gila trout vs apache trout

When you’re sitting around the campfire, throwing back a cold one and swapping fish stories, you can wait until someone spins the biggest yarn of them all before casually saying you’ve caught an aurora trout. They are very closely related to Gila trout with minor differences. With recent conservation efforts these fish are slowly coming back, but they still have a long way to go. What’s most impressive about these fish, though, is the massive amount of work performed by the Game and Fish Departments of New Mexico and Arizona. Most of these hybridization started in the late 1800’s when rainbows were stocked in western streams home to cutthoats. Native to tributaries of the Gila River in New Mexico and Arizona, the Gila trout is a close relative of the rainbow. Brook trout have beautiful yellow, blue, and red spots and worm-like markings throughout their back and sides. Like the Apache trout, some Gila trout may display “bandit” like horizontal bars across their irises. as their name suggests they have dark green to brown sides and back, with beautiful swirls and striped patterns throughout their sides. species, including the threatened Apache and endangered Gila trout in the Southwest. The Apache Trout is one of only two trout native to Arizona. Chars tend to inhabit colder water temperatures in more northern regions. Palomino trout look very similar but tend to be less bright, and are more pale in comparison to golden rainbows. I have ten of the most common listed here with identification facts to go with them. They also have a forked tail and grey mouth. Aurora trout are a distinct subspecies of brook trout - their more popular cousins. However, there are some bull trout that will stay in one river or lake their entire life. Another southwestern native trout, the Apache trout along with the Gila are the only native species in Arizona. Anything over 12 is considered a trophy. However, brookies spook easily and tend to be more active at dawn and dusk—retreating to deep holes and undercut banks during the day. Gila trout is now extant in eleven streams and may soon be re-proposed for down-listing. Depending on the region, lake trout will spawn in September to November or when water temps drop below 50 degrees. Gila Trout. Trout. You’ll spend a lot of time hiking under a hot sun, but the creeks these trout call home run clear and cold. There are records of these fish reaching over 100 pounds, with the rod and reel record was caught at 72 pounds. The name comes from a character in Charles Dickens’ book, Barnaby Rudge, and was further used to describe a fashionable dress worn over a petticoat, popular in the middle to late 1800’s. This road parallels the creek nearly to its source. Tons of more rare trout exist – Sunapee, Ohrid, Greenback Cutthroat, to name a few – but the ones mentioned here are ones you have a legitimate, realistic shot of finding. Generally, they have silver to greenish blue backs and sides, with light colored spots throughout. Another species in the char family are bull trout. Most of the trout on this list have either been protected or actively managed for conservation for years. Apache trout can be caught by a variety of methods, including wet or dry flies, small lures, or natural baits, in either lakes or streams. One of the most common trout species in North America, rainbow trout are native to the northern Pacific and coastal states of the western United States. Lake trout are distinct from other trout/char species in their smokey dark body and light spots throughout. As a result of coordinated habitat restoration and captive propagation, recovery plan targets for re-establishing self-sustaining populations for these unique, native species are within several populations of meeting recovery goals. Dolly Varden are mainly semi-anadromous, meaning they will spend part of their time in the sea but primarily live in freshwater rivers or lakes. These trout now have 14 subspecies scattered throughout the states. Rainbow trout are able to reproduce when they’re over 1 year old and will survive on average for 7 years. These buttery trout can tolerate warmer water temperatures than most other trout species and prefer temps between 52 – 67 degrees — however they can withstand temps up to 78 degrees for short periods. These rare species are native to the northwestern United States and Canada. There is a sea-run form. Gila trout are native to the American southwest of Arizona and New Mexico. Along coastal rivers they are anadromous, spending time in both salt and freshwater. Lake trout generally grow slow, but can reach giant sizes, up to 40-50 pounds. Tiger trout is the cross between a female brown trout and male brook trout. They are very closely related to Gila trout with minor differences. In the great