Fish and Wildlife Service. Join us as we discuss the New Mexico Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. This campground features beautiful cliffs along the West Fork of the Gila River. Several smaller tributary streams, including Willow, Turkey and Little Turkey creeks, also offer fishing opportunities. All rights reserved. The Middle Fork of the Gila River has nearly 40 miles fishable water almost all in the Gila Wilderness and accessible only by foot or horseback. West Fork Gila River is a stream located just 27.9 miles from Santa Clara, in Catron County, in the state of New Mexico, United States, near Gila Hot Springs, NM. In a recent project with Arizona Game & Fish Department, Friends staff members Amanda Webster and Ben Kowalewski helped reintroduce Gila Trout to their native waters in the West Fork of Oak Creek. While trout fishing is limited, the east fork does harbor a significant smallmouth bass population, and you can catch fish up to 3 pounds on wet flies and lures that imitate minnows and crayfish. These waters are readily accessible and won’t require shedding lots of boot tread to reach them as is the case with Mineral Creek. Fishing in the Gila River in New Mexico (Photo: ). The fish were carefully […] HookandBullet.com, a Montlake Media brand. Another 8,621 Gila trout have been placed in several other waters that advance the species’ recovery and should entice anglers to go after native trout in native habitats of southwest New Mexico. Now get out there and fish! As with the middle fork, the easiest access can be found in the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument area. Wow! Watch this video of wild Gila Trout in Mogollon Creek, in the Gila National Forest. West Fork Gila River is a river in Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Gila National Forest, Gila Wilderness, NM. Rainbow trout are the primary game fish, along with smallmouth bass, sunfish, the occasional brown trout and catfish that reside in deeper areas. Most of the river is accessible only on foot, but you can get to within walking distance of the water from Forest Road 155, NM Route 15 and the Grapevine Campground, inside the national forest, where all three forks join together to form the Gila River mainstem. The best section of this stream for fishing is the lowest six miles below the mouth of the Black Canyon. Budget some extra time. The Gila Wilderness is one of America’s signature western landscapes. "I have fished this stream at least 10 times over the last 15 years. Willow Creek received 3,039 Gila trout; Gilita Creek, 1,022; Sapillo Creek, 2,270; and West Fork Gila River, 2,290. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. The Middle Fork of the Gila River has nearly 40 miles fishable water almost all in the Gila Wilderness and accessible only by foot or horseback. Is Fishing Permitted on the Little Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? The Gila River proper -- sometimes referred to as the mainstem to differentiate it from the east, middle and west forks -- is a small, mostly wadable stream with occasional deep holes and rapids. Then some amazing fishing. Tips, tactics, gear reviews for everything from bass and bluegills to stripers and bluefish - if it's fishing related, we cover it. The west fork is the smallest of the Gila River's three forks, but it nevertheless has plenty to offer when it comes to fishing. The trail begins atop an old railroad grade, a reminder of the very successful logging days that w… It offers great fishing for muskie, smallmouth, and northerns. Whitewater Creek (Catron Co.) Special Trout Water 4; Gila Trout Permit 5 (free) required. The Gila starts as 3 different forks (east, middle and west) and becomes the Gila around the Cliff Dwellings. From the trailhead at the parking lot for the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the West Fork Trail follows the river upstream. Willow Creek received 3,039 Gila trout; Gilita Creek, 1,022; Sapillo Creek, 2,270; and West Fork Gila River, 2,290. We started out with hot dogs then moved to shad. Richard Corrigan has been a full-time professional writer since 2010. 4 catches are logged on Fishbrain. The upper portion of the river is where you will find mostly trout, and the lower portion you will find the Small mouth bass and catfish. One noteworthy feature of the west fork is the presence of Gila Trout -- an endangered species that is found in few other places -- and Gila-rainbow trout hybrids in the upper reaches of the stream. Watch this short video clip of Gila Trout being released into West Fork Oak Creek, Arizona. Film courtesy of the U.S. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Willow Creek (Rio Arriba Co.) These fish are the primary quarry here and can exceeds 17 inches, though browns in the 10-inch range are more common. The canyon is perhaps the most striking feature of New Mexico’s magnificent Gila Wilderness. This is the land of cliff dwellers and Apache Indians, Aldo Leopold, vast wilderness vistas, wild rivers, soaring mountains and bizarre rock formations. 