The Apache trout (Oncorhynchus gilae apache) is found nowhere else in the world but a handful of waters in central Arizona. The fish’s origins have been pinpointed to the headwaters of three rivers – the White, Black, and Little Colorado.
As with most native trout in the United States, the Apache nearly met its demise during the last century due to many factors, namely over-fishing and genetic contamination
However, since the 1950’s, the species has been saved by its namesake Native American Indian tribe through ongoing conservation efforts in the White Mountains of Arizona. Thankfully, anglers can once again fish for these exquisite trout that nearly went extinct.
West Fork of the Black River
The White Mountain Tribe deposits pure-bred Apache trout at the West Fork Campground on the West Fork of the Black. Apache trout are typically a spectacular buttery-yellow color with oodles of speckling.
But the most profound characteristic is their voracious will to fight. They shred flies to quickly, so take plenty. The tiny West Fork will offer plenty of riffles, cutbanks, and shallow pools where Apaches gather and feed.
The West Fork is a small, freestone stream, and can be brushy in spots. Wet wading upstream will allow for ample casting room. Use Parachute Adams, Royal Wulffs and Caddis patterns, #14-18. Yellow, red, and chartreuse Humpies dupe trout too.
To reach the campground, take F.R. 249E south of Big Lake to F.R. 68 and head south for just over 10 miles to the campground entrance. The river follows the road for 1.5 miles on into to the campground.
Tribal permit required.
North Fork of the White River
In the headwaters of the North Fork of the White, the river is small, 15 to 25 feet wide. But the dry fly fishing is remarkable, and the Apaches will range from 8 to 15 inches. Be happy with the dozens of 10- to12-inch trout anglers typically net.
Depending upon the time of day and year, typical Western attractor patterns work well, like Simulators during Stonefly hatches, and Humpies and Royal Wulffs from late spring through summer. But match the hatch with beatis, caddis and mayflies when fishing slows.
Ditch Camp is a great place to begin angling the North Fork. But it can become a crowded endeavor, so a quick hike upstream or downstream will result in solitude, and less-spooky trout.
From Show Low, AZ, drive south on Hwy 260, turning south on 73 in Pinetop. Or stay on 260 until Hwy 473 appears, and travel south.
Hawley and Earl Park Lakes
Hawley Lake is a gorgeous campground getaway in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, with plenty of campsites, trout, and scenery. The browns are the lake’s true champions, but there are plenty of Apaches, rainbows and brook trout too.
Best fished from a kayak or float tube, trail a black Wooly Booger, olive Damselfly nymphs, red Copper Johns, or Peacock Ladies. A 5wt. rod with floating or intermediate line is perfect.
Earl Park Lake is another mile down the same campground road from Hawley Lake. Strict regulation enforcement, coupled with breeding and stocking programs instilled by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, have created a fine population of wily Apache trout in this lake. Since it’s in a thickly-forested bowl the lake is often glassy and serene. Picture perfect memories.
The same flies and techniques will work as Hawley Lake patterns, but there will be far fewer campers and anglers, if any, at Earl Park.
Tribal Permit required.
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