FISHING IN MAMMOTH LAKES

Everywhere you turn in the Eastern Sierras there is a nook or cranny that you can drop your line and catch a story book big fish. These are the secret fishing hot spots in Mammoth You will find big fish as we stock the lakes and everywhere you look you are surrounded by the vistas of the Sierra. Experienced fishermen can find a quiet place or join in the fun of a weekend derby. Lodging for Mammoth Fisherman is generally in town, where boat parking is easy.

If fresh water trout fishing is your passion, the Eastern Sierra is for you. A multitude of lakes, rivers and creeks are stocked with rainbows, brooks and German browns anxious to take the bait. Catch and release in some areas, such as Hot Creek in the scenic Long Valley. Fly-fishing is prime along the San Joaquin River in the Red's Meadow/Devils Postpile area, and on secluded ranches, such as Alpers Ranch or Hot Creek Ranch. The fishing report has all the latest news on the weeks catch. Looking to win a prize for your fish? Here is the current list of Mammoth fishing derbies.

Wonderful trout fishing can be found in our many lakes, rivers and streams, stocked with locally raised, world famous, trophy-size Alpers trout. General Trout Fishing season runs from the last weekend in April through October 31, in Inyo County and, through November 14 in Mono County. In most areas, the bag limit is 5 per day with 10 in possession. For the non fishermen, or if you need a break you might want to visit the local Mammoth fish hatcheries. They have interesting presentations on how they spawn and grow our trout.

The Owen's River from Crowley Lake to Tinemaha Reservoir including the Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the Diaz Lake and Haiwee Reservoir are open to year-round fishing. There are some special restrictions; check with local ranger stations or the Department of Fish and Game for more information. The California Department of Fish and Game provides complete regulations. They also do some stocking. Fishing licenses are not available at Inyo National Forest Ranger Stations; they can be purchased at many of the Mammoth sporting goods stores in the area.

Early Season

The Early Fishing Season opener is in March each year. This Early Fishing Season covers "all waters bounded by the Inyo County line on the south and west, Independence Creek on the north, and Highway 395 on the east." This early fishing season does not include the Cottonwood Creek drainage in any part west of Lone Pine. This area is open to fishing from March through October.

Marinas

There are several marinas so that you can rent a boat and fish from in the middle of the lake or rent a tube and go tube fishing. The local fish and tackle stores have all the information and be able to recommend the spot where they hear the best fish stories, which likely means the best fishing each week.

Marinas are at Lake Mary, Rock Creek, Silver Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Grant Lake, Lake George, Convict Lake, Topaz Lake, Crowley Lake and Twin Lakes. For great guide service call one of the registered Mammoth Fishing Guides.