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A Message from Mono County on the upcoming “Fishmas”: The Official Opening of the Eastern Sierra Trout Season.

Mono County Fishing Season Opens on April 24 – With New Regulations

MONO COUNTY, Calif. (APRIL 16, 2021) – Eastern Sierra locals and visitors alike are gearing up for “Fishmas” on Saturday, April 24, the official start to Mono County’s regular fishing season. With the relatively mild winter this year, most front country lakes, rivers, and streams should be thawed by “Fishmas,” so there is much for anglers to celebrate.

“The best part about dropping a line in our friendly county is just being outdoors in this spectacular landscape,” said Jennifer Kreitz, chair of the Mono County board of supervisors. “Opening weekend is always highly anticipated, and we look forward to enthusiastically welcoming anglers on April 24.”

New this season, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) has issued updated regulations for Mono County. The 18 “resort lakes,” including Crowley, Rock Creek (Lake), Convict, Lundy, Virginia Lakes, Bridgeport Reservoir, Twin Lakes (Bridgeport), the lakes of the June Lake Loop, and Mammoth Lakes Basin, will retain the traditional “Fishmas” opening and closing dates (the last Saturday in April through November 15). However, all rivers and streams in Mono County now have special regulations pertaining to season start and end dates, hook and lure restrictions, fish size limits, and possession limits.

trout in handFor a comprehensive list of the new regulations, anglers should visit the CDFW website at: https://fgc.ca.gov/Regulations/2020-New-and-Proposed#3_00 and bookmark the smartphone  regulation map: https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/sportfishingregs/.

“We are looking forward to a fantastic fishing season and will be publishing a revised Fishing Map for Mono County with the new CDFW fishing regulations outlined for popular fishing destinations,” reported Jeff Simpson, Mono County’s economic development manager.

The Mono County Fishing Map will soon be available at no charge and downloadable on the  www.MonoCounty.org/things-to-do/fishing/fishing-rules-regulations/ website page. Simpson also recommends anglers follow Mono County Tourism’s Facebook and Instagram pages for real-time updates and conditions all season long. Mono County, along Mammoth Lakes Tourism and private marina operators, will be stocking over 60,000 pounds of trout throughout the county. Mono County, specifically, stocks 18 bodies of water in the region with almost 18,000 pounds of rainbow trout starting the second week of April.

trout 2Anglers are encouraged to join the effort to keep Eastern Sierra fisheries healthy and sustainable by practicing “catch and release” – keeping only the fish they need and releasing the rest to reproduce and grow.

Several events, including derbies and fishing festivals, are scheduled throughout the season. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, event dates and details may change. For a list of all tentatively scheduled 2021 fishing event in Mono County, please visit www.MonoCounty.org/things-to-do/fishing/fishing-events/.

Mono County businesses have gone to great lengths to implement COVID-19 public health protocols to help keep visitors and residents safe. For more information regarding COVID-19, please visit Coronavirus.MonoCounty.ca.gov.

Visit MonoCounty.org to learn more about fishing in Mono County, top fishing locations, fishing regulations, tackle shops, professional guide services, lodging, and much more.

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