Fishing

Hunting and fishing are popular Gila pastimes. 

If you plan to hire a professional outfitter or guide for hunting or fishing, they must be permitted by the Gila National Forest to operate on forest land. Contact the Gila National Forest Supervisor's Office at 575-388-8201 for a list of authorized outfitters and guides.

Lake and Pond Fishing

Fishing opportunities can be found at man-made lakes. 

River and Stream Fishing

Although the Gila is relatively dry, fishing opportunities can be found in many miles of perennial creeks and rivers. Some of the more common sport fish found in these waters include rainbow and brown trout, large and small mouth bass as well as channel and flathead catfish. Many native fish are also found in the streams on the Gila, several of these, such as the Gila Trout are considered threatened or endangered. Recovery efforts are underway to help establish fishable populations of the Gila Trout.

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Recreation Opportunities

Fishing - Lake & Pond (13)

Fishing - River/Stream (11)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 24 results

Ben Lilly Campground

Site Open

This campground is an ideal area to escape the summer heat.

Bird Sanctuary Trail #745

The 3.2-mile (one way) Bird Sanctuary Trail #745 follows the Gila River from the Gila Bird Area south into the lower Gila box canyon.

Catwalk Recreation Area

Site Open

Catwalk Recreation Area is a busy day use fee site with picnic tables, restrooms, and trail access on the Catwalk National Recreation Trail. Fishing available in Whitewater Creek.

Cove Day Use Area

Site Open

This day use area provides visitors with a nice easy lake access.It is primarily a lake access area with a large parking area suitable for day use only.  Boat parking is available. 

Deloche Trail #179

This is a high elevation trail (approximately 7,080 feet) that leads to Whitewater Creek in the Gila Wilderness. This trail is NOT recommended for traversing.The 7.8-mile (one way) trail climbs up…

Dipping Vat Campground

Site Open

This is a fantastic place to get away from it all! Dipping Vat Campground is located adjacent to the west side of Snow Lake. Snow Lake is approximately 52 miles southeast of Reserve, New Mexico.…

Frisco Box Trail #762

Frisco Box Trail provides hikers with unique rock formations, riparian area, fishing and Frisco Warm Springs.The 6.9-mile (one way) Frisco Box Trail #762 provides hikers with unique rock formations,…

Gila River #724 Trailhead

Site Open

 Trailhead parking next East Fork Gila River for access to the eastern end of Gila River Trail #724.

Granny Mountain Trail #160

The 20-4-mile (one way) Granny Mountain Trail is a challenging trail that takes backcountry travelers into solitude of the heart of a rugged and remote section of the Gila River.The first segment…

Gwynn Tank Campground

Site Open

The Gwynn Tank Campground is a flat site in an open ponderosa meadow. Additionally, Gwynn Tank Campground is located adjacent to its namesake Gwynn Tank pond. The pond is historically stocked for…