The Arizona Game and Fish Department joins anglers and other wildlife conservationists in celebrating Sept. 5 as “Apache Trout Day” in Arizona.
The day was established through a proclamation signed by Governor Katie Hobbs following the historic delisting of the Apache trout from the federal Endangered Species List by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Sept. 4, 2024.
The Apache trout, which is Arizona’s state fish, holds the distinction of being the first fish species to be delisted in Arizona. It is also the first sport fish and the first western native trout to ever be delisted from the Endangered Species List due to successful recovery efforts.
The recovery of the Apache trout is an incredible one, thanks to the hard work of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, Trout Unlimited, other agencies and non-governmental organizations, and dedicated anglers.
To celebrate Apache Trout Day, the White Mountain Apache Game and Fish Department Fisheries Program is hosting a free public event tomorrow, Sept. 5, at the Hon-Dah Casino convenience store parking lot. A “fun walk” starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by the outreach event from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. The outreach event will include education, booths, raffle prizes and fly fishing lessons.
Read more about the Apache trout’s recovery story here: https://www.azgfd.com/2024/09/11/azgfd-celebrates-delisting-of-apache-trout/.