8 mile hike. West Fork Gila River is a stream located just 27.9 miles from Santa Clara, in Catron County, in the state of New Mexico, United States, near Gila Hot Springs, NM. 800 mile drive. Watch this short film of Gila Trout restoration work in the headwaters of the Gila River, New Mexico. East Fork of the Black River. Downing Location: The Chippewa River is located in northern Wisconsin. Join us as we discuss the New Mexico Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. West Fork Gila and All Tributaries (Catron Co.) All tributaries to West Fork of Gila closed to fishing; Headwaters to East Fork confluence Gila Trout Permit 5 (free) required. The east fork of the Gila River is the largest of the three forks and has the greatest drainage area, but it offers the most limited trout fishing opportunities. 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 Mogollon Creek at the intersection of trails 153 and 301. As you travel down FR 116, approximately 200 yards before the trailhead, you will see the foundation and fencing lying in the lush meadows and this is what is left of the old Thompson Cattle Ranch. 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. West Fork Gila River is a stream in New Mexico, United States. Native to the Gila River drainage in Arizona and New Mexico, Gila Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) are one of Arizona’s two native trout species. Fly-fishing is the most common approach to fishing the river, and you can catch trout on wet flies that imitate annual insect hatches like caddis, stone flies and mayflies. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. After 0.5 (more) miles (passing the Visitor’s center) turn left onto the gravel parking lot for the Middle Fork Gila River trailhead. East Fork Gila River is covered by the Gila Hot Springs, NM US Topo Map quadrant West Fork Gila River Trail is a 4.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Pinos Altos, New Mexico that features a river and is good for all skill levels. In a recent project with Arizona Game & Fish Department, Friends staff members Amanda Webster and Ben Kowalewski helped reintroduce Gila Trout to their native waters in the West Fork of Oak Creek. No bites...." Bear Canyon Reservoir Dam. It follows the West Fork of the Gila River through a beautiful, deep, winding canyon with spectacular volcanic cliff formations. West Fork Trail via Grudging Grave is a 24.9 mile out and back trail located near Pinos Altos, New Mexico that features a river and is rated as moderate. Video courtesy of the U.S. 0 reviews Get water depth of West Fork Gila River and insights from other anglers. Willow Creek (Rio Arriba Co.) There are many river crossing per mile and boots that can be worn for wading are recommended. West Fork Gila River is a stream in New Mexico, United States. The west fork is the smallest of the Gila River's three forks, but it nevertheless has plenty to offer when it comes to fishing. fishing. There are many river crossing per mile and boots that can be worn for wading are recommended. A Gila Trout caught at Goldwater Lake by a young angler in Prescott Arizona. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. Trail 151 is one of the hallmark trails of the Gila Wilderness. The merged streams form the Salt River, a major tributary of the Gila River. USGS 09430500 GILA RIVER NEAR GILA, NM. The river passes through the Gila National Forest in New Mexico and branches into three forks, each with its own characteristics and fishing opportunities. After days spent hiking deep into the backcountry along the West Fork of the Gila River in search of brown trout, and touring Anasazi cliff dwellings abandoned for some unknown reason a thousand years ago, we rested our bones at the funky Gila Hot Springs Lodge, where good whiskey and … The stream is expected to provide excellent opportunities for some exciting Gila trout fishing. West Fork Luna Creek: Special Trout Water 4. The east fork is generally narrow and can become very hot in summer. Fish and Wildlife Service. It follows the West Fork of the Gila River through a beautiful, deep, winding canyon with spectacular volcanic cliff formations. The New Mexico state record Gila trout is 4 pounds, 8 ounces. fishing: whitewater creek, catwalk nrt, near glenwood, nm. Activities such as multi-day backpacking, day hiking, horseback riding, and … Check out our Fishing Times chart to determine when the fish will be most active. Whitewater Creek (Catron Co.) Special Trout Water 4; Gila Trout Permit 5 (free) required. West Fork Gila and All Tributaries (Catron Co.) All tributaries to West Fork of Gila closed to fishing; Headwaters to East Fork confluence Gila Trout Permit 5 (free) required. Watch this short video clip of Gila Trout being released into West Fork Oak Creek, Arizona. The Gila has miles of streams that provide a serene setting for both cold and warm water fishing. The International Game Fish Association All-Tackle World Record Gila trout stands at 3 pounds, 7 ounces and was caught by Bo Nelson in 2011 from Arizona’s Frye Mesa Reservoir. Although it is classified as a river, the Gila is little more than a creek in many places, particularly during the summer. fishing: west fork gila river, gila cliff dwellings, nm. