Greetings Anglers!
We just wanted to send a quick celebratory kickoff to Opening Day this weekend, Saturday, April 26th. Find a brief update below to help you make the most for your upcoming trip. We wish everyone a very merry Fishmas!
Weather Outlook:
Mammoth Lakes this week has a forecast for mostly sunny days in the mid to high 50s with evenings in the 30s. By Friday and into the weekend, things are looking a bit cooler with highs ranging from 50 to mid 40s and some chances of precipitation, maybe even some light snow showers. Find more information about spring weather in Mammoth Lakes here.
Lake Update:
- Convict Lake: clear of ice
- Crowley Lake: clear of ice
- The Lakes Basin: There is no driving access currently—Lake Mary Road into the Lakes Basin is still closed. The lakes are just starting to thaw with small patches of open water. Caution is advised recreating in this area with its icy and variable conditions.
- June Lake Loop: June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake are clear of ice.
Pro Tips:
- For catch and release, avoid removing fish from the water during freezing temps—exposure can damage their eyes and gills.
- The best fishing window is typically 11 AM to 3 PM, when water temps are ideal. Many anglers miss out by stopping for lunch—keep casting your lines in the water through midday for the best results!
- Snowmelt is underway, and access is improving daily—but be cautious of mud, especially around the Upper Owens. The morning ground may be frozen, but by afternoon, thawed mud can potentially trap vehicles. Plan accordingly!
Get the full conditions update along with who’s biting, who isn’t, and where from The Troutfitter.
*Note* California is working to halt the Golden Mussel Invasion and protect our waters from other invasive species. Always remember to Clean, Drain and Dry all of your boats and other watercraft. For more information on how you can help prevent the spread, visit the CDFW website.
As you gear up for your adventure, remember to Recreate Responsibly and check out our sustainable fishing tips. Let’s all do our part to keep Mammoth Lakes unreal for future generations to come.
Cheers!
UPCOMING FISHING EVENTS
- April 26: Opening Day / Fishmas events happening throughout Mono County
- April 26: Fishmas Day Derby at Tom’s Place
- April 26-27: Monster Trout Contest in June Lake
- April 27: Round-Up at the Lake spring fishing starts and continues through June
For an overview of all the Mammoth Lakes events, fishing related and beyond visit our events page.
REGULATIONS
Find year-round fishing locations and regulations here or call the Bishop CDFW office at 760-872-1171.
There are new regulations in place at Parker Lake this year. In order to protect our Heritage Wild Trout population, Trout caught at Parker Lake must be a minimum of 14 inches and are limited to 2 per bag. Artificial lures only – no bait allowed! This change is a result of recent surveys which showed a dip in Brook and Brown Trout populations due to heavy fishing pressures. Let’s keep this place “reel” unreal, and fish responsibly. Always double-check current regulations before you cast.
STOCKING
For an update on lake stocking from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, click here. Although it contains current information, all fish plants are subject to change depending on road, water, weather and operational conditions.
LICENSING AND PERMITS
Anglers 16 and older must have a fishing license. You can purchase an annual or one or two-day fishing license (valid for two consecutive calendar days). Information concerning license requirements, where to purchase and fees may be obtained from the Department of Fish & Wildlife or by calling 760-934-2664. Fishing licenses may be purchased in several locations around Mammoth Lakes.
ADVISORIES
Stay well with these tips from the Mono County Department of Health and Human Services.
The fish in Crowley Lake and Topaz Lake contain mercury, which can be harmful if too much builds up in your body over time. Pregnant women and children: Eat only 1 serving of Crowley Lake trout or perch per week. Other adults: Limit to 2 servings of these fish per week. It is safest to eat only skinless fish fillets.
Click here for full safe consumption advisories.
Responsible recreation in Mammoth Lakes means respecting our unreal natural surroundings and adhering to Leave No Trace principles. When exploring outdoors stay on designated trails, properly dispose of waste, and minimize your environmental impact. Everyone has a role to play in maintaining the beauty of this picturesque destination for future generations.
Learn more about reducing your impact and ways to #KeepMammothUnreal in our Pre-Arrival Guide linked below.
TANGLE FREE WATERS
Fishing line can cause quite the tangle if it gets stuck around bushes, logs, and other shoreline and submerged obstacles. Do your best to untangle and retrieve all the fishing line and dispose of it at a Tangle Free Waters station. Find a station map here.
CLEAN UP THE LAKE
Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) has partnered with Clean Up The Lake (CUTL) in an effort to clean up our region’s lakes. Every dollar raised over the 4-year partnership (up to $100,000) will be matched by MLT to support ongoing stewardship. In the last two years, CUTL surveyed and cleaned up June Lake and Lake George. In July of 2024, they worked on Lake Mary and recovered a total of 1,865 pounds of trash, including an estimated 1050 fishing line snags. Help us commit to preserving lakes and wildlife for many fishing seasons to come.
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