Fishing

Mammoth is known as being one of the most challenging and rewarding fishing destinations in the west. The wonder and beauty of the Eastern Sierra with crystal clear lakes and streams will hold you spell bound.

Fishing can be done in many ways - from shore or a boat, from a dock, in lakes and rivers and streams. There are a variety of fishing techniques, in addition to gear, baits and lures. Mammoth Lakes has Sporting Good Stores and Guides that can help you with your fishing needs. With all the different possibilities, there's something for everyone. What are you waiting for?

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.

Find out more about Alpers Trout Alpers trout stocking schedule
Find out more about the Department of Fish and Game

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, places to purchase and fees maybe obtained from the Department of Fish & 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 $43.46 One-day resident/nonresident sport fishing license $14.04 Two-day resident/nonresident sport fishing license $21.86

Find out the best time to fish and where the fish are biting with the fishing reports and forecasts for the lakes and streams in the area.
Crowley Lake Fish Camp Report
Troutfitter/Trout Fly Report
Sierra Drifters Reports

Fishing is a relaxing sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. You never get too old to fish! And getting kids started young helps them appreciate nature and the ways the environment works. 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.

If you are looking for a place to go fishing Mammoth boasts a variety of areas for the fishing enthusiast, and this section will guide you to some of the many places you can explore where excellent trout fishing can be had.

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 from the Department of Fish and Game. 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.


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 see our Event Calendar