The Gila trout (pronounced He-la) is a beautiful small trout that has a yellow hue to it and is found in only a small number of streams in the Gila. Ironically, the Gila Trout is better-adapted to warm water conditions than either the brown or the rainbow, so were it not for the exotic species, they might dominate the warmer parts of this river today. Gila River: Stream flow Monday morning was 42.2 cfs. Upstream of the San Carlos Reservoir, a real flowing river still exists. Though much smaller than it once was, the Gila can be fished from this point all the way to its headwaters. He's primarily a catfish writer when he's not talking about hunting dogs, but he writes about suckers and carp sometimes, too. Gila River Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Except that I was at 7000’ in elevation, surrounded by peaks ranging all the way up to 10000’. Roper Lake. It is a nice place to visit for a day of kayaking and fishing. The river system has 36 fish species, including largemouth bass, … The paved road to the lake is also nice to ride a bike on. Â. I'm heading to the Middle Fork in a couple of weeks. It was a non-native catfish similar to the Channel Catfish, which was brought into the region and stocked many years ago. Closely related to the Roundtail Chub, the Headwater Chub has been a common incidental catch for the many fly anglers who ply this river for its exotic trout. Its hard being the bearer of bad news, but it is bad out there! Motor vehicles are limited to three access routes to the river in Nichol's Canyon, and off-road use is prohibited. Closely related to the Roundtail Chub, the Headwater Chub has been a common incidental catch for the many fly anglers who ply this river for its exotic trout. [CC-BY-SA-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons. Fishing for Gila Trout was once restricted under its status as an endangered species. Good luck! Found a 50-yard stretch of river that was slammin’. If you fish the Gila in 2014 or later, please let us know what kind of fish you catch so we can update this account. If you want to find the best fishing on the Red River, head to the warmer waters, which is downstream from the hatchery. It was once home to the rare fish species that once called the Colorado River home. It's heartening to see healthy chub populations in the southwest; we only hope that similar progress can be made with the endangered Bonytails and Humpbacks. The river canyon in Mora County is also recommended as a component of the state Natural Areas Inventory. The Gila River, near Silver City New Mexico is what wilderness fishing is all about. You could also find some catfish, including channel cats and yellow bullhead. The Gila National Forest contains many miles of streams that provide both cold and warm water fishing opportunities. The native Gila Trout has survived in, or been restored to, several headwater streams in the region, where limited fishing is allowed during the summer. Things start to change upstream of this section, as the Gila tumbles its way out of the high, mountainous reaches of the Gila and Aldo Leopold Wildernesses, through a desolate canyon, and onto the cactus-dotted desert plains near Silver City. It`ll be a rude awakening when humanity finally realizes that water is life. Almost nothing is known about the biology of the Chihuahua Catfish. Five trout species are representative of New Mexico. The second fish of interest is the Desert Sucker or Gila Mountain Sucker. Reading this, I can`t help but draw a sad comparison between the water wastage taking place in the Gila watershed and whats happening along the Athabasca River in Alberta...only it`s not golf courses, it`s something much more vile and toxic.  the only dam on the Gila belongs to the San Carlos Apache tribe, who sells the water to farmers downstream. I not only caught that Gila, a survivor from a stocking done at the Gila … One of the world’s longer desert rivers at 649 miles, the Gila River reaches from Southwestern New Mexico to Yuma, Arizona, where it meets the Colorado River. Important Notes Fishing licenses are required in New Mexico. Las Cruces District Office Hatchery Gila trout are available for catch-and-release fishing in several other streams, but anglers should always check the New Mexico Game & Fish website before heading out. The surrounding wilderness offers fishing for native trout, hunting, backpacking, horseback riding, and camping across hundreds of miles of trails. The lower Gila is sucked dry by the combined demands of regional farms and the thirsty city of Phoenix. Maybe even dangerous? Along with the rainbow … The Gila River (pronounced "HEE-la") has its headwaters in the mountains north of Silver City, New Mexico. Forest Supervisor Adam Mendonca. This is one of the species targeted during the, The last fish of interest in the upper Gila is, inevitably, the Gila Trout. If you want to find the best fishing on the Red River, head to the warmer waters, which is downstream from the hatchery. The river system has 36 fish species, including largemouth bass, sunfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae gilae) . It’s a magnet for wildlife and consequently for birders. Main-stem Gila trout once reached lengths over 22 inches, although the headwater populations are composed of mostly small fish. This unusual fish has adapted to a niche similar to the one that hogsuckers occupy elsewhere in the United States. GOOD TIMES. Caught around 10 largemouth bass in the course of 15 mins. You’ll also need a free Gila Trout Fishing … Those fish are all gone now. The Gila River between Virden, New Mexico and Solomon, Arizona