Sierra Mountain Fishing

Are you ready to cast your line amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Sierra Nevada mountains? This region offers a bounty of freshwater lakes and streams, teeming with trout and other fish species. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a family seeking a fun outdoor activity, a Sierra Nevada fishing derby is waiting for you. This guide provides a comprehensive list of derbies throughout the year and helpful tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable fishing experience.

Guy fishing River
Photo by Greg: https://www.pexels.com/photo/wood-fishing-landscape-water-6590545/

This guide provides a comprehensive list of fishing derbies throughout the Sierra Nevada mountains, incorporating information from both your original list and resources from Mono County. Check with event organizers or locations for the latest details and confirm registration requirements before you go. Remember to obtain a fishing license (unless it’s a Free Fishing Day) and abide by California’s fishing regulations.

Derby Listings by Month

April

  • April 1 (California): General Opening Season for most Sierra lakes and streams.
    • April 27: “Fishmas” Day Derby (Tom’s Place): Fun-filled event with cash prizes, raffle, and categories. Contact Tom’s Place Resort (760) 935-4239 for details. (Not on Mono County List)
    • Mono Village’s Fishing Opener Derby (Upper Twin Lake): Cash and merchandise prizes. Contact Mono Village (760) 932-7071.

May

May (Dates Vary)

  • “Round-Up at the Lake” Spring Fishing Derby (Convict Lake): Cash prizes, and advance registration are required. Contact Convict Lake Resort (800) 992-2260 (May be included in “Ambush at the Lake” Fall Derby Series).

May 24-26

  • Hangman’s Cash Bonus Weekend (Convict Lake): Cash Bonus Derby Weekend. Contact Convict Lake Resort (800) 992-2260.

May 24-June 24

  • Crowley Lake Perch Derby (Crowley Lake): Sign up at the Tackle Shop. Contact Crowley Lake Fish Camp (760) 935-4301. (Likely still held; check with organizer)
Trout
Trout fishing in a mountain river. Sport fishing. An exciting and spectacular fishing. Photo for nature magazines, websites and backgrounds. ** Note: Soft Focus at 100%, best at smaller sizes

June

  • Early June (Dates Vary): “Fishing for $50,000 Trout Derby,” Bear Lake (https://www.bigbear.com/events/annual/fishing-50k-big-bear/) – Catch a tagged trout for a big prize!
  • June 14 (or nearest weekend): Lake Davis Spring Fishing Derby, Graeagle (https://playgraeagle.com/event/fishing-derby-2/) – Fundraiser for water rescue equipment.
  • June 20th-21st: Fred Hall Father’s Day Fishing Tournament, Mammoth Lakes Basin (https://www.monocounty.org/things-to-do/fishing/fishing-events/) – Longstanding derby with various prizes.
  • June 22: Bridgeport June Trout Tournament—This tournament supports stocking Bridgeport Reservoir and East Walker River. Contact Bridgeport Fish Enhancement Foundation at (760) 616-4214 or (714) 227-0765.
  • June 27: Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Trout Fest (Hot Creek Hatchery)—This is a free event for kids with fishing instruction (Check the CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife website for updates).
  • June 29-July 7: Mono Village’s Annual Summer Fishing Derby (Upper Twin Lake) – Proceeds support the Upper Twin Lake Fish Enhancement Program. Contact Annett’s Mono Village (760) 932-7071.
  • Late June-Early July (Dates Vary): Mono Village 4th of July Fishing Derby, Bridgeport (https://www.monocounty.org/event/annetts-mono-village-opening-day-fishing-derby/7273/) – Multi-day event with cash and merchandise prizes.

July

  • July 1-31: How Big-Is-Big Fishing Derby (West Walker River) – No entry fee, prizes for the biggest fish. Contact the Northern Mono Chamber of Commerce.
  • July 4th:
    • Free Fishing Day (Mono County) – No fishing license required (regulations still apply).
    • Fishing Expo (June Lake) – Local event (check with June Lake Loop for confirmation).
  • July 6: Free Fishing Day (California)—This is a State-Wide Free Fishing Day (no license is required; regulations apply).
  • July 19: Packer Lake Kids Fishing Derby, Graeagle (https://sierracountychamber.com/event-5169225) – Fun event for families with kids.
  • July 25: Kids Fishing Festival, Snowcreek Resort, Mammoth Lakes – Event for kids under 12 to catch trout and win prizes.
  • July 27: Kids Fishing Festival (Mammoth Lakes) – Local event (check Mammoth Lakes website for confirmation).

August

September

  • September 1st-November 15th: “Ambush at the Lake” Fall Fishing Derby (Convict Lake) (continued)
  • September 5th:
    • Free Fishing Day (Mono County) – No fishing license required (regulations still apply).
    • 14th Annual South Lake Tahoe Moose Lodge Kids’ Fishing Derby (Details to be confirmed).
  • September (Date to be confirmed): June Lake Loop Big Trout Tournament, June Lake Loop (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE8a8FynjQ0) – Details to be confirmed.
  • September 5: June Lake Loop Big Trout Tournament, June Lake Loop (Details to be confirmed).
  • September 18th-20th: The Fly Fishing Faire (Location to be confirmed) (https://swcffi.org/) – Event with fly casting, tying lessons, and competitions.

October

  • October (Date to be confirmed): Morrison’s Bonus Derby Weekend (Convict Lake) – Cash Bonus Derby Weekend. Contact Convict Lake Resort (800) 992-2260.

Remember:

  • Confirm dates and details with event organizers or locations.
  • Obtain a fishing license (unless it’s a Free Fishing Day).
  • Follow California’s fishing regulations.
Trout

Fish Species:

The Sierra Nevada boasts a diverse population of freshwater fish, making it a haven for anglers of all skill levels. Here are some of the most sought-after catches:

  • Rainbow Trout: The undisputed king of the Sierra Nevada, rainbow trout are prized for their beautiful coloration, acrobatic fight, and delicious flavor.
  • Brown Trout: Known for their cunning and strength, they add an exciting challenge to any angler’s day. They thrive in cooler waters and offer a different fight than their rainbow cousins.
  • Brook Trout: Often found in high-mountain streams, brook trout are a smaller but feisty fish. Their vibrant markings and historical significance make them a remarkable catch.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Native to the Sierra Nevada, cutthroat trout are a prized catch for fly fishermen due to their selective feeding habits. Their beautiful coloration varies depending on the specific subspecies.
  • Lake Trout: These deep-water dwellers provide a thrilling challenge for experienced anglers. They can grow to impressive sizes and offer a unique fight.
  • Perch: While less prevalent than trout, some Sierra Nevada lakes offer opportunities to catch perch. These tasty panfish are perfect for a relaxing day of fishing.

The Sierra Nevada boasts a vast network of fisheries, each with unique character and fish populations. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

  • Eastern Sierra: This region is renowned for its trophy trout fishing, particularly brown trout and rainbows. Popular destinations include Bridgeport Reservoir, the Owens River, and the lakes around Mammoth Lakes.
  • Lakes Basin Recreation Area: Nestled near Yosemite National Park, this area offers a variety of lakes teeming with rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.
  • Crowley Lake: Located north of Mammoth Lakes, Crowley Lake is a popular spot for trophy trout and mackinaw.
  • Lake Almanor: This large reservoir near Plumas National Forest is known for its excellent lake trout fishery and healthy populations of rainbow trout and brown trout.
  • Lake Tahoe: Lake Tahoe: This world-famous alpine lake boasts a legendary mackinaw trout fishery. These deep-dwelling fish can grow to impressive sizes and provide a thrilling challenge for anglers. Lake Tahoe is also home to the threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout, a native fish species best caught and released to conserve the population. Rainbow trout and brown trout are also present in healthy numbers, making Lake Tahoe a diverse fishery with something for every angler. Keep in mind that specific regulations and licensing requirements may apply for fishing in Lake Tahoe due to its status as a shared resource between California and Nevada. Always check with the appropriate wildlife agency for the latest regulations before casting your line.
The Best Fish To Catch While Fly Fishing

California Fishing Regulations:

Before you head out, be sure to review the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website (https://wildlife.ca.gov/) for comprehensive fishing regulations. Licenses are required (except for Free Fishing Days), and specific rules regarding bag limits, size restrictions, and gear usage can vary depending on the location and species. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations is essential for a responsible and enjoyable fishing experience.

This comprehensive guide should help you plan your Sierra Nevada fishing adventure throughout the summer and fall! So grab your gear, sharpen your hooks, and get ready to experience the thrill of Sierra Nevada fishing! This mountain range is a true angler’s paradise with its stunning backdrops, diverse fish populations, and exciting derbies. Remember to practice responsible fishing practices by following regulations and leaving no trace. We hope this guide helps you reel in a memorable fishing adventure!

Sierra REC Magazine is dedicated to sharing the events, news and adventure opportunities that exist in The Sierra Mountains. From Lassen Volcanic National Park to the North down through the Central Sierra and the Lake Tahoe Basin through the rugged eastern slopes of the Mono county and Yosemite National park to the southern tips near Sequoia National Park and the PCT trail. We invite you to share stories, trips and photos from your adventures in the  Sierra. Please join us on Facebook, TwitterGoogle +  and You-Tube or email us your events and photos at sierrarecinfo@gmail.com  #goexplore