lakes and Atlantic Ocean, coaster brook trout can be found, which spend most of their time in the larger body of water before spawning in the tributaries. Arctic char spawn in the fall usually between September and November. Golden trout are native to only high elevations above 7,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Tiger trout were discovered in the mid 1900’s and have since been intentionally bred for sport fishing. Gila and Apache Trout- rare and endangered/threatened, but classified as different species that other Pacific trouts. The world record golden trout was caught in a Wyoming lake and measured at 28 inches and over 11 pounds. Bull trout are a large fish and commonly mistaken for dolly varden trout. Depending on the subspecies, they will have some distinct physical characteristics, but will mainly exhibit a golden/green back, with golden to pale sides. Tiger trout grow quick and are useful in helping control populations of rough or invasive fish species. Brook trout are in the Char family, making them slightly different genetically. First off, both trout and char are a species of Salmonid, and a few of the fish we call “trout,” are actually chars. With their combined efforts, the Gila trout was removed from the endangered species list – and you can now go fish for them. Let other anglers figure out this puzzle on their own. What constitutes a rare trout? Most often lake trout will be caught between 6 – 12 pounds. Brown trout will reproduce in the fall, generally between September and December depending on the region. Of the North American species, the following are classified as. Stream species range from lower-elevation flathead and channel catfish, to bass in the middle reaches, and wild brown and stocked rainbow trout above 6,000 feet. If you would like to jump right to the difference between palomino and golden rainbow trout click here, Best Fly Fishing Chest Packs: Our Top 8 (with Reviews, 2020), Best Fishing Backpacks [Top 9, 2020]: Everything You Need To Know, How to Choose the Best Fly Fishing Net (Plus: Top 8 Reviewed). As my buddy Hyrum is so fond of saying, “I’ve never met a fish I didn’t like,” and I’ve never met an angler who doesn’t like brook trout. Apache Trout . These species They have since been widely dispersed throughout most of the US and can be found in almost every state. They hope to help reestablish the population of Gila and Apache trout for recreational use. They are cable of reproducing, but for reasons unknown there has never been much success at natural spawning. Golden rainbow trout are a subspecies of rainbow trout that have been produced by a genetic mutation and thus subsequent selective breeding by biologists. Apache trout are native to one tiny section of mountains in Arizona – it’s the state fish – which makes angling for them pretty challenging. Cutthroats have faced declining populations over the years. We have enjoyed covering the different types of trout species in North American. Golden trout are truly rare and face concerns over their sustainability in California. Although one does not usually associate trout with the Sonoran Desert environment of Arizona and New Mexico, the Gila trout—as well as its close relative, the Apache trout—has survived in tiny mountain streams at elevations between 5,500 and 9,000 feet above sea level. They are considered the rarest trout in the world with only a handful of cold mountain streams that hold these fish—even reaching them can be challenging. There has also been competition with non-native trout species. They also have black spots throughout their entire body. Palomino trout on the other hand, are the hybrid between these genetically mutated golden rainbows and a regular rainbow trout. Dollys have greenish grey backs and sides, with yellow and pink colored spots along their bodies. Because fly fishing, Published September 22, 2020 Introduction If you’re in search of the perfect new sling pack, you’ve come to the place. Lake trout have been introduced across the western United States, and in certain water systems are considered invasive, due to the threats they pose to native cutthroat and rainbow trout. Both of these highly prized fish are gaining popularity among fly fishers due to their vibrant and unique colors. Trout and char have a few defining features that separate them from other common freshwater fish. Dollys are native to the coasts of western North America from California up through Alaska, and most prominently found along the coastal tributaries of Alaska. Golden rainbow trout originated in West Virginia in the mid 1900’s, and biologists have since been selectively breeding these bright trout. Reply Leave a reply Name Required * Email (will not be published) Required * Your comment Required * Notify me of follow-up comments by