Fishing

With access to an abundance of high alpine lakes, reservoirs, streams and creeks, Mammoth Lakes offers some of the best trout fishing in the world.

Monster rainbows, wise old browns, feisty brookies and elusive native golden trout—whether you prefer bait-setting from a folding chair on a sunny beach with a view, trolling from a boat, nymphing from a float-tube in the middle of a quiet pond or casting barbless midges from a grassy bank on a quiet oxbow, you’ll find plenty of places to try your hand at outsmarting a fish—or several!

This season, fishing regulations in California have been adjusted. Find out more about how these new regulations affect your favorite places to fish in the Mammoth Lakes area.

SEE FISHING REGULATIONS

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An Unreal Fishing Destination

Mammoth Lakes is known as one of the most challenging and rewarding fishing destinations in the West. The beautiful, clear lakes and streams of the Eastern Sierra will hold you spellbound.

A woman fishes in Crowley Lake with a mountainous backdrop.

Diverse Fishing Options

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 goods 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?

A group of friends fish while floating on kayaks in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Fishing Season and Regulations

Mono County fishing season starts the last Saturday in April 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.

This season, fishing regulations in California have been adjusted. Find out more about how these new regulations affect your favorite places to fish in the Mammoth Lakes area.

SEE 2024-2025 CALIFORNIA FISHING REGULATIONS

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.

Where to go fishing

If you are looking for a place to go fishing, Mammoth Lakes boasts a variety of areas for the fishing enthusiast. The following section guides you to some of the many places with excellent fishing you can explore.

The Mammoth Lakes Basin

The Mammoth Lakes Basin (Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake George and Lake Mamie), located above Mammoth Lakes, offers wonderful angling opportunities for Rainbow, Brook and Brown Trout. All four lakes are stocked regularly throughout the season. As a bonus, the Mammoth Lakes Basin also receives heavy summer plants of trophy-sized trout, some weighing in at 10 to 12 pounds. These prize fish are fun to catch and delicious to eat. All lakes offer boat rentals, with canoes, pontoon boats and tackle shops available at some locations.

Mammoth Creek

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 U.S. Highway 395, the small stream offers close to 10 miles of fabulous fishing.

Convict Lake

This lake has crystal-clear water and is full of beautiful rainbow trout and brown trout. Convict Lake is located approximately 7 miles south of Mammoth Lakes and is stocked weekly during the season. Convict Lake offers boat rentals, campgrounds, public showers, a general store and one of the area’s finest restaurants.

Crowley Lake

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 and offers camping at South Landing, a general store and boat rentals. Crowley Lake is stocked by the Department of Fish and Wildlife on their regular schedule. Crowley Lake features some unique regulations; inquire at the Crowley Lake Fish Camp before you head out to catch the big one.

Rock Creek Lake

Rock Creek Lake, Long Lake and 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 creek is stocked once a week from opening to closing day. Rock Creek has a general store where you’ll find fishing tackle necessities, pole rentals, licenses and food.

San Joaquin River

Some of the best fly fishing is along the San Joaquin River in the Reds Meadow area. At Hot Creek, try your luck at catch-and-release fishing with barbless hooks.

June Lake Loop

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 trout. There are five marinas, tackle shops, boat and float tube rentals. Rush Creek is the perfect spot to test your fly fishing skills.

Seasonal Fishing Events

Join in the fun of one of the numerous fishing derbies held throughout the season, such as Opening Weekend Fishmas Festival, 50 Days of Fishmas, Convict Lake Fishing Derbies, Children’s Fishing Festival, Crowley Lake Stillwater Classic, Free Fishing Days and more.

A person holding a rainbow trout in the water.

Fishing Trip Ideas

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Beginner’s Guide to Backcountry Fishing
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Pro Tips for Fall Fishing in Mammoth Lakes
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Winter Fishing in Mammoth Lakes
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Consider This: Winter Fly Fishing
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Where To Fish & Get Gear

Summer Activities
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Fishing
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Inspiration For Summer

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Activity Updates in Mammoth Lakes
Winter Activity Cross Country Skiing