Catch and Release

The Apache trout is poised to become the first fish to jump off the U.S. Endangered Species List and survive

• NWF Staff
• Oct 01, 2001

A golden-colored trout that lives only in the waters of Arizona's White Mountains is poised to become the first fish to jump off the U.S. Endangered Species List and survive. The Apache trout, Arizona's state fish, was so beleaguered by overharvesting and competition from introduced trout that it was designated as endangered in 1973. Since then, conservationists, anglers and the White Mountain Apache tribe have worked with government officials to help protect the trout's habitat and reintroduce it to the cool mountain streams it prefers. As a result, the trout now thrives in 150 miles of streams--five times more than three decades ago--and the species is on track to be removed from the list in two years. That's one fish story we like to hear.