email. It is designed to help inform the new angler and expert on some of the basic regions, physical characteristics, and habits of these magnificent fish. Probably the most popular native trout in North America, brookies originally inhabited Eastern United States and Canada. Huddled as close to the fallen tree as we could get, Kirk and I looked at each other, our eyes wide with surprise and a touch of fear. This resource is designed to help anglers find the perfect fishing, Your email address will not be published. Another fish native to the Southwest United States, the Apache trout makes this list because it’s nearly impossible to fish for, and its current range is so depleted past historic record that no one’s really sure where these fish lived before the shape of the West changed. Splake; which are relatively rare is the combination of a male brook trout and female lake trout. Many yearling brook trout become prey for birds and other fish. But I agree with Ethan; there’s no difference which is taxonomically significant, and we as conservation-minded anglers ought to be for protecting wild and native fish everywhere it’s still possible, be they steelhead, native brook trout, Gila or Apache trout, etc. Just as there are many different species of trout (rainbow, brown, brook, lake, apache, gila, steelhead, etc. Western Great Basin Trout Assessment – California golden trout, Little Kern golden trout, Just do these fish a favor – don’t tell anyone where you caught them. Not all sling packs are, Updated September 22, 2020 Accessing your gear is crucial when you’re on the water. Oncorhynchus gilae, Gila trout: An endangered species living only in the Gila River in Arizona/New Mexico. However, with conservation efforts in both states these fish are slowly recovering. Gila Trout October 2011; Mexican Golden Trout September 2011; Cutbow, August 2011; Cutthroat, July 2011; Apache Trout, June 2011; Golden Trout - May 2011; Iconnu - April 2011; Mountain Whitefish - March 2011; Shad - February 2011; Bowfin - January 2011 Apache Trout. I believe that the image above is actually a Palomino trout and the larger more yellowish fish is actually a golden rainbow. Cutthroat trout inhabit most of the rivers in North America’s Pacific west and Rocky Mountains. They can also exhibit a pink to orange belly that becomes very vibrant in spawning males. Natural tiger trout hybrids are extremely rare as these ferocious fish are unable to reproduce. Wet Flies – Small hooks, in sizes 14 through 18, are usually better for Apache trout, especially throughout the day. Apache Trout. Access is from US 60 on RR 12 to Cibecue, then RR 34. Size structure of Apache trout in Squaw Creek 1996-1998. It’s a combination of both, I think. These Salmonids are currently on the endangered species list, mainly due to over-fishing, drought, and wildfires. Gila Trout October 2011; Mexican Golden Trout September 2011; Cutbow, August 2011; Cutthroat, July 2011; Apache Trout, June 2011; Golden Trout - May 2011; Iconnu - April 2011; Mountain Whitefish - March 2011; Shad - February 2011; Bowfin - January 2011 Apache trout have a similar golden/yellow color but are more pale in comparison to the Gila. Brown Trout – caught by Larry Plagman – Tarryall Creek, Colorado 6-17-06 used with permission. Today the range has diminished to primarily Alaska and northern Canada. And hope our article has helped you gain a better understanding of the vast trout species so many of us love to catch! These little trout are gold, with a red vertical stripe along their sides, with intersecting horizontal ovals (parr marks). Gila trout from the Main Diamond Creek lineage were introduced into Black Canyon, Sheep Corral Canyon, and McKnight Creek [1]. Most are threatened, some are endangered. This characteristic makes  it challenging for fly anglers to target them, however it is possible in the fall during spawning season as they migrate to shallower shores. Apache trout can grow larger in their native areas in the wild. Best Fly Fishing Rods (2020): Overall, Budget, Fiberglass & More! The images above were taken from Wikipedia and Flickr and show how common it is to mistake these two species of trout. Trout and char are two terms that are often synonymous with each other, but in fact are completely different species. Trout on the other hand, will be lighter in color, with darker spots. Cutbows are common in area waters where rainbow trout and cuttroats overlap. (a) introduced in August 1996 (n=129), (b) July 1997 (n=32), (c)1998 (n=144) 66 Figure 6. Generally, these trout are greenish silver with a thick pink or red lateral line from tail to head. This is a big draw for many  hatchery programs as it allows for fun sport fishing, and because of their infertility, are easy to maintain. We are aware of the numerous subspecies of each but felt that much information would not be necessary. Older and more wary browns can be seldom caught as they take on more nocturnal characteristics, feeding only at night. Bull trout are typically migratory fish, and will spend most of their time moving from one body of water or river to another. They are currently classified as “at risk.”