Apache Trout
I have managed to wrangle another business trip to the south west and was planning on trying for an Apache trout. I've been trying to get some info from reservation fish and game dept but so far I don't have a clear idea where to target these fish. Anyone have any idea if access to the streams is possible or will they be snowed in? I'm really looking to catch a wild fish is this possible?
Hey Fish Head
I honestly can't say where to go for certain, not having been there myself yet. I'll be there this summer, but obviously that's a bit late for your trip. However, I do have a link you might want to check out. From what I see, the area of the Apache Reservation received 122% normal snowfall this winter, so depending on when you're going, you might be dealing with a lot of snow or high and off color streams. http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/snotelanom/basinpren.html
Good luck!
--Fly Guy Dave
Been out there twice
I think wild fish on the reservation are tough to find as most of the creeks with them are closed. TU did a big rehab project on Thompson Creek a while back. I went there and caught fish:
http://www.nativetroutangler.com/2007/07/gila-and-apache-trip-az-and-nm.html
Thanks for the help, I
Thanks for the help, I managed to get hold of someone on the reservation they told me about a few creeks to try but said they are snowed in at the moment. So I'llhave to bank it and hope to getback some time soon!
West Fork of the Black River
The west fork of the black river is AZGFD's recovery stream (thompson creek is a tributary of it) outside of the reservation land, this is the only state wild apache creek open to fishing. hopefully if things workout with current recovery projects, more areas will open up for wild apaches, as well as new gila trout areas in AZ.
However the WFBR is mostly meadow like habitat, and not very good structure wise for apaches, the upper part in the riparian area has some log jams and deeper pools and runs and typically produces fish. As said, Thompson creek, which can be 6 inches wide on a good day, will hold fish, but it's like threading a needle when fishing it
Christmas Tree Lake
The best place to catch an Apache on the reservation is Christmas Tree lake. You can also fish down moon creek (flows out of Christmas Tree) for a short distance if you prefer to stream fish, often early in the summer you can pick up some big fish that have entered the stream from the lake. The great thing about Christmas Tree is you stand a great chance of catching a real trophy fish. My boys and I have caught multiple Apaches over 20 inches there. The lake is managed as limited access, only 20 anglers allowed each day, make reservations in advance. If I were stream fishing only, I would give the "north fork" a try.