is navigable during spring snowmelt and after summer and autumn storms. They have a wide, rock-scraping mouth and are specialized in feeding on small organisms and algae. A tributary of the mighty Colorado River, the Gila River spans 646 miles and travels through some of the most remote areas of the state. It once flowed for 650 miles to empty into the Colorado River at Yuma, and thereby into the Sea of Cortez. It was not good. The native Gila Trout has survived in, or been restored to, several headwater streams in the region, where limited fishing is allowed during the summer. Gila Trout Species Status Report . I catch a few really nice bass and hang out with a few elk. Boating and fishing are popular on San Carlos Lake and other basin reservoirs, including Lake Pleasant and Theodore Roosevelt Lake. The Grapevine Campground is a U.S. Forest Service campground located approximately five miles south of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off NM State Highway 15 and just south of the Gila River Bridge. Unlike the free-roaming, pool-dwelling Sonoran Sucker, this fellow is more adapted to live in flowing riffles. New Mexico is where this river gets interesting; here it is a perennial stream with real character. There are three access points to the river -- by turning North off the County Road at 3.5, 6, and 8 miles. It was a non-native catfish similar to the Channel Catfish, which was brought into the region and stocked many years ago. Description. New Mexico is where this river gets interesting; here it is a perennial stream with real character. Since livestock were removed from the river canyon in 1990, a lush native community of cottonwood, willows, and other riparian and aquatic vegetation has re-established and flourished. To Read more about the Gila River and the Gila Trout view this Wikipedia Page. This chart might help you identify them if you happen to be in their area: "Blue-Ribbon Roundtail Chub" fishing season of Fossil Creek, AZ, [Pre-2012] Ichthyofaunal Inventory of the East, Middle, and West Forks Gila River. Mainly an insectivore, the Headwater Chub is completely protected in New Mexico, so any caught must be promptly released unharmed. Mainly an insectivore, the Headwater Chub is completely protected in New Mexico, so any caught must be promptly released unharmed. Mainly an insectivore, the Headwater Chub is completely protected in New Mexico, so any caught must be promptly released unharmed. An incredible, wild canyon filled with big, fast, challenging native fish. Camping is plentiful. Local angler and author M. H. "Dutch" Salmon once wrote of the Sonoran Suckers of the Gila River: The Sonora Sucker, regardless of his less than attractive mouth (shaped like the end of a garden hose) is for me a more interesting fish. The only water available at the campground is from the river and must be either filtered, boiled, or chemically treated. The Gila River is also home to what now is the protected Gila Trout. Found a 50-yard stretch of river that was slammin’. The Whitewater-Baldy Fire of 2012 was the largest forest fire in the history of New Mexico. It originated from rivers farther east (chiefly the Rio Grande). This river is in the middle of nowhere so there usually is not much traffic. The fish are average size with an occasional whopper over 15”, but there are lots of them. So much has been written about this fish (and trout in general) that it's hardly necessary for me to discuss it here, except to mention that it evolved alongside the previously mentioned three fish and they are all part of the same well-functioning native ecosystem. The Gila River, for most of its length in Arizona, is dead. Where does all that water go? The scenery is amazing. was the largest forest fire in the history of New Mexico. Stream Fishing: The Gila National Forest contains many miles of streams that provide both cold and warm water fishing opportunities. The Gila River and the San Francisco River are located within the forest, and the upper reaches and tributaries of both rivers offer trout fishing. More recent surveys fail to report finding this fish, but since it looks so similar to the Channel Catfish, the Chihuahua Catfish could still be swimming in the deep pools of the lower Gila without being detected. To access the Gila Lower Box Canyon, take U.S. 70 West from Lordsburg 1.5 miles to New Mexico 464. In the metro Phoenix area the Gila River does appear to be dry, and at most times it is less than a stream except after it rains.  Phoenix gets its water from CAP (Colorado River) and SRP (Salt River), not from the Gila. More recent surveys fail to report finding this fish, but since it looks so similar to the Channel Catfish, the Chihuahua Catfish could still be swimming in the deep pools of the lower Gila without being detected. ... New Mexico Fishing Trip Planning.  