WikiCatch
Bonytail chub
Gila elegans
Overview
The bonytail chub or bonytail is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Leuciscidae, which includes the daces, chubs, Eurasian minnows and related species. This fish is native to the Colorado River basin of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming in the southwestern United States; it has been extirpated from the part of the basin in Mexico. It was once abundant and widespread in the basin, its numbers and range have declined to the point where it has been listed as endangered since 1980 (ESA) and 1986 (IUCN), a fate shared by the other large Colorado basin endemic fish species like the Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, and razorback sucker. It is now the rarest of the endemic big-river fishes of the Colorado River. There are 20 species in the genus Gila, seven of which are found in Arizona.
Best Baits & Lures
Live Baits
- Nightcrawlers
Effective, versatile bait for many fish.
- Mealworms
Small and attractive, use on small hooks.
- Waxworms
Good alternative, especially in cooler water.
- Grasshoppers
Natural bait in summer months.
- Crickets
Easy to obtain and effective.
Artificial Lures
- Mepps Aglia #2SpinnerBuy
Classic spinner, good for moving water.
- Rapala Original Floater 05CrankbaitBuy
Excellent for imitating small baitfish.
- Panther Martin SpinnerSpinnerBuy
Proven spinner in clear water.
- Zebco Rooster Tail 1/8 ozSpinnerbaitBuy
Another effective spinnerbait, color variety.
- Berkley Gulp! Alive! Minnow 1 inchSoft PlasticBuy
Small and scented, fish can't resist.
Techniques
Fish near structure such as submerged logs or rocks, and use a light line with small hooks to avoid spooking the fish.
As an Amazon Associate, WikiCatch earns from qualifying purchases.
Where to Find Bonytail chub
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for Bonytail chub?+
Popular baits for Bonytail chub include Nightcrawlers, Mealworms, Waxworms, Grasshoppers, Crickets. Tip: Fish near structure such as submerged logs or rocks, and use a light line with small hooks to avoid spooking the fish.
Where can I catch Bonytail chub?+
Bonytail chub can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Colorado, United States; Arizona, United States. WikiCatch lists 7 fishing spots where this species is found.
How big do Bonytail chub get?+
Bonytail chub (Gila elegans) can reach up to 62.0000005 cm in length and 3 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is CR.
Get WikiCatch on iPhone
360,000+ fishing spots, AI fish ID, weather & solunar — free.
Download on the App Store