is the strongly pinkish-gold lateral band. The fins often show a yellow-gold tint. One of the most visually striking trout in North America.

Pristine, isolated headwater streams in the Gila National Forest and Blue Range Primitive Area. Currently occupies less than 20 stream miles of native habitat — one of the rarest freshwater fish in North America. A federally threatened species with active recovery efforts.

50°F–65°F. Adapted to the cool mountain streams of the Gila Wilderness in the Black and Mogollon ranges of New Mexico and Arizona.

Best Lures: Small inline spinners in gold produce consistent results. Tiny dry flies and nymphs are the traditional approach. Small floating lures work in deeper pools. Fishing access is highly regulated — obtain required permits. Best Baits: Small nightcrawlers and red worms work well. Salmon eggs produce in streams. Always check specific regulations — many Gila Trout waters require catch-and-release with barbless hooks only.

1. Main Diamond Creek, New Mexico — restoration stream, permit required 2. South Diamond Creek, New Mexico — excellent wild population 3. Iron Creek, New Mexico — trophy fish available with permit 4. Main Fork Gila River, New Mexico — limited access, wild fish 5. McKenna Creek, Arizona — Blue Range restoration population

Typically 8–14 inches and 0.5–1.5 lbs in native stream habitat. Stocked restoration fish in Diamond Creek Wilderness reach 2–3 lbs.

2 official records on file for Gila Trout