The traditional trout season opener on the last Saturday in April remains one of California’s most celebrated and anticipated outdoor traditions. It draws thousands of anglers to trout fishing destinations such as Burney and Dunsmuir in the north, Bridgeport and Bishop in the Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes in the south, and many other mountain communities and picturesque hamlets throughout the state.
This year, California’s traditional trout season opens on Saturday, April 27, one hour before sunrise throughout many counties.
In recent years, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has expanded trout fishing opportunities year-round in many waters, yet the traditional trout opener remains popular. April 27 will mark the start of the catch-and-keep season on many streams and creeks and the reopening of much of the eastern Sierra to trout fishing for the first time since last fall.
With access to an abundance of high alpine lakes, reservoirs, streams, and creeks, the Mammoth Lakes area offers some of the best trout fishing in the world. Fishmas events in Mammoth Lakes:
April 27: “Fishmas” Day Derby – Tom’s Place.  This is a fun-filled fishing derby with cash prizes, a 50/50 raffle for cash, and lots of contest categories. Advance registration required. Contact Tom’s Place Resort – (760) 935-4239 for more information.
April 27-28: Monster Trout Contest – June Lake.  Prizes for THE MONSTER TROUT, the biggest trout from each Loop lake & stream, the biggest rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout, the heaviest weight limit, the biggest fish caught by a local, a lady, and a child. Contact June Lake Loop or Ernie’s Tackle – (760) 648-7756 for more information.
April 27: Fish of the Month Derby – Gull Lake. This is a season-long event with cash prizes awarded for the biggest catch from Gull Lake every month of the fishing season! The entry fee is just $5. Plus, rent a boat from the marina and catch a fish over 3 lbs., and you get to spin the Wheel of Prizes! For information, call Gull Lake Marina at (760) 648-7539 or Gull Lake Marina.
April 27: Mono Village’s Fishing Opener Derby, Upper Twin Lake, Bridgeport. Cash and merchandise prizes are given in several categories. A registration fee is required. Contact (760) 932-7071 / Mono Village.
April 28-June 14: “Round-Up at the Lake” Spring Fishing Derby – Convict Lake. Cash prizes are up for grabs; advance registration is required. Contact Convict Lake Resort – (800) 992-2260 for more information.
Lake Condition updates:
MAMMOTH LAKES
- Twin Lakes: Continuing to melt out near the outlet & bridges.
- Convict Lake & Crowley Lake*: ICE FREE, boats are in!
- *Lake level is HIGH & most of the shorelines are underwater.
JUNE LAKE (Info from Jeff at Mono County)
- Silver Lake & Gull Lake: Melting fast and should be ice-free by opening day!
- June Lake & Grant Lake: ICE FREE
- Rock Creek Lake: Still iced over, but water opening near the dock & boat ramp.
For anglers interested in learning more about wild trout and where to find them in their specific region, the Heritage and Wild Trout Program has resources explaining wild trout management and maps of Designated Wild and Heritage Trout Waters to help you find these special fish. For anglers that feel up to a challenge, CDFW offers the Heritage Trout Challenge, which requires anglers to catch six different forms of California native trout from their historic drainages!
Once you’ve caught your limit of trout, visit CDFW’s R3 California Wild Kitchen web page to find guidance and recipes on how to clean and prepare your trout for you and your family.