I'll let you know how the fishing is.... Dutch Salmon is a pretty interesting writer. If you look close at the Gila you can find some of … Editor-at-Large Kirk Deeter and photographer Kevin Cooley set out to explore the Gila Mountains of New Mexico, where Deeter hopes to fool a rare Gila trout. The fire itself left most of the fish alive - water doesn't burn, after all. The centerpiece of the area is the Gila River, the last free-flowing river in Southwestern New Mexico. Despite some large agricultural withdrawals, the river supports a more abundant fish community that can provide good angling. And despite the scavenging mouth this powerful native will chase down a deep, slow-drifting nymph, curl your rod, run your line, and fight you all the way to the bank. Hatchery Gila trout are available for catch-and-release fishing in several other streams, but anglers should always check the New Mexico Game & Fish website before heading out. So biologists were able to swoop in after the fire burned itself out and rescue the rare Gila Trout and Headwater Chub, moving some of them to hatcheries for protection. The Rio Grande in New Mexico is a great fishery with many wild … Despite some large agricultural withdrawals, the river supports a more abundant fish community that can provide good angling. Converting perfectly good river water into ponds of chemical soup that kill on contact. Rio Grande & Major Tributaries. The Gila River (; O'odham [Pima]: Keli Akimel or simply Akimel, Quechan: Haa Siʼil) is a 649-mile (1,044 km) tributary of the Colorado River flowing through New Mexico and Arizona in the United States. In low water it is a very clear river, and sight-fishing for large carp is a challenging and thrilling possibility in the pools and flats - if you can stand the summer heat. The area provides some of the best birding in New Mexico. The fire itself left most of the fish alive - water doesn't burn, after all. The truth is, you can catch a trout almost anywhere on earth, but Roundtail and Headwater Chubs can only be caught here, in the great American Southwest. The down-listing to threatened in 2006 includes a special provision that allows the states of New Mexico … At any rate, several of the remote headwater streams were untouched by the fire and flood, so during the open season (which runs through Halloween) you can still strap on your boots and hike up into the mountains to fish for them. This chart might help you identify them if you happen to be in their area: from Inland Fishes of the Greater Southwest: Chronicle of a Vanishing Biota By W. L. Minckley, Paul C. Marsh (University of Arizona Press 2009). This hatchery is located near the lower part of the stream. A native of New Mexico, the Gila trout can be found in clear running streams deep within the Gila National Forest. Theres generally a short boating season in the spring with the bonus of several natural hot spring… By the end of October, the river had carved its way down through six feet of fine, silty ash deposits to expose the rock and rubble that it once flowed over. New Mexico while recognizing angling skill and accomplishment. Be sure & have a current NM fishing license & be familiar with the NM Game & Fish Dept. Caught around 10 largemouth bass in the course of 15 mins. A 20-incher is not unusual; my son, Bud, caught a 26-inch Sonoran Sucker in the summer of 2009. Spots on the body are small and profuse, generally occurring above the lateral line and extending onto the head, dorsal fin, and caudal fin. A tributary of the Colorado River, the Gila River originates in America’s first designated wilderness areas, the Gila … Fishing for Gila trout was good using flies and red worms on Mogollon Creek. They will probably be fishable again; not sure when. The river provides opportunities for canoeing or rafting during spring runoff, hunting, and year-round fishing and camping. Gila National Forest - Supervisor's Office/Silver City Ranger District 3005 E. Camino del Bosque Silver City, NM 88061 (575) 388-8201. It's interesting to see a guy who writes stories about chasing underappreciated species, and so far as I know, no one besides Dutch does that. I was in the Gila National Forest of New Mexico, near the Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument, getting ready to fish the headwaters of the Gila River… You can also catch sport trout in the higher elevation tributaries of the Gila in eastern Arizona including Apache Trout. But when I catch a Gila trout toward the end of my November fishing day, I know I can only be in the Gila National Forest of southwestern New Mexico- in this case on the Middle Fork of the Gila River. The down-listing to threatened in 2006 includes a special provision that allows the states of New Mexico and Arizona to manage the species as a sportfish in select areas for the first time in almost 50 years. Gila River (PIR) Israel G.: White Roosters strike again! You are by the Gila River, the road does not have a lot of traffic, and it is a pretty ride but the … Portions of the river flow through true desert wilderness, and the river is known to produce flathead and channel catfish of impressive size. Well, it's a complicated issue, but if you're trying to track down water wastage, you might be interested in the fact that the water-starved metro Phoenix area boasts 250 golf courses. Upper reaches and headwater tributaries of both rivers offer trout fishing, the lower reaches of both rivers offer quality warm water fishing opportunities. But by then, the fish were gone - killed by the toxic ash or fled downstream to some hidden refuge in the canyons of the lower river. Thank you for the article. The area provides some of the best birding in New Mexico. Plus, there's a lake in Arizona where they allow fishing, but they're hatchery-reared brood stock, not wild fish. At any rate, several of the remote headwater streams were untouched by the fire and flood, so during the open season (which runs through Halloween) you can still strap on your boots and hike up into the mountains to fish for them. Boiling hot springs form steaming pools on the banks. Action didn’t pick up till noon when it warmed up a bit and visibility was high. This rare body of water is the only wild (a.k.a undammed) river in New Mexico… was frequently collected in the Gila's East Fork up until 2008 (according to the New Mexico Fish and Game Department). The Gila River (; O'odham [Pima]: Keli Akimel or simply Akimel, Quechan: Haa Siʼil) is a 649-mile (1,044 km) tributary of the Colorado River flowing through New Mexico and Arizona in the United States. One of the reasons for the re-introduction is to reduce the risk that seasonal fires will wipe out the species. The Mainstem of the Gila will provide you with numerous options. Theres generally a short boating season in the spring with the bonus of several natural hot spring… In the meantime, the more plentiful Headwater and Roundtail Chubs are more than enough to keep us occupied.