With longer days, creeks beginning to rush, and lakes melting out, Mammoth Lakes is ready for Fishing Season! That means the return of our monthly Fishing Newsletter, which provides the inside scoop on the best of Eastside fishing.
As of March 26, Crowley Lake and Convict Lake were ice free. Twin Lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin was still frozen with water beginning to spill out at the opening near the outlet. As is typical this time of year, snow storms continue to come and go. However, spring temperatures should keep clear waters open and ready for the season at this point, and continue to melt out the lakes that are still covered in ice.
While you can fish at certain locations year round in the Mammoth Lakes’ region, the fishing season opener lovingly known as Fishmas really kicks the hype into full gear. This year Fishmas falls on April 27, so start prepping your bait, boats, and barbs, and read on for the latest updates on fishing this season.
FISHING SEASON AND REGULATIONS
Mono County fishing season starts the last Saturday in April (April 27 this year) and ends on November 15 of every year; however, there are a number of catch-and-release waters that remain open year-round. Current regulations by water can be found on our fishing page.
Click here to find out more about California fishing regulations.
For all the regulations specific to Mono County, click here.
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.
TOP FISHING ZONES NEAR MAMMOTH LAKES
Be sure to check in at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for the most up-to-date road conditions before heading out. Some roads may still be impacted by winter conditions.
Mammoth Lakes Basin, Mammoth Creek, Convict Lake, Crowley Lake, Rock Creek Lake, San Joaquin River, June Lake Loop are all popular zones in the region. Read more about each fishing zone here.
FISHING EVENTS THIS SEASON
Be sure to join in the fun of one of the numerous fishing derbies held throughout the season, including:
April 27: Opening Weekend Fishmas Festival
April 29-June 2: Convict Lake Fishing Derbies
May 24-June 24: Crowley Lake Perch Derby
June 7-8: Finest Annual Trout Invitational Tournament at Crowley Lake
June 22: Bridgeport June Trout Tournament
June 29: Troutfest at Hot Creek Hatchery
July 6 and August 30: Free Fishing Day in Mono Count
July 1-31: How Big is Big Fishing Derby at the West walker River
July 27: Kid’s Fishing Festival at Snowcreek Ponds in Mammoth Lakes
August 30-November 15: “Ambush at the Lake” Fall Fishing Derby at Convict Lake Resort
September 14: Stillwater Classic at Crowley Lake
September 21: MLTS Summer of Stewardship Lakes Basin Cleanup at Horseshoe Lake
September 21: Rush Creek Cleanup & BBQ at Silver Lake Resort
October 25-27 Morrison’s Bonus Derby Weekend at Convict Lake
Events are subject to change. Please visit visitmammoth.com/events for the most up-to-date information.
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.
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 you can and dispose of it at a Tangle Free Waters station.
If you plan to combine fishing and camping, bookmark recreation.gov for the most up-to-date information. Before pitching your tent, review these best practices for camping responsibly.
You can also treat yourself to one of the pristine lodging properties in the area.
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