Fishmas is Here! Opening Day of Regular Fishing Season Set for April 26

MONO COUNTY, Calif. (April 7, 2025) – Get ready to cast your lines! Eastern Sierra locals and visitors alike are celebrating “Fishmas,” the official start to the regular fishing season on April 26, 2025. This highly anticipated day marks the beginning of a season filled with angling excitement across Mono County’s pristine lakes, streams, and reservoirs.

“The Eastern Sierra is home to some of the best fishing in the country, and we’re excited to welcome anglers to Mono County for Fishmas and the 2025 fishing season,” said Board of Supervisors Chair, Lynda Salcido, District 5.

This year promises abundant opportunities, with Mono County investing $100,000 to stock 18 local bodies of water with potentially 40,000 pounds or more of rainbow trout. Following a robust winter and mild spring, anglers can expect healthy water levels and mostly ice-free conditions, providing ideal environments for a successful opening day. On April 1, California’s snowpack in the Sierra Nevada measured 96%. This Is the third straight year the state has had near-average or above-average amounts of snow.

Adding to this bounty, private marinas, resorts, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, and local fish foundations like the Twin Lakes Trout Foundation, the Bridgeport Fish Enhancement Foundation, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will also contribute to stocking efforts, ensuring a thriving fishing experience for all.

Important Regulation Updates and Reminders
This year, anglers are urged to prioritize staying informed about the most current regulations. Changes have been implemented, notably at Parker Lake, and it is crucial to verify information directly from the source.

• Parker Lake New Regulations:
  • Reduced bag limit: 2 fish
  • Minimum size: 14 inches
  • Artificial lures only (no bait)

These changes are implemented to protect the Heritage Wild Trout population, as recent surveys indicate a decline in both Brook and Brown Trout numbers due to increased angling pressure.

Crucial Reminder: Do not rely on printed materials. Regulations can change. Please verify all regulations by visiting the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website: wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations or by calling the Bishop CDFW office at 760-872-1171.

CDFW Hatchery Recovery and Enhanced Stocking
After a few challenging years, CDFW hatcheries have made a strong recovery. Thanks to new infrastructure and equipment, anglers can expect a robust stocking season, the most significant since 2020.

Healthy Snowpack and Access
The Sierra Nevada region has experienced a near-normal snowpack, ensuring healthy water levels in lakes and streams. Early indications suggest that seasonal road closures due to snow will be lifted on time or even earlier. Click here for the latest updates.

Follow Mono County Tourism’s Facebook and Instagram pages for real-time updates and conditions as the season approaches.

Sustainable Fishing Practices
Mono County encourages all anglers to adopt sustainable fishing practices to preserve the region's natural resources for future generations. Click here to learn more.

2025 Mono County Fishing Events
Plan your fishing adventures by checking the 2025 Mono County fishing events calendar, accessed here. 

-###-

Mono County Fishing Images

Click here for more on lakes, guides, and regulations.

Click here for more on fishing derbies and events.

Click here for a free Mono County Fishing Map and/or to request a Mono County Visitor Guide by mail.