Â. Many of the trails along the river were destroyed, some of which have been used by people for over a thousand years. Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife That's. Mountain lions and wolves keep the deer and elk honest and wary. Here, then, the Gila river exists much as it always has, untouched by the hand of man. Well, it's a complicated issue, but if you're trying to track down water wastage, you might be interested in the fact that the water-starved metro Phoenix area boasts 250 golf courses. … The habitat changes abrubtly from coldwater to coolwater to warmwater in a surprisingly short span. Visit the Navajo Nation Department of Fish an… These include the brook, brown, Gila, Rio Grande cutthroat and rainbow trout. But these exotic species can be found elsewhere, so we'll concentrate on the exciting native desert fishes that are found right here and nowhere else. In a few years there will be more options. A few Sonoran or Desert Suckers may be found, along with a barely surviving population of Roundtail Chub, but the hulking Razorbacks, thrilling Pikeminnows, flashy Machetes, Flannelmouth Suckers, River Mullets, and alien-looking Humpback Chubs became extinct long ago. Some of those are wiped out but some are fine. Main-stem G. ila trout once reached lengths over 22 inches, although the headwater populations are composed of mostly small fish. In low water it is a very clear river, and sight-fishing for large carp is a challenging and thrilling possibility in the pools and flats - if you can stand the summer heat. The river passes through many scenic canyons and stretches of Class I to III whitewater. But in September of 2013, a massive deluge swamped the region, and a wall of ash-choked water 30 feet deep swept down the valleys of the Gila, carrying everything downstream - everything from trees, silt, and ash to boulders the size of washing machines. Body color is iridescent gold on the sides that blend to a darker shade of copper on the gill plates. They needed to be protected from the deadly ash flows that could sweep down the river after the fire. Meanwhile, the native plants and animals of the drainage are going extinct for lack of water. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, Vehicles are limited to designated routes.Â. The Gila Lower Box Canyon is a true oasis in the desert, 20 miles north of Lordsburg, New Mexico. Once you reach the bottom, fishing for Gila trout is open from approximately a half mile downstream of the trail to approximately 3.5 miles upstream at the confluence of Trail Canyon and … Navajo fishing and boat permits are available at sporting goods stores in the Gallup and Farmington areas. Since the average American golf course uses 312,000 gallons of water per day, those 250 urban Phoenix courses alone waste 78 million gallons of water per day. No stars. Reliable advice on routing to Whiskey and all lakes on the Navajo Nation is strongly advised. Closely related to the Roundtail Chub, the Headwater Chub has been a common incidental catch for the many fly anglers who ply this river for its exotic trout. Southern_Fisherman13. The Gila Lower Box Canyon is a true oasis in the desert, 20 miles north of Lordsburg, New Mexico. I heard there were some left in Sapillo Creek but not sure; once it opens in the spring you could possibly find some in Black Canyon, too. Both the Gila River and the San Francisco River along with their many tributaries are located within the Forest. In the communities of the Red River watershed, fishing contributes … Rock spires jut hundreds of feet into the air, and the cliffs are pocked with cave dwellings built by the mysterious cliff-dwellers who lived here long ago. … It has to constantly battle with invasive species … Gila Trout Species Status Report . The lower reaches of both rivers provide warm water fishing opportunities. The first road (3.5 miles off NM 464) goes north 3.5 miles to the river at Nichol's Canyon, where you can park and camp under majestic cottonwood trees. 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.). Anglers who accept the challenge and are fortunate enough to catch all five species will be inducted into the New Mexico Trout … The other access roads (at 6 and 8 miles off of NM 464) take you to the canyon rim at Fisherman's Point and Spring-on-the-Bluff, where you will need to take fishing access trails down to the river. Gila trout; … Males of this species sport bright red bellies in the spring spawning period. Withdrawals, the last free-flowing river in Southwestern New Mexico insectivore, the reaches. Elsewhere in the mountains North of Silver City New Mexico in clear running streams deep within the Forest 31 before. Where cover, in the Gila lower Box Canyon from the County Road with an that! I 'll let you know how the fishing is all about seriously compromised the fishing of. River gets interesting ; here it is 30 miles northwest to Silver City New Mexico is what wilderness is. Mexico, so any caught must be promptly released unharmed to 10000 ’ this... 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