Apache Trout
The Apache trout is a golden-yellow native of Arizona's high White Mountains, one of only two trout native to the state and a rare conservation success story.
🗓️ Last reviewed: July 2026
Overview
The Apache trout is a golden-yellow native of Arizona's high White Mountains, one of only two trout native to the state and a rare conservation success story. Catching one in its clear mountain streams is a bucket-list experience for native-trout enthusiasts.
Identification
Apache trout are golden to olive-yellow with evenly spaced dark spots, a dark stripe through the eye, and a yellow-orange throat and belly. They closely resemble the Gila trout but occupy a separate range.
Range & Habitat
They are native to the cold, clear headwater streams and high lakes of the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, restored to portions of their historic range.
Behavior & Diet
Apache trout hold in cold, clear mountain water and feed on aquatic insects, terrestrials and small fish, rising freely to the surface in their nutrient-poor streams.
Best Seasons
Best fishing is late spring through fall once high-country access opens and water warms enough for active feeding.
How to Catch Them
Small dry flies, nymphs, spinners and spoons in clear mountain streams; a careful, low-profile approach matters in the thin water.
Tackle & Rigs
Light fly or ultralight spinning gear, 2-4 lb tippet or line, small flies and spinners.
Landing, Handling & Release
Handle wet-handed and release quickly - much of the fishery is catch-and-release to protect a recovering native. Barbless hooks help.
Table Quality
Where legal harvest is allowed on stocked waters, they eat like any fine trout, but most fishing is conservation-minded release.
Common Mistakes
Spooking fish in gin-clear streams and fishing recovery waters without checking special catch-and-release rules.
Regulations & Conservation
A threatened native with special regulations and catch-and-release stretches. Always confirm the current Arizona rules and any reservation permits before fishing. We do not give legal advice.
FAQ
Apache or Gila trout? Very similar golden natives in separate ranges - Apache in the White Mountains, Gila to the south.
Can I keep one? Only where allowed - much of the fishery is release-only.