Identification
The upper body has yellow-gold tones with a darker olive back. Dark spots occur on the dorsal and tail fins, and pale fin tips are characteristic. Appearance should be checked carefully where other trout or hybrids occur.
Bait and Fishing Methods
Arizona guidance includes Pheasant-tail and Hare’s Ear nymphs, along with other small wet flies. These provide documented starting points where fishing is allowed. Conservation streams and recreational waters can have different access and tackle rules.
Size and Weight
Arizona’s published record list gives a 24-inch fish weighing 5 pounds 15.5 ounces, caught in 1993. Those measured record figures are used in Quick Facts. Most fish, especially in small mountain streams, will be much smaller than that exceptional specimen.
Habitat and Recovery
Cold mountain waters form the setting for this native trout. Restoration and protection rebuilt populations across much of its historic range, leading to removal from the federal endangered species list in 2024. Recovery does not make every occupied stream an open fishery.
A Recovery Milestone in the White Mountains
Apache Trout became the first sport fish removed from the federal endangered species list because of recovery. The milestone reflects sustained habitat and population work. Its continued presence still depends on maintaining the conditions that allowed recovery.
All Lakes With Apache Trout
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Apache Trout records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.