This is one of the most visited locations in the Gila Wilderness, the first wilderness designated in the world. 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. Video courtesy of the U.S. Watch this short film of Gila Trout restoration work in the headwaters of the Gila River, New Mexico. It offers great fishing for muskie, smallmouth, and northerns. fishing. Video courtesy of the U.S. 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. Budget some extra time. The resort town of Hayward is just to the west at 45.012752, -91.484654. The river passes through the Gila National Forest in New Mexico and branches into three forks, each with its own characteristics and fishing opportunities. 0 reviews Get water depth of West Fork Gila River and insights from other anglers. 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. 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. "I have fished this stream at least 10 times over the last 15 years. Then some amazing fishing. Join us as we discuss the New Mexico Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. From the trailhead at the parking lot for the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the West Fork Trail follows the river upstream. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text Station operated in … View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. 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. 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. All rights reserved. From the trailhead at the parking lot for the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the West Fork Trail follows the river upstream. 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. Trail 151 is one of the hallmark trails of the Gila Wilderness. A state fishing license and trout stamp are required. Its hard being the bearer of bad news, but it is bad out there! If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters 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 … 4 catches are logged on Fishbrain. fishing: whitewater creek, catwalk nrt, near glenwood, nm. The east fork is generally narrow and can become very hot in summer. This is the land of cliff dwellers and Apache Indians, Aldo Leopold, vast wilderness vistas, wild rivers, soaring mountains and bizarre rock formations. 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. Fish and Wildlife Service. USGS 09430500 GILA RIVER NEAR GILA, NM. West Fork Luna Creek: Special Trout Water 4. It follows the West Fork of the Gila River through a beautiful, deep, winding canyon with spectacular volcanic cliff formations. North of Silver City, the Gila River wild river perfect for trout fishing. The fish were carefully […] West Fork Gila River is a stream in New Mexico, United States. Dogs are also able to use this trail. No bites...." Bear Canyon Reservoir Dam. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Geneseo in 2009. 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. As with the middle fork, the easiest access can be found in the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument area. Fishing the Clinton River Spillway in Michigan, Fishing in Androscoggin River, New Hampshire, Fishing & Camping at Deer Creek in Chester, California, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. The West Fork of the Gila River deserves protection as a Wild and Scenic river segment. Surveys indicate a healthy population of wild Gila, rainbow, and brown trout are found in this section of the West Fork Gila River. Gila River Forks Area: 5 trout limit. 0 reviews Get water depth of West Fork Gila River and insights from other anglers. 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. 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. Of course, Worsham’s fish is heavier than both. 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