Fishing Seasons

• Regular or In-Season: Bona fide trout fishing season is the last Saturday in April (dubbed "Fishmas") through November 15th every year. This is when most waters in Mono County are open to anglers to catch-and-keep. 
• Year-Round Fishing: There are several bodies of water where CATCH-AND-RELEASE ONLY are permitted year-round on public lands with barbless artificial flies and lures only. 
• Exception - Topaz Lake: This large, sunny reservoir filled with rainbow trout, brown trout and Smallmouth bass located on the California-Nevada state line is open all year. A Nevada or California fishing license will work here. If you have a NV fishing license, you must also obtain a trout stamp to fish for trout. 

There have been changes to regulations in Mono County over the recent years. Anglers - it is your responsibility to check regulations by visiting the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations or by calling the Bishop CDFW office at 760-872-1171.

Fishing License Required

A California Sport Fishing license is required of anyone 16 years of age or over, fishing any waters in Mono County (Note: A California or Nevada Fishing License works on Topaz Lake). Purchase your license online now from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife or by calling CDFW Telephone Sales at 800-565-1458, or in person at most regional tackle shops.   
1-Day, 2-Day, 10-Day, and annual options available for both CA residents and non-residents. Pricing and more details at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing