Update 4/22: In addition press release posted to this webpage, fishing closure information can be obtained by calling the Fishing Closure Hotline at (916) 445-7600 or by clicking on links below.
Summary of Regulation Changes (PDF)- Memo from Director Bonham (PDF)
- Full Language of Regulation Changes (PDF)
- ———————————————————————————————
(Press Release)
After Coordination with Local Government, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Delays Trout Season Openers in Three Counties
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Charlton H. Bonham delayed the start of the trout opener in Alpine, Inyo and Mono counties. The director made this decision in consultation with California Fish and Game Commission President Eric Sklar.
The trout season was scheduled to open in these three counties this Saturday, April 25. The delay to the opener in these counties expires May 31, 2020.
“After talking with the county representatives, we agreed this was a necessary step toward being responsive to local needs in this public health emergency,” said CDFW Director Bonham. “These counties asked for our help, and we responded.”
Specifically this means all waters in these three counties not currently open to fishing will remain closed to fishing until May 31. After local government coordination in Alpine, Inyo and Mono counties, CDFW is also making minor adjustments to bag and possession limits in waters that are currently open for fishing to protect and conserve the existing fisheries that may be affected by increased angling pressure or harvest. These modifications will also expire May 31. Pursuant to the emergency regulation approved by the Commission, CDFW will provide accurate information for the angling public online or by phone at (916) 445-7600.
Today’s decision does not affect the trout season in any other county.
Early this week, CDFW had discussions with county leadership regarding trout fishing, which typically draws a high tourism influx to these counties. Local officials are concerned that people traveling to these areas to fish would exacerbate the transmission of COVID-19 and put a strain on their healthcare systems. Further, all non-essential businesses in these counties including lodging, dining and camping options are closed in compliance with state and local public health officers’ orders.
On April 15, the California Fish and Game Commission authorized CDFW to temporarily delay, suspend or restrict recreational fishing if the director of CDFW, in consultation with the president of the Commission, finds that such action is necessary to protect against the threat from COVID-19 based on state, federal, local, and tribal public health guidance and public safety needs.
At the request of counties or tribes, CDFW will consider action to address needs regarding fishing seasons amongst the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are a county or tribal representative with questions or would like to provide input on potential angling related delays or restrictions, please contact Roger Bloom, Acting Branch Chief, Fisheries Branch, by email at [email protected].
Paul Fry We living up here can only wish !!! But can you only imagine the uproar from the L.A. and SoCal people if that were to happen ? I can see and hear it now… “My rights are being taken away !” “Governor Newsom should be “impeached ! ”… Read more »
As a life long Eastern Sierra fisherman that does not live in either of these three counties, I changed my reservations to the fall so as to not bring any bad air to God’s country. However, all residents of these counties (only!) should have access to fishing these, their own… Read more »
It’s a privilege not a right. I think there is a few more pressing things going on.
It seems worth repeating, the trout season in S. Inyo was already open with no problems, same for Alpine county lakes. They are trying to close already open seasons which makes zero sense as does thinking being in the outdoors is somehow dangerous, that’s a liberal created farce. As funny… Read more »
yawn.
Thank you Fish and Game!!! My family lives in Mono County. This is a big relief.
I like your comment Joyce ! i still refer to them as the F & G TOO !
Whether your a local or a transient it really doesn’t take a big explanation to figure this out..put on your big boy pants and do the right thing.
The disappoint is not the delayed opener, but the covid 19 pandemic that is impacting everyone and everything . Take a breath Matthew. There are too many in the current past, present and future who do not have that ability. There are too many hospital staff on the front lines… Read more »
“The covid 19 pandemic that is impacting everyone and everything”. This is only due to the sheep falling in line. It’s a pity we live in such a reactionary country full of weak members of society. The amount of hysteria involved in this “pandemic” is ridiculous. The death tolls are… Read more »
skeptical The last person I heard talking just about the same words your doing,it was some conservative preacher from the deep south,talking “hoax” and some kind of “deep state” conspiracy theory,saying it was nothing worse than the common cold or flu. And then going on to say what we have… Read more »
You don’t know anything about microbiology, do you.
Opening date delayed to June 1 is not acceptable to me, when I can go play as many rounds of Golf as I want too now…
You seem to have a lot of time on your hands, and you’re frustrated. This is a perfect opportunity to start volunteering in your local community. Lots of people less fortunate could benefit from your obvious interest in contributing to the betterment of your fellow creatures. Your eagerness to spread… Read more »
quacque, have you ever thought about anything critically in your life? You literally just told Matthew Jacobs to go volunteer locally where he would undoubtedly be interacting with more people than if he were to go fishing. You have all lost your minds on this. Keep your face masks on,… Read more »
Well since you posted on a story about the Inyo and Mono counties……I really don’t think we have to worry about 20,000+ people coming up here tomorrow to play golf. If they do they will be sorely disappointed because all the golf courses up here are closed. As far as… Read more »
In the meantime Golf courses and other forms of activity for the Coastal Elites will be open…As you can tell I’m not a happy camper at the delay of Opening until 6/1/2020