Often, we do not associate the hot desert as a place to find trout.  However, there are many unique trout species that live in the diverse habitats in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.  Unfortunately, the trout of the desert southwest of the United States have suffered severe declines over the last 100 years and currently occupy a fraction of their historic range.  Threats such as competition with non-native fishes, habitat degradation, hybridization with rainbow trout and over-fishing have negatively impacted these native trout.

 

Some of the desert trout in the southwest United States are Gila trout, Apache trout and the Rio Grand cutthroat trout.  The Federation of Fly Fishers works in a number of ways to help protect and preserve these unique trout in their historic range. The FFF is involved in the restoration of Gila trout to Arizona's West Fork of Oak Creek.  Also the FFF's Cuttcatch Program highlights the unique sub-species of cutthroat trout.  Learn more about Cuttcatch.

The Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae gilae) is found in very few waters and is a species that needs our help to ensure its survival.  Gila trout are currently listed as a Threatened Species by the Endangered Species Act.  Learn more about the ESA status of gila trout.

Native Range: mountain headwaters of Arizona and New Mexico

Habitat: small, cool, relatively unstable streams

Description: finely spotted, with a yellow-gold color body

 

A project to restore Gila Trout to the West Fork of Oak Creek in Arizona has been underway for almost a decade.  With the help of dedicated FFF members of the Northern Arizona Fly Casters, and state and federal agencies, we are getting closer to a goal of protecting this unique species for future generations.  As of April 2009, the FFF has entered an agreement with the USDA Forest Service to begin the required federal assesment (NEPA) to bring gila trout back to the West Fork of Oak Creek.  This process should take 12 months, after which steps with other agencies to plant fish in the stream will take place.   Please stay tuned, as this project progresses in the months to come.  If you would like more information on the West Fork of Oak Creek Project, please contact the FFF Conservation Coordinator.  

Apache trout (Oncorhynchus gilae apache) is currently listed as Threatened by the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Learn more about the ESA status of Apache trout.

 

Native Range: mountain headwaters of Arizona

Habitat: small, cool relatively unstable streams

Description: sparsely spotted, yellowish-gold body

 

Arizona Game and Fish Department have an active Apache Trout Recovery Program to restore this desert fish to Arizona.  To learn about these recovery efforts, visit the AZ Fish and Game.  

Rio Grande Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis) is a candidate species for listing by the Endangered Species Act.  Learn more about the status of the Rio Grande Cutthroat.

 

Native Range: New Mexico and Colorado

Habitat: mountain and foothill headwater streams and rivers

Description: bright red cutthroat mark, yellow to green-bronze body color, roundish spots at concentrate on the tail

 

Colorado Division of Wildlife includes an management plan specific to Rio Grande Cutthroat trout.  You can learn more about this work here. Efforts by the USDA Forest Service in New Mexico are also hard at work to protect this unique cutthroat sub-species.