About Apache Trout

The Apache is one of Arizona’s two native trout species. Body color is yellowish-gold at the top of the head and the back is a dark olive. Dorsal, anal and pelvic fins are white tipped with dark, bold spots on dorsal and tail fin. Spotting on the body is sparse and irregular and may extend below the lateral line. Two small black spots on either side of pupil give appearance of black stripe through eye. Adult size: 6 to 20 inches. Apache trout inhabit cold water streams on forest lands and reservation lands in the White Mountains of Arizona. These species is now found in the Upper Salt River and Little Colorado River systems in Arizona. They inhabit clear, cool, mountain headwaters and creeks (generally above 2500 meters in elevation) and mountain lakes. Larger individuals live in pools. Smaller individuals remain near stream cover such as overhanging trees or the brush lying in stream runs or riffles. Apache trout feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects and other invertebrates.