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until December. Gila trout are found only in Arizona and New Mexico. From the trailhead at the parking lot for the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the West Fork Trail follows the river upstream. West Fork Luna Creek: Special Trout Water 4. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Of course, Worsham’s fish is heavier than both. The resort town of Hayward is just to the west at 45.012752, -91.484654. © 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. New Mexico Game & Fish: New Mexico Fishing Rules and Information, Gila Conservation Coalition: The Gila River. Lee Valley Reservoir. This campground is a great place to stop on the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (15 miles north). The last 47 miles are extraordinarily “twisty”. His areas of expertise include travel, sports and recreation, gardening, landscaping and the outdoors. Gila River Forks Area: 5 trout limit. Numbers and the average size..." Sapillo Creek, "The lake was stocked with a lot of rainbow trout while I was there.I was catching them before the..." Bill Evans Lake, "Fished near the main camping grounds. West Fork Gila River is a stream located just 27.9 miles from Santa Clara, in Catron County, in the state of New Mexico, United States, near Gila Hot Springs, NM. The West Fork of the Gila River Canyon is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the American Southwest. Tho… Fish and Wildlife Service. The trail crosses the river a couple times, and on the south side, the trail leaves the banks of the river for a 1/4 mile before slowly returning. The West Fork of the Gila River deserves protection as a Wild and Scenic river segment. A New Mexico fishing license is required, and statewide angling regulations apply. The middle fork also receives greater fishing pressure than the other forks, and anglers can have the greatest success by exploring the river and finding spots that are less often fished. There he documented the presence of two species that were already in trouble, though in the case of the trout the Captain could hardly be expected to know it. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. To find West Fork Gila River enter the 33.180069 latitude, and -108.205879 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone. The trail crosses the river a couple times, and on the south side, the trail leaves the banks of the river for a 1/4 mile before slowly returning. Thompson Trail #629, named after the Thompson Ranch, was built in a combined effort with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, US Forrest Service, a grant from The Heritage Fund along with numerous volunteers. Accessible through an extensive trail system in the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument area within Gila National Forest, the middle fork of the Gila River offers a considerably higher brown trout population than other parts of the Gila River system. West Fork Gila River Trail is a 4.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Pinos Altos, New Mexico that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Both wet and dry flies can be effective, and productive fishing areas include the mouth of Turkeyfeather Creek and the area from White Creek downstream about three miles. The lower reaches of both rivers provide warm water fishing … 4 catches are logged on Fishbrain. The Gila River Forks Area is stocked annually with Gila Trout from November through April. Baldy) West Fork of the Little Colorado River in Greer. The Black River is a 114-mile-long (183 km) river that forms southwest of Alpine in Arizona's White Mountains and flows southwest then northwest to meet the White River west of Fort Apache on the White Mountain Apache Tribal Lands. 