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Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

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.

Hunting is also a popular activity on the Inyo National Forest and in adjacent areas. Species include mule deer, chukar, quail, grouse, dove and waterfowl.

Follow all state laws and regulations pertaining to firearms.  Additionally the following is prohibited:

  • Discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property: (1) In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area, or (2) across or on a Forest System road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge (3) Into or within any cave (261.10d).
  • Firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition. (261.5b).
  • Discharging or igniting a firecracker, rocket or other firework, or explosive (261.16d).

For information about fishing licenses, species, limits and seasons or hunting seasons and licenses 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.

Hunting

Hunting is regulated by the State of California: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting

Some Forest Service staff may have qualifications necessary to verify and check game tags, but it is only available on a case-by-case-basis.

Recreational and Target Shooting

Recreational and target shooting is permitted forest-wide within the parameters of applicable laws.

Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 36 results

Big Pine Area
Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning
Camping, fishing, hiking and backpacking draw many visitors to the Big Pine Creek Area every year.  Beautiful First Falls is a short walk from the picnic area. Longer hikes up the north fork…

Convict Lake
Site Open
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Horse Riding and Camping
Convict Lake is located south of Mammoth Lakes and north of Crowley Lake.  This scenic area is popular for picnics, fishing, hiking, and boating, and includes a boat ramp, campground, store,…

Horseshoe Meadow Area
Site Open
Picnicking Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Horseshoe Meadow is a vast 10,000 foot high meadow, surrounded by lodgepole pine forest. Getting there is an adventure in itself; the road to Horseshoe Meadow climbs over 6,000 feet, as it winds its…

Independence Area
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Independence, CA, is located on Highway 395, 15 miles north of Lone Pine and 40 miles south of Bishop. The Sierra Nevada and Inyo Mountains are accessible from Independence. Recreation activities…

Kern Plateau
Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada, the Kern Plateau is vast area of forest covered hills and mountains, punctuated by by green meadows. The gently rolling landscape contrasts…

Last updated April 17th, 2025

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