Anglers across California are gearing up for the annual fishing season opener in Mono County this Saturday, April 26—a tradition affectionately known as “Fishmas.” With alpine lakes, cold-water creeks, and well-stocked reservoirs dotting the region, the Mammoth Lakes area has long been recognized as a top destination for trout fishing in the western U.S.
Locals and visitors alike will celebrate the start of the regular fishing season with a slate of events throughout the weekend, including family-friendly derbies, live entertainment, and prize contests spread across various communities. The festivities begin Friday, April 25, with the “Fishmas Eve Party” at Twin Lakes Resort, a local favorite to ring in the start of the season. The following day, multiple derbies will offer prizes for the biggest catches and creative categories at sites like Tom’s Place, Mono Village, and June Lake.
Highlights include:
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April 26: Fishmas Day Derby at Tom’s Place – A popular event with cash prizes, raffles, and fishing categories for all ages. Pre-registration is required by contacting Tom’s Place Resort at (760) 935-4239.
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April 26–27: Mono Village’s Fishing Opener Derby (Upper Twin Lake, Bridgeport) – Offers merchandise and cash awards in multiple categories. Details available at (760) 932-7071.
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April 26–27: June Lake’s Monster Trout Contest – With prizes for the biggest fish by species and categories for women, children, and locals. Contact Ernie’s Tackle at (760) 648-7756.
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April 26–June 29: Crowley Lake Challenge – A free, online fishing tournament where anglers log their catches digitally to contribute to trout population research. Prizes total $5,000. Registration is open now.
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April 27–June 13: Round-Up at the Lake Derby (Convict Lake) – Another long-running favorite with cash awards. Registration is required in advance.
According to Mammoth Lakes Tourism, this weekend marks the beginning of months of world-class fishing opportunities in the region. The area’s high elevation waters are regularly stocked with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout, making it a sought-after location for fly fishers and bait casters alike.
For more information about local fishing, event details, and seasonal resources, visit Mono County’s Fishing Page or the Mammoth Lakes tourism website.
