Birding at the Hatcheries
An abundance of bird life can be seen in and around the fish raceways and ponds. Bald Eagle (during winter months), osprey, great blue heron, and a wide variety of waterfowl can reliably be seen seasonally throughout the year. Other species periodically observed include broad-tailed hummingbird, rufous hummingbird, acorn woodpecker, and Merriam’s turkey.
Flora & Fauna
Located in the picturesque White Mountains of Arizona, the Alchesay and Williams Creek National Fish Hatcheries are located on riparian bottomland, surrounded by rugged mountains. Dominant species of vegetation include Ponderosa Pine, Douglas fir, Gambel Oak, Box Elder, Arizona Alder, Black Walnut and Willow.
White Mountain wildlife is comprised of elk, bear, mountain lion, antelope, deer, javelina, turkey, quail, rabbit and waterfowl.
A fishing access (map) is available from trail heads located at each hatchery connecting to local streams. Trout are the most prevalent species, with rainbow, brown and brook trout the most abundant. Another trout species reared at the hatcheries is the Apache trout. They are native to the White and Black Rivers of the Salt River watershed and the upper Little Colorado River watershed. Thanks to the efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and many valuable partnership organizations and individuals; the Apache trout can still be found in many of these same waters. The White Mountains of Arizona is the only place in the world where this pure strain native trout exists.