FISHING in Mammoth

Everywhere you turn in the Eastern Sierras there is a nook or cranny that you can drop your line and catch a storybook big fish, 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. Our activity calendar lists all the events each week so you can find your stream of dreams.

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.

Wonderful trout fishing can be found in our many lakes, rivers and streams, stocked with locally raised, world famous, trophy-size Alpers trout. The 2002 General Trout Fishing season runs from April 27, 2002, through October 31, 2002, in Inyo County and April 27, 2002, through November 15, 2002, in Mono County. In most areas, the bag limit is 5 per day with 10 in possession.

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 Mammoth Chamber of Commerce has fishing reports for many areas; call 760-934-3068 or 760-924-2360 for current information. The California Department of Fish and Game provides complete regulations. Fishing licenses are not available at Inyo National Forest Ranger Stations; they can be purchased at many of the sporting goods stores in the area.

Early Season

The Early Fishing Season opener in southwestern Inyo County is March 2, 2002. 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 2 through October 31, 2002.

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.