Canyon Creek and Tonto Creek Hatchery Support for Production of Native Fish for Recreational StockingThere are two facets of native trout work being done by AZGFD to reestablish these fish and bring them to the attention of fishers and the public. The recovery efforts of both Gila and Apache trout in their historic ranges helps return populations of these important native trout to streams that have been negatively impacted by loss of habitat, forest fires, overfishing, and competition and interbreeding with introduced trout. AZGFD’s efforts are making a difference! In some of these streams, population numbers have grown and stabilized to the point that Catch and Release fishing, outside of their spawning window, is now possible. These recovery streams are hard for the general public to access as most are in remote or rugged sections of the state. The work of Canyon Creek Hatchery and Tonto Creek Hatchery here in Rim Country has been critical in the production of Gila and Apache trout that are being raised for recreational fishing in waters within the historic range of these native trout, but in waters that are not being managed as recovery streams, and much easier to access. These waters offer anglers an opportunity to catch our two native trout species, appreciate their beauty, and hopefully foster support for both the Department’s recreational fishing and recovery programs program to help Gila and Apache trout. GTTU has helped raise over $25,000 to help Canyon Creek and Tonto Creek Hatcheries purchase equipment beyond the limits to the hatchery budgets to increase recreational opportunities to catch native trout. Canyon Creek Hatchery Gila trout Broodstock Propagation Program
The Canyon Creek Hatchery Gila Trout broodstock propagation program has used these funds to help with the purchase and installation of decking to access their six 1500 gallon circular broodstock tanks, dissolved oxygen systems to help the broodstock adults especially during the stressful breeding season, incubator tray systems that mimic the conditions of eggs being laid in the well oxygenated stream gravel, upwelling jars to gently tumble the eggs as they develop into young fry, and automatic feeders to minimize human contact that frightens the very wild acting Gila trout that otherwise would stop feeding for hours if the feeders were not being utilized. Tonto Creek Hatchery Apache trout production At Tonto Creek Hatchery, donations have helped provide better oxygen delivery to the young Apache Trout being raised on-site. Recently installed ultra-violet light filters have provided protection against bacteriological pathogens in the water which has drastically increased the yield and health of the Apache trout eggs and fry that benefit from this additional filtering system. Donations helped fund the purchase and installation of these filters to protect the young Apache trout. Donations for Apache and Gila trout hatchery support that helps provide recreational fishing opportunities GTTU is a 501c3 non-profit organization, and donations to support the AZGFD hatchery work through GTTU are tax deductible. All donated funds go directly to purchase needed equipment and supplies for the Gila and Apache trout programs at Canyon Creek and Tonto Creek Hatcheries that enhance recreational fishing opportunities for native trout species. If you are able to help us with a donation of $25 or more, we would like to send you an “I SUPPORT NATIVE TROUT” pin to thank you for your donation. |