California’s traditional trout season opener is set for Saturday, April 26—fishing begins one hour before sunrise—promising excellent conditions across Northern and Eastern California. Above‑average winter precipitation and snowpack mean cooler stream temperatures, enhancing trout activity and survival. Hatcheries in the Eastern Sierra, fully recovered from past disease setbacks, have stocked nearly 800,000 trout statewide in March and April, with even more planned for lakes in Inyo and Mono counties.
“Fishmas,” as many call the pilgrimage along U.S. 395, kicks off in Bridgeport, Burney, Bishop and beyond, drawing anglers from Southern California and the Bay Area. CDFW scientists forecast a stronger season than last year, thanks to healthy overwintering populations and expanded hatchery output.
As of the opener, many creeks and streams reopen to catch‑and‑keep fishing for the first time since fall. Anglers should consult the CDFW Fish Planting Schedule for stocked waters and review special regulations—listed alphabetically from page 65—in the 2025 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations. All anglers 16+ need a valid sport fishing license, available online or via the CDFW License App.
New this year is CIRAS, a pilot angler survey and data dashboard offering near‑real‑time insights to help plan outings. Fishermen are also urged to “Clean, Drain, Dry” boats and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species—especially golden mussels—and to check local launch restrictions.
For fly fishers pursuing wild trout—and anyone seeking a summer adventure—the opener marks the ramp‑up to prime fishing: warmer weather, more aquatic insects, and hungry trout. CDFW’s Heritage Trout Challenge invites anglers to catch and log six native trout species from their historic drainages, with rewards for completion.
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