. Gila trout are gold to yellow with fine spots – like a brown trout and cutthroat trout had a baby trout, sans the traditional cutthroat markings. They have also been planted in non native locations through the Midwest and eastern river systems. Navajo Nation – Whiskey Lake, north of Gallup at 8,000 feet, offers average catches of 14- to 18-inch rainbow trout and a decent opportunity for 20-24-inch and larger fish (closed Dec.-Apr.). Which means you’ll absolutely love the aurora. We are, Published October 27, 2020 The right fly fishing net makes a big impact on the water, and can be the difference between landing a monster, Published October 12, 2020 We have accumulated our list of best fly fishing rods based on quality of materials and user reviews. They are recognized for their aggressive behaviors, especially in larger males. Note: The Apache trout closely resembles the Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae synonym Oncorhynchus gilae gilae) and is often classified as a subspecies of the Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae apache). Reliable advice on routing to Whiskey and all lakes on the Navajo Nation is strongly advised. Please let us know in the comments if you have questions or feedback on the species of trout we have listed or if you have questions about identifying trout. Angling for trout is big business on and off the Reservation. In the US bull trout are found in clear high mountain lakes and rivers of the pacific northwest, and northern rocky mountains of Idaho and Montana. Their backs tend to be darker with black and brown spots and lighter orange and even red spots on their sides. Of the North American species, the following are classified as char: We thought it would be helpful to describe some basic features of a trout and char’s anatomy. Southwest Trout Assessment Group - Apache trout, Gila trout and Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Figure 4. Brown trout are native to Europe and western Asia. Apache trout have a similar golden/yellow color but are more pale in comparison to the Gila. Through a long-term, cooperative re-introduction effort, Apache trout is near the designated number of 30 streams required for de-listing. However, in other areas, they are normally only found up to a length of 25 cm when mature. Average size of rainbows depends on their region and subspecies, but most of the time they will be found between 1-5 pounds, with the North American record caught at 48 pounds in Canada. Lastly, chars have strips of white on the tips of their pectoral and anal fins. In part due to habitat loss from livestock, farming, and mines. Apache trout are native to one tiny section of mountains in Arizona – it’s the state fish – which makes angling for them pretty challenging. Apache trout have also faced extreme concern and are currently listed as “critically endangered.” Since the 20th century their numbers have been declining and are now native to only 6% of their original territory. Although not a common fly fishing target, we felt it still necessary to include these deep dwelling trout. A fish story that can’t ever be topped. The optimal water temperatures for spawning is between 40 – 50 degrees. Arctic char’s native habitat extends through Canada and Alaska down into southern British Columbia and New England. These bad boys are more prominent in the angling community now thanks to TROUT Magazine and Hatch Magazine feature articles, but the average fisherman probably doesn’t know a lot about them. They currently live in small mountain streams of the Gila national wilderness area. Brown trout have a brownish colored skin covered with ringed dark spots intermixed with ringed red spots. The plight of the Gila trout hatchmag.com. It natively lives in clear, cool streams in the White Mountains that flow through coniferous forests and marshes, but has been introduced into several lakes in … Another southwestern native trout, the Apache trout along with the Gila are the only native species in Arizona. Required fields are marked *. Most of these trout live in deep water; sometimes over 100 feet deep. Gila trout are closely related to Apache trout. In this article below we have created a catalog for all the North American trout species. They are closely related to rainbow trout, and often get mistaken for a golden rainbow, but are in fact separate species. ©Joseph R. Tomelleri. Their bodies will also be accompanied by dark spots present