Want to fish a spot where the views are as enticing as the fishing? There's such a place that offers it all for the sporting family and that place is Mammoth Lakes.
Mono County fishing season starts the last Saturday in April and ends on November 15th of every year, however, the catch and release fisheries of the Upper Owens River above the Benton Bridge to Big Springs, the East Walker River below Bridgeport Reservoir, and Hot Creek, will remain open year round.
Anglers 16 years of age and older must have a fishing license. You can purchase an annual, one-day or two-day fishing license (valid for two consecutive calendar days). Information concerning license requirements and fees maybe obtained from the Department of Fish and Game or by calling 760-934-2664. Fishing licenses may be purchased in several locations around the Town of Mammoth Lakes.
Annual resident sport fishing license $41.50
One-day resident/nonresident sport fishing license $13.40
Two-day resident/nonresident sport fishing license $20.75
The Department of Fish and Game offers two "Free Fishing" Days each year. There are two Saturdays this event is offered, one in July and one in September. On these designated dates is the only time you can fish without a license. What a great way to give fishing a try.
Give a hoot and don't pollute! Littering is unsightly, illegal and can be dangerous to humans and animals. Fishing line and hooks discarded on the ground or in the water can be hazardous to wildlife and also boats.Kindly pick up your trash and dispose of it properly. Please help keep our lakes and forests clean by not littering. Thank you very much!
Catch & release bait caught trout, for the trout you decided not to keep. For the best results use a barbless hook or pinch down or file off the barbs on a standard hook. Try not to handle the fish. If you have to handle the fish, use a soft cotton net or wet hands; no squeezing. Pick it up by the lower jaw. Keep the fish in the water as much as possible - Fish do not breathe out of the water.
Locate the hook - if you see the hook, remove it with hemostats or similar device. If you can't see the hook, cut the line at the edge of the fish's mouth. The trout will pass the hook or it will dissolve. Recently completed scientific studies have shown that a bait caught and released trout will have a better than 95% chance of survival using these methods to turn it loose.
GREAT PLACES TO FISH The Mammoth Lakes Basin (Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake George and Lake Mamie), located above the Town of Mammoth Lakes, offers wonderful angling opportunities for Rainbow, Brook and Brown Trout. All four lakes receive regular plants of Department of Fish and Game trout. As a bonus, the Mammoth Lakes Basin also receives heavy summer plants of trophy-sized Alpers trout, some weighing in at the 10 lb to 12 lb range. These prize fish are delicious to eat and fun to catch. All lakes offer boat rentals, some offer canoes, pontoon boats, tackle shops and public showers.
For those anglers interested in catching a limit of pan-sized Rainbows or wild Brown trout, Mammoth Creek is full of them. Running east from the Old Mammoth meadow area to below Hwy 395, the small stream offers close to 10 miles of fabulous fishing. Mammoth Creek is regularly stocked by the DFG.
Convict Lake with its crystal clear water is full of beautiful Rainbow trout and Brown trout. Convict Lake is located approximately 7 miles south of Mammoth Lakes and is stocked with fish weekly during the season. Convict Lake offers boat rentals, campgrounds, public showers, a general store and one of the areas finest restaurants.
If you have never experienced an opening day on Crowley Lake, then you don't know what you're missing. Opening day at Crowley Lake is full of anglers battling the elements and the big trout. Crowley Lake is located just 12 miles south of Mammoth Lakes offering camping at South Landing, a general store and boat rentals. Crowley Lake is stocked by the DFG on their regular schedule. Crowley Lake features unique regulations, you can inquire at the Crowley Lake Fish Camp before you head out to catch the big one.
From Rock Creek Lake to Long Lake and the countless small tarns, all have an abundance of trout swimming in their pristine waters. Golden, Brook, Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat can be found in these alpine lakes. Rock Creek offers some of the most exciting creek fishing in the region, as trout up to 5 pounds or more have been pulled out of the creek's rushing waters. The DFG stocks the creek once a week from opening day to closing. Rock Creek has a general store where you'll find all your fishing tackle necessities, pole rentals, licenses and food. Some of the best fly-fishing is along the San Joaquin River in the Reds Meadow area. At Hot Creek try your luck on catch-and-release fishing with barbless hooks.
Discover the June Lake Loop with its four glistening lakes (June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake) All the lakes are stocked with trophy-sized Alpers trout. There are five marinas, tackle shops, boat and float tube rentals. Rush Creek is the perfect spot to test your fly-fishing skills.
Fishing the waters of Mono County is a Eastern Sierra tradition passed on from generation to generation of visiting anglers. From opening day to season's end, the area's waters have gained the reputation of being never-fail trout producers, providing angling opportunities for any fisherman's desire when it comes to bait, fly, trolling or throwing lures.
FISHING EVENTS Join in the fun of one of the numerous fishing derbies, held throughout the season. Convict Lake Fishing Derbies, Children's Fishing Festival, Crowley Lake Stillwater Classic, Free fishing days and more. For a full list of events Click Here
