Fishing enthusiasts across the region are gearing up for one of California’s most anticipated outdoor traditions of the year, the opening of the 2026 statewide general trout season. This year’s opener falls on Saturday, April 25, marking the last Saturday in April a date circled on the calendar by anglers of all ages and experience. Each year, the trout season opener reels in thousands of people to pristine trout fