Visitors travel far and wide to visit one of the most picturesque places to fish in the whole Eastern Sierra. 
Whether you are fly fishing or bait fishing, Mammoth Lakes offers endless options of lakes and streams to spend your days searching for that big catch.  There are even fishing Derbies to test your skills and win prizes (Sept. will give you a chance to win a million dollars).  So, visit Mammoth Lakes to enjoy fishing in beautiful lakes with amazing mountain vistas. 

    With the fish hatcheries scattered about the valley, our lakes and streams are stocked full of fish on a regular basis.  You will find Rainbow, Brown, Brook, Cutthroat, and Golden trout in our waters so come prepared for some fun and exciting catches.

    Catch & Release
    For those fish that you decide not to keep, here are some instructions to protect the fish.  For the best results, use a barbless hook or pinch down or file the barbs on a standard hook.  Try not to handle the fish but if you must, use a soft cotton net or wet hands.  Try not to squeeze the fish but instead try picking it up by lower jaw.  Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. 
    If you see the hook, remove it.  If you can't see the hook, cut the line at the edge of the fishes mouth.  The fish will either pass the hook or it will dissolve.
    Recent studies have shown that these methods will give the fish a 95% chance of survival.

   

 In order to fish in Mammoth, there are a few regulations that you must follow:
        * Anyone 16 yrs and older must obtain a California Fishing License.
        * Licenses are available at most sporting goods stores and certain waters have special regulations so make sure to consult a current copy of the regulations.
             * One day in June and September are free fishing day where a license is not needed

Prices are as follows:
         Annual resident sports fishing license    $37.30
         1 day resident/non resident sports fishing license     $12.10
         2 day resident/non resident sports fishing license     $18.65

 

Mammoth Lakes Fishing Derbies

April 28, 2007 - June 15, 2007 - Convict Lake spring trout derby
This event is held annually in one of the most picturesque lakes around. Inquire at Convict Lake Resort for more details.

Aug 31, 2007 - Sept. 3, 2007 - Million Dollar Troutstock
A festival of all things trout! Events include a kids pond, fishing demonstrations, fishing games, fine arts and crafts festival, trout cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, and a million dollar tagged trout competition! All events are free. $25.00 to register for the Million Dollar Tagged Trout Competition with proceeds going to the Hot Creek Fish Hatchery Foundation. Keep looking at www.troutstock.com for updates.

Oct 1, 2007 - Nov 15, 2007- Convict Lake fall trout derby
This event is held annually in one of the most pictuesque lakes around. Inquire at Convict Lake Resort for more details.

Areas to fish around Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes Basin
    Once on Lake Mary Rd, you will be able to spend multiple days fishing in Twin Lakes, Lake Mamie, Lake Mary, and Lake George.  Lake Mary seems to be the best BIG fish producer but the most popular lake is Twin Lake.  These lakes provide fishing for all abilities and bait (night crawlers and crickets) fishing is best.  Fly fishing, however, can be good in the mornings.  Enjoy the drive into these lakes as it is a beautiful one and spend plenty of time exploring.  You may even choose to rent a boat versus fishing from shore. 

 Duck Pass
    This one will require a bit more effort (hiking) but is well worth it.  You start your journey at the trail head at Coldwater Campground; just past Lake Mary off of Lake Mary Rd. The trail continues up a canyon with ups and downs and switchbacks up some steep hills.  What makes this trail so appealing are two fold.  First, there are six lakes with awesome fly fishing that you will encounter along the way all about a mile apart until you reach the pass.  Secondly, this area has historical value for Mammoth Lakes.  Along it you will encounter an old miners cabin and mining machinery left behind reminding us of those that were there before us.  Even though this one will require some hiking, it is a favorite location for anglers, hikers, and runners alike.  Plan on spending the day and bring your camera.

Owens River
    This is classic Mammoth River fishing.  Fly fishing here is great with slow meandering  water to test your skills and a lack of trees to capture your flies.  This is reputed to be a world-renowned fishery with an amazing number of fish per mile.  For bait fishing, use eggs, worms, or spinners.  To get there head out of town on Hwy 203 turning south on Hwy 395. Turn left at the green church which is Benton Crossing Rd.  Make your next left on the dirt road and drive as far as you please.  The river winds around this whole area and there are many dirt roads that will lead you to it.  Just go ahead and explore.  The further out you go, the less people you will encounter.  This is a wonderful area which is peaceful with the river, the valley, and the long stretches of mountains in front of you.  Since there is not much shade, make sure to bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen.

Crowley Lake
    Crowley Lake is one of the most known of the lakes in the area.  Probably mostly due to how large of a lake it is and it's proximity to Hwy 395.  It is also some of the best trout fishing in all of California.  Even though you are welcome to fish from shore, this lake is best explored by a boat.  Boats are available to rent at the Marina.  Crowley Lake has two fishing seasons with specific regulation per season.  Opening day to August 1 there is a 5 fish per day, no size limit, and 10 in possession rule.  August 2 to October 31, it's 2 fish per day, 18 in total length, and only artificial lures with barbless hooks allowed.  This lake is about 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes off of Hwy 395.

Convict Lake and Creek
    With Convict lake nestled in an alcove of spectacular mountains, this is a location that shouldn't be missed.  There is a launch ramp if you bring your own boat, boat rentals if you don't and a wonderful trail that encircles the entire lake.  Whether you fish from your car, walk the trail or hang out in a boat, the views are tremendous.  This is also a very deep lake which catches the snow run off from the mountains around it and is a great place to try for the big ones.  One thing that Convict Lake is known for is it's brilliant restaurant, so take advantage and stop for a fine dinner.

June Lake Loop
    This is another one of those places that you will want to spend a few day visiting.  It is only 16 miles north of  Mammoth Lakes and is the location of four large lakes and several streams.  Two miles from the junction of Hwy 395 and Hwy 158 (entrance to June Lake) you will crest a hill to view the beauty of June Lake below.  There is a marina where you can rent a boat or just enjoy it from the shore.  Either way, don't forget to look up to see the awesome mountains surrounding this loop of lakes.  In the spring with lots of run off, the waterfalls are breathtaking.  Past June Lake you will see Gull Lake, Silver Lake and then Grant Lake.  All are accessible from the main road so you can't miss them.  Enjoy exploring these many lakes and streams. 

San Joaquin River
    Probably the most picturesque of these location is the area right outside of Mammoth Mountain's Main Lodge.  Being closed in winter, when they open this road, your eyes will be the first to sparkle at the views of the Minarets.  You must take a shuttle into this area so sit back and enjoy the journey.  You can exit the shuttle at Agnew or Red's Meadow and pick a spot to check out.  This river flows from Thousand Island Lake which is high in the mountains to San Francisco Bay.  At least if you loose your favorite lure you will know where to find it! haha  Most fish here are around a foot long but some have been caught a bit larger.  When you are done fishing, check out Devil's Post Pile or Rainbow Falls.   Just think of all the stories of the huge fish that got away that you can tell to all of the unsuspecting travelers as you ride the shuttle back to your car.