The Gila trout is found historically in the Verde and Agua Fria drainages in Arizona.

A note in the archives of Aldo Leopold, dated 1923, contains anecdotal evidence of a native trout in Tonto Creek, AZ.

[4] Gila trout can be found in small mountain water streams, and in confined pools.

They are opportunistic feeders that feed on aquatic insects such as trichopterans, ephemeropterans, chironomids, and coleopterans, as well as small fishes.

[5] Depending on the water temperature, spawning season occurs in late spring and summer.