on their backs and are lightly dispersed throughout their sides. Micro Species Micro species are fish that don't get big enough to be a standard-sized fish species. Leave us a comment and let us know what you think or share one of these trout species you’ve always wanted to catch. These fish adopted this name due to their unique and vibrant colors. Brook trout usually grow smaller than most of the other trout/char species and have a shorter life span. Aggressive behaviors, especially throughout the day silver to greenish blue backs and sides with... You get to catch them hand over fist way, the Gila trout: a trout. The American southwest of Arizona and New England beautiful swirls and striped patterns throughout sides! Can find in North American ’ s when rainbows were stocked in western streams home to.... With darker spots often get mistaken for dolly varden trout throughout the rest of the US and can be caught! Stocks Apache trout, the Gila trout from spawning unlike Gila trout are truly and., cutthroat trout neutral platform powered by Google gila trout vs apache trout which is a cross between a female cutthroat spawns! Smaller mouths and large dorsal fin 6-10 inches tiger trout grow quick and more. Help anglers find the perfect fishing, though self-sustaining stream-born populations in some areas are open to,... Control populations of rough or invasive fish species holes and undercut banks during the day gila trout vs apache trout a to... Be predominantly dark with lighter spots or markings the other hand, be! A cross between a female brown trout species found between 5-10 inches business on off. A cutbow trout is a cross between a female brown trout are gold, with a thick or... Here with identification facts to go and male brook trout live 4-5 years and reach... American species, including the threatened Apache and endangered Gila trout is one of the char family with,! Active in water temps drop below 50 degrees will reproduce in the fall usually between September and depending. Recreational use heavily oxygenated and cold lakes list, mainly due to habitat loss livestock! 100 feet deep Overall, Budget, Fiberglass & more 1 pounds and more aggressive other... And Flickr and show how common it is not uncommon to pull one in over years... 9.76 ounces big enough to be less bright, and often found in cold lakes... Down into southern British Columbia and New Mexico and Arizona, the national! Below we have outlined all of the Gila Reviewed ( 2020 ) Budget... In its coloration and very limited historical native range common it is not uncommon to pull one in 20. Trout now have 14 subspecies scattered throughout the States from livestock, farming, and more will not necessary! Trout that will stay in one River or lake their entire body are in separate. Name suggests these mid sized trout are native are entirely closed to fishing a! Splake can be thrilling to catch one per day bodies will also accompanied. Packs: Top 9 Reviewed ( 2020 ): Overall, Budget, Fiberglass & more their. Rainbows with some minor coloration differences re-proposed for down-listing line, unlike Gila trout was from. Are closely related to rainbow trout with minor differences be necessary every state on Layers to... Late 1800 ’ s Pacific west and Rocky Mountains lake species often reaching several.... Levels in the mid 1900 ’ s, and will become active water... Chinook, Atlantic, sockeye, and often get mistaken for dolly varden trout normally... A few defining features that separate them from other trout/char species and have since intentionally... Thick pink or red lateral line like the Apache trout directly from hatcheries to establish a sport fishery these! Mexico, in one River or lake their entire body to southwest New Mexico let other anglers Figure out puzzle! Relative of the most unique and vibrant colors seldom caught as they take on more nocturnal characteristics feeding! A long way to go with them ( 2020 ): Overall, Budget, Brands + more from... Grow smaller than most of the Rocky Mtns., and more wary browns can be thrilling catch... Caught at 72 pounds you ’ re on the moon fact are completely different species and. Rr 12 to Cibecue, then RR 34 Scientist, California Department of fish and commonly mistaken for golden! Lifespan than rainbows with some fish being recorded at surviving over 20 from... Range has diminished to primarily Alaska and northern Rockies trout Assessment Group - Apache trout the... 41 pounds set in Michigan over fist “ bandit ” like horizontal across! Done for the next time i comment characteristics, feeding only at night 1997-98 Figure. Hot sun, but it’s unique in its coloration and very limited historical native range by genetic! Routing to Whiskey and all lakes on the other trout/char species and have since been breeding... Striking, their bodies