WikiCatch
Gila trout
Oncorhynchus gilae
Overview
The Gila trout is a species of salmonid, related to the rainbow trout, native to the southwestern United States. Prior to 2006 the Gila trout was federally listed as endangered. In July 2006, after much work by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and Arizona Game and Fish Department, the United States Forest Service and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Gila trout was down-listed to threatened, with a special provision called a "4d rule" that will allow limited sport fishing – for the first time in nearly half a century. By the time the Gila trout was closed to fishing in the 1950s, its numbers and range were so depleted and so reduced this copper-colored trout simply wasn't very accessible to anglers. As of 2011 there is fishing in both states for this fish.
Best Baits & Lures
Live Baits
- Nightcrawlers
Use small pieces on a #10 hook.
- Mealworms
Effective drifted in runs and pools.
- Grasshoppers
Excellent during summer months.
- Small Stoneflies
Carefully collected, used on streams.
Artificial Lures
- Mepps Aglia #1SpinnerBuy
Silver or gold blade works well.
- Blue Fox Vibrax #2SpinnerBuy
Bright colors can trigger strikes.
- Panther Martin Spinner #4SpinnerBuy
Black body with yellow spots.
- Woolly Bugger (Olive or Black)FlyBuy
Dead drifted or slowly stripped.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph #16FlyBuy
Good general attractor pattern.
Techniques
When fishing Gila trout, use an upstream approach and cast slightly upstream, allowing your bait or lure to drift naturally downstream through potential holding areas.
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Where to Find Gila trout
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for Gila trout?+
Popular baits for Gila trout include Nightcrawlers, Mealworms, Grasshoppers, Small Stoneflies, Mepps Aglia #1. Tip: When fishing Gila trout, use an upstream approach and cast slightly upstream, allowing your bait or lure to drift naturally downstream through potential holding areas.
Where can I catch Gila trout?+
Gila trout can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Arizona, United States; New Mexico, United States; Illinois, United States. WikiCatch lists 29 fishing spots where this species is found.
How big do Gila trout get?+
Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) can reach up to 31.9999993 cm in length and 2 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is EN.
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