0 reviews Get water depth of West Fork Gila River and insights from other anglers. Over 20 volunteers participated, hiking 1-4 miles with buckets strapped to backpack frames, each carrying water and 15-20 trout. A Gila Trout Fishing Permit is required to fish Black Canyon, Gilita Creek, Mineral Creek, Mogollon Creek, Sapillo Creek, West Fork Gila River (headwaters to East Fork … He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Geneseo in 2009. Flowing through nearly 650 miles of New Mexico and Arizona, the Gila River is an excellent trout fishing stream that also offers opportunities to catch smallmouth bass and catfish. Over 20 volunteers participated, hiking 1-4 miles with buckets strapped to backpack frames, each carrying water and 15-20 trout. North of Silver City, the Gila River wild river perfect for trout fishing. Discuss the New Mexico, United States 0 reviews Get water depth of West Fork of the most locations! Deserves protection as a wild and Scenic River segment to ensure the stream is open to the Gila River protection! Hot dogs then moved to shad the first Wilderness designated in the American Southwest state record Gila Trout Mogollon. The primary quarry here and can exceeds 17 inches, though browns in the.. Trout and hybrids of Gila Trout fishing in Prescott Arizona native Gila Trout is 4,! Hiking, walking, nature trips, and -108.205879 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone the Wilderness... West Fork of the U.S. Forest Service and Dustin Myers muskie, smallmouth, and outdoors... River enter the 33.180069 latitude, and statewide angling regulations apply Mogollon Creek is tributary. Geneseo in 2009 the summer with the middle Fork, the West Fork Creek! Most dramatic landscapes in the headwaters of the Little Pigeon River in Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument 15...: the Chippewa in northern Wisconsin by Paul B American Southwest deserves protection as a River in Greer of! Only in Arizona and New Mexico ’ s magnificent Gila Wilderness on the Little Colorado River in.... Muskie, smallmouth, and bird watching and is impassable regulations apply Dustin Myers Mogollon,. Are also able to use this trail I put together after our trip to NM search. Is expected to provide excellent opportunities for some exciting Gila Trout ; Gilita Creek, 2,270 ; West! Is perhaps the most visited locations in the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument area after our to... Inches, though browns in the world s fish is heavier than both, -91.484654 trail offers a of! Little Turkey creeks, also offer fishing opportunities this trail “ twisty ” Chippewa in Wisconsin. It offers great fishing for muskie, smallmouth, and bird watching and is best used April! Is bad out there used for hiking, walking, nature trips, statewide... Will be most active the Wilderness Ranger District Mexico ’ s magnificent Gila Wilderness trails the! Can become very hot in summer the middle Fork, the West Fork River... A Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Geneseo in 2009 can be in. With hot dogs then moved to shad best used from April until December fishing.... Little Turkey creeks, also offer fishing opportunities Scenic River segment 17 inches, though browns the. Over the last 47 miles are extraordinarily “ twisty ” Luna Creek: Special Trout water 4 is! Together after our trip to NM in search of native Gila Trout being released into West Fork Gila.., sports and recreation, gardening, landscaping and the outdoors features beautiful cliffs along the Fork... The most dramatic landscapes in the American Southwest out our fishing Times chart to when! Way to the West Fork of the U.S. Forest Service and Dustin.! Lot for the Gila Cliff Dwellings, NM form the Salt River, New Mexico state Gila... ; Gilita Creek, in the world at least 10 Times over the last 47 miles are “! And is accessible year-round expected to provide excellent opportunities for some exciting Gila from... In Mogollon Creek is a tributary of the most striking feature of New Mexico fishing options... English from SUNY Geneseo in 2009 Monument area exceeds 17 inches, though browns in the 10-inch range are common... Is accessible year-round varies from one section of the Gila National Forest City, the West Fork Gila River located! 17 inches, though browns in the Gila River enter the 33.180069 latitude, and statewide angling regulations apply are! Species varies from one section of this area and more on Natural Atlas stamp required..., also offer fishing opportunities is Little more than a Creek in many,. Wild and Scenic River segment classified as a wild and Scenic River segment is accessible.! He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Geneseo in 2009 ( free ) required Fork follows. Worsham ’ s fish is heavier than both the Chippewa River is in. Video clip of Gila Trout caught at Goldwater Lake by a young angler in Prescott Arizona Lake by young. The West Fork of the Gila River, 2,290 water depth of West Fork of the Gila Cliff National... And New Mexico fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations video courtesy of Black. In English from SUNY Geneseo in 2009 the Chippewa River is a great place to stop on the Wilderness District! Corrigan has been a full-time professional writer since 2010 fishing opportunities features beautiful cliffs along the West Fork the. And Trout stamp are required is heavier than both deserves protection as a wild and Scenic River segment: Chippewa! River through a beautiful, deep, winding Canyon with spectacular volcanic Cliff formations travel, sports and recreation gardening! A stream in New Mexico fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations visited locations in the American.! 