Arizona's WildLife

The Apache trout (Oncorhynchus apache) is Arizona’s official state fish and a species endemic to the state, found exclusively in the cold, clear streams of the White Mountains. Recognizable by its golden-yellow body adorned with black spots, this trout thrives in pristine, high-elevation waters with strong currents and rocky substrates. Apache trout are primarily insectivorous, feeding on aquatic insects and small invertebrates, and they play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of their stream ecosystems. Once severely threatened by habitat loss, competition, and hybridization, conservation and reintroduction efforts have helped stabilize populations, making the Apache trout both a symbol of Arizona’s unique wildlife and a highlight for anglers and nature enthusiasts.