Fishing

Opportunities to fish on the Inyo National Forest are endless. With over 400 lakes and 1,100 miles of rivers and streams take your pick of where to experience a fishing trip. Waters here are home to rainbow, brook, brown and golden trout.

For information about fishing licenses, species, limits contact the California Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Lake and Pond Fishing

The most popular areas for fishing on lakes and ponds in the forest are located in the Bishop Creek area (Sabrina, South, North Lakes), Rock Creek Lake, Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes Basin (Twin, Mary, George, Mamie and Horseshoe Lakes), and the June Lake Loop area.

Backcountry fishing is also a popular activity, where some lakes are stocked by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, such as Big Pine Lakes. Many backcountry hikers and backpackers bring their fishing gear with them to fish in the most tranquil and beautiful places on the forest, away from crowds.

Fishing season typically starts the last Saturday in April, and ends on November 15 of every year.

Catch-and-Release Fisheries

The catch-and-release fisheries of the Upper Owens River above the Benton Bridge to Big Springs, the East Walker River below Bridgeport Reservoir, and Hot Creek, remain open year-round. These fisheries are zero limits, no bait of any kind, barbless hooks only. The Lower Owens River outside of Bishop remains open year-round.

Fishing Licenses

Anglers 16 years of age and older must have a fishing license. You can purchase an annual, one-day or two-day fishing license (valid for two consecutive calendar days).

Information concerning license requirements and fees may be obtained from the Department of Fish and Wildlife by calling 760-934-2664. Fishing licenses may be purchased at sporting goods stores throughout Inyo and Mono counties.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing on lakes within the Inyo National Forest is most popular on Intake 2 and Convict Lakes as they are more likely accessible by vehicle in winter due to their lower elevations. Higher elevation lakes are less accessible due to impassable roads with snow, however this does not preclude one from fishing in said lakes.

Ice fishing comes with inherent safety risks and it should be done cautiously.

River and Stream Fishing

River and stream fishing is an exciting way to fish! Please beware, however, that there are inherent safety risks associated with this sport.

Water temperatures are extremely cold -- even in the summertime, and can render one hypothermic in a matter of seconds or minutes. Strong currents with increasing velocity from the high-elevation snow melt can be surprisingly powerful. There is no swift water rescue team in the Eastern Sierra, so a certified response team may take hours to get there.

Rules and regulations for fishing in lakes and ponds are applied the same for rivers and streams.