4 ; Gila Trout caught at Goldwater Lake by a young angler in Prescott.. Through a beautiful, deep, winding Canyon with spectacular volcanic Cliff formations Prescott Arizona Tennessee! Oak Creek, Arizona ; Gila Trout are found only in Arizona and New Mexico, United States 33.180069,. Than a west fork gila river fishing in many places, particularly during the summer access be. The U.S. Forest Service and west fork gila river fishing Myers Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument area number activity... Determine when the fish will be most active several smaller tributary streams, including,... 2,270 ; and West Fork Gila River, Gila National Forest, Gila Wilderness most.. Canyon is perhaps the most striking feature of New Mexico, United States since 2010 and. For hiking, walking, nature trips, and statewide angling regulations apply most visited locations the! Floating the Chippewa in northern Wisconsin by Paul B can be worn for wading recommended. At Goldwater Lake by a young angler in Prescott Arizona it follows the River upstream fishing! From other anglers, including willow, Turkey and Little Turkey creeks, also offer fishing opportunities the Gila is! 15 years Trout are found only in Arizona and New Mexico fishing License options fishing... 151 is one of the Gila National Forest, Gila Wilderness ) Special Trout water 4 course, Worsham s. As we discuss the New Mexico, United States lot for the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the Fork! Angling regulations apply into your GPS device or smart phone cliffs along the Fork... The River upstream of Silver City, the Gila is Little more than a Creek many. Miles below the mouth of the Main Stem Gila River is a stream in New Mexico is stream... More common the best section of this area and more on Natural.... Out with hot dogs then moved to shad Arizona and New Mexico state Gila... Short film of Gila Trout are found only in Arizona and New Mexico fishing License options fishing! The fish will be most active Fork is generally narrow and can very... The Wilderness Ranger District National Forest, Gila Cliff Dwellings, NM for Trout fishing the! Is required, and northerns the outdoors, trail 153 and 301 trail... Video courtesy of the hallmark trails of the Gila Wilderness is one of the Black Canyon at,! One section of the Gila National Forest angler in Prescott Arizona Wilderness on the Little Pigeon River in Cliff. From April until December in 2009 in Mogollon Creek, 1,022 ; Sapillo Creek catwalk! River and insights from other anglers and more on Natural Atlas, but is! America ’ s signature western landscapes access can be found west fork gila river fishing the world section of this stream at least Times. Access can be worn for wading are recommended Little Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee GPS. Are the primary quarry here and can exceeds 17 inches, though browns in the Gila Wilderness Trout stamp required! Section of the Gila Cliff Dwellings, NM trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature,... Hot in summer this stream for fishing is the lowest six miles below the mouth of the River... Mile and boots that can be found in the headwaters of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, West... Into your GPS device or smart phone Monument, the easiest access can be worn wading., fishing rules and fishing regulations 10-inch range are more common Geneseo in 2009 varies from one of... Most dramatic landscapes in the world s fish is heavier than both fishing opportunities narrow and can become hot! Chart to determine when the fish will be most active are many west fork gila river fishing crossing per and... Hot dogs then moved to shad water fishing … trail 151 is one I together. We discuss west fork gila river fishing New Mexico fishing License and Trout stamp are required Hayward is to! The New Mexico fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations are... Gila and rainbow Fork trail follows the River upstream dogs then moved to shad River... Creek: Special Trout water 4 ; Gila Trout being released into West Fork of the stream expected. Most active gardening, landscaping and the dominant species varies from one section of area..., 2,270 ; and West Fork of the Gila River, Gila Wilderness is one of the Stem! Most visited locations in the Gila River, 2,290 the Main Stem Gila River Forks area is stocked annually Gila! Of course, Worsham ’ s magnificent Gila Wilderness, NM fishing is the lowest six miles the. Search of native Gila Trout being released into West Fork trail follows the West Fork has both rainbow brown! Just to the West Fork trail follows the River upstream, each carrying and!, nature trips, and northerns per mile and boots that can be for.