The Gila Trout in Arizona: A Native Treasure for Fly Fishing Anglers

When anglers think of fly fishing in Arizona, places like Sedona, Oak Creek, and Prescott often come to mind. While many of these waters are known for introduced trout species, Arizona is also home to one of the rarest native fish in North America—the Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae). Found only in the Southwest, this striking trout represents the heart of Arizona’s native fisheries and a major conservation success story.

A Native Trout of Arizona’s Wild Waters

Unlike rainbow or brown trout commonly found near Sedona or Oak Creek, the Gila trout is truly native to the region. It evolved in the Gila River basin of Arizona and New Mexico, adapting to variable flows, warmer water temperatures, and rugged landscapes that define much of the state’s high country.

Gila trout are easily recognized by their golden-yellow bodies, scattered dark spotting, and vivid red or orange coloration along the belly. For fly fishing anglers, encountering one feels different—more personal—than catching a stocked fish near popular destinations like Prescott or Sedona.

Conservation Success in Arizona

By the mid-1900s, the Gila trout was nearly lost forever. Wildfires, drought, habitat degradation, and competition from non-native trout pushed the species to the brink of extinction. Hybridization with rainbow trout—common in waters such as Oak Creek—further threatened the Gila trout’s genetic purity.

Decades of conservation work by Arizona Game and Fish and federal agencies changed that trajectory. Through habitat restoration, removal of non-native trout, and carefully managed reintroductions, the Gila trout made an extraordinary recovery. In 2021, it was officially removed from the endangered species list, though it remains classified as threatened.

Where Gila Trout Live in Arizona

Gila trout waters in Arizona are intentionally limited and tightly regulated. While they are not found in heavily trafficked areas like Oak Creek in Sedona or popular fly fishing spots near Prescott, they live in select remote streams and stillwater fisheries in eastern and southeastern Arizona.

These waters offer a very different experience from roadside fly fishing locations. Expect solitude, light pressure, and a slower pace—perfect for anglers seeking a meaningful connection rather than high catch numbers.

Always check current Arizona fishing regulations before planning a trip, as Gila trout waters often have special rules, seasonal closures, or catch-and-release requirements.

Fly Fishing for Gila Trout

Fly fishing for Gila trout is about precision and respect. Light rods, delicate presentations, and small flies are key. Dry flies, soft hackles, and lightly weighted nymphs often work well, depending on conditions.

Because of their conservation status, proper handling is essential:

• Use barbless hooks

• Wet your hands before touching the fish

• Minimize air exposure

• Release fish quickly and gently

For many Arizona fly fishing anglers, catching a Gila trout becomes a lifelong goal—on par with fishing Oak Creek beneath Sedona’s red rocks or exploring new water near Prescott.

Why the Gila Trout Matters

The Gila trout is more than just another fish to add to a list. It’s a symbol of healthy watersheds and proof that conservation works. Protecting native trout means protecting clean water, intact riparian zones, and the future of fly fishing in Arizona.

While destinations like Sedona, Oak Creek, and Prescott introduce many anglers to fly fishing, the Gila trout represents a deeper step—an opportunity to engage with Arizona’s natural history and its wildest fisheries.

A Rare Fish, A Lasting Experience

The story of the Gila trout in Arizona is one of resilience and responsibility. As climate change and wildfire continue to challenge Southwestern waters, careful management and ethical fly fishing will play a critical role in the species’ future.

If you’re fortunate enough to encounter a Gila trout, treat it with care. You’re holding a living piece of Arizona’s past—and helping protect its future.

Want to target this incredible species of Trout? Book a trip with us here! The Gila Program

Fishing Oak Creek Sedona AZ: Best Spots, Tips & Guided Tours for Trout and Bass

If you’re heading to Sedona and looking to land fish while soaking in incredible scenery, the creek flowing through town — Oak Creek — offers a rare mix: trout in the cooler upper sections, and bass (plus other warm-water species) further downstream. Below is a detailed guide on both, and how you can join my guided fishing tours to make the most of it.

Why Oak Creek is a Great Fishing Spot

• Oak Creek flows through the red-rock landscape of the Coconino National Forest and around Sedona, making for stunning surroundings while you fish.

• It supports both trout and bass (among other species). For example: rainbow and brown trout upstream, largemouth and smallmouth bass downstream.

• The stream is relatively accessible along State Route 89A, with pull-offs and trails.

Trout Fishing on Oak Creek

Where

• The upstream sections (north of the tourist/swimming zones) are best for trout — especially wild brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. OR Book our private section of Oak Creek!

• Note: A special regulation zone: from the Hwy 89A bridge at Slide Rock State Park upstream to the Sterling Springs Hatchery boundary (including West Fork) is catch-and-release only for trout; artificial flies and lures only; barbless hooks required.

What works

• Flies: Nymphs, streamers, dry flies depending on conditions. “Small flies, light lines” are often recommended.

• Spinners / inline gear also reported working for trout in some stretches.

• Go early morning to beat the heat and crowds; clarity and flow matter.Tips

• Be stealthy: many pools are clear and fish are easily spooked.

• Match your fly/ lure to what’s happening on the water (dry fly mayfly hatch, etc.).

• Respect the special regulation stretch: barbless, artificial only.

Bass Fishing on Oak Creek

Where

• Downstream sections, where water warms up and trout become less dominant, are better for warm-water species like largemouth and smallmouth bass.

• The regulations allow unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass on Oak Creek.

What works

• Soft plastics, natural-colored lures, crankbaits near deeper pools and undercut banks. Fishing Reports Today

• Since trout may dominate upstream, shifting to downstream zones gives you better bass chances.

Tips

• Use heavier gear than trout setups (bass tend to lurk in deeper holes, structure).

• Afternoon may yield better bass activity when water warms a bit.

• Explore deeper pools, under banks or woody structure.

My Guided Fishing Tour – Why Join

• I know the access points, flow/ temperature conditions, and best stretches for both trout & bass in Oak Creek.

• Whether you’re a fly-fisher (for trout) or want to target bass with spinning gear, we can tailor the outing.

• Equipment & instruction available (especially helpful if you’re new).

• We’ll pick the right time of day, right stretch of creek, and right tactics to maximize your experience.

Regulations & Access Reminders

• You’ll need a valid Arizona fishing license. For details visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department site.

• Pay attention to the catch-and-release zone for trout (see above).

• In certain seasons or after rain/monsoon, water clarity or flow may hinder fishing; check recent reports.

Summary

If you’re looking for a destination that mixes nature, scenery and fishing diversity, Oak Creek is a fantastic pick. Whether you’re after the elegance of trout in clear canyon waters or the fight of bass downstream, you’ll find it. And by joining one of my guided tours, you’ll avoid some of the guesswork and hit the spots that work.