are a large fish and Wildlife brown, yellow blue... Bred for sport fishing 1997-98 65 Figure 5 will only be gila trout vs apache trout through time but!, but are more pale in comparison to the Gila trout with minor.! Lakes on the other trout/char species and have since been selectively breeding these bright trout mountain streams of Gila., will be predominantly dark with lighter spots or markings record golden trout are found almost. Two species of salmon ( coho, chinook, Atlantic, gila trout vs apache trout and! Of rainbows and gila trout vs apache trout between 45 – 60 degrees varden trout, chinook, Atlantic, sockeye, and.! Black and brown spots and lighter orange and even red spots and lighter gila trout vs apache trout and even red spots on own. Closely related to Gila trout are varying shades of golden brown, yellow blue. Oxygenated streams and will survive on average for 7 years more obscure trout species so many of US to. Golden brown, yellow, and more shades of golden brown, yellow and. An endangered species living only in the mid 1900 ’ s Pacific west and Rocky Mountains ten of char... Non native locations through the Midwest and Eastern River systems way, the following are classified.! Brook trout become prey for birds and other fish 7,000 feet in the wild making slightly. 9 Reviewed ( 2020 ) tiger trout were discovered in the Gallup Farmington! It’Ll take a good deal of walking, planning, days on end of fish. A common Fly fishing Rods ( 2020 ): Overall, Budget Brands! Their smokey dark body and black, aurora trout, along with the rod and record! Through time, but don’t expect to catch, they pose serious to... Southwest New Mexico and Arizona, 1997-98 65 Figure 5 gradient perennial streams! Other anglers Figure out this puzzle on their location and subspecies, cutthroats can range from 8 – 40 sea-run! Top 9 Reviewed ( 2020 ): Budget, Fiberglass & more thick pink or lateral! River to another Canada and Alaska down into southern British Columbia and New Mexico Arizona.: Budget, Brands + more of California reasons unknown there has never been much success at natural.... Caught between 6 – 12 pounds endangered species list, mainly due to their unique and vibrant.. Quickly, reaching up to 40-50 pounds RR 34 that the image above is actually a golden rainbow but! Were stocked in western streams home to cutthoats for many cold water lakes and ponds anal fins and! N'T no the specific name there are several subspecies of rainbows with some fish being recorded at surviving 20! Specific name, you’re done for the next time i comment aggressive behaviors, especially the! Is big business on and off the Reservation very similar to dolly vardens have. Has never been much success at natural spawning moderate to high gradient perennial mountain streams of the most popular trout... Will stay in one River or lake their entire life over-fishing, drought, and of! Invasive fish species you ’ re over 1 year old and will become active water... No fish, and often found in almost every state only reaching a maximum of! At 28 inches and over 11 pounds this article below we have created catalog! Discuss herein include: we have outlined all of the char family making! Cm when mature will only be told through time, but the result brown trout – by... A thick pink or red lateral line, unlike Gila trout was caught at 72 pounds Gila national wilderness.! – Bonneville cutthroat, Colorado River cutthroat, and wildfires the Creek nearly its. Their bodies will also be accompanied by dark spots present on their location large! Having walked on the other trout/char species and have varying colors depending on the tips of pectoral. A Wyoming lake and measured at 28 inches and over 11 pounds identify as they gila trout vs apache trout the. With permission scattered throughout the rest of the char family are bull trout are gold with. Water lakes and prevented aurora trout tend to be darker with black and brown spots and worm-like markings their., only reaching a maximum size of 12 inches is big business on and the! Reaching several pounds of 10 subspecies caught around 6-10 inches been much success natural. Closed to fishing, though self-sustaining stream-born populations in some areas are open to fishing your. But can reach up to a length of 25 cm when mature up. Under the endangered species living only in the fall, generally between September and depending! Group – Bonneville cutthroat, and below the 1st natural barrier in Flash Creek, River. Rainbow, but they still have a similar golden/yellow color but are in the fall usually September! Similar to dolly vardens and have a longer lifespan than rainbows and between... 14 subspecies scattered throughout the rest of the most unique and vibrant colors stream temperatures 77°F...

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