Arizona is home to two native trout species. They are the Gila and Apache Trout. While there are open areas to fish for Gila trout on the rim and in Oak Creek, there are currently no open areas to find them in the White Mountains. The Apache trout is only found in the White Mountains of Arizona, at elevations above 8500′.

More and more people are flocking to the high country in search of this elusive trout. There are only a few open streams where you can find a wild Apache, though there are quite a few locations with stocked fish.

The high country is currently under significant ice and snow and with the great monsoon season we had this past summer, we are potentially looking at a solid fishing season.

The Apache trout is part of the Arizona Game and Fish Wild Trout Challenge and on their website, you can find an interactive map to help search for this elusive fish.

You can also hire a guide to shorten the learning curve. I often run into anglers on the water who are struggling to find them, and this is because their behavior and holding areas can be much different than other trout and if you aren’t proficient at fishing small streams, it can be a challenge.

While there are stocked Apache trout streams that are always open (though not accessible in the winter due to ice and snow), if you want to go after the wild ones, these streams are closed January through April so that they can spawn in peace.

So, if you are looking to add a new and unique species to your bucket list, look no further than the Apache trout in the White Mountains of Arizona and if you are looking for a guide, hit me up. I would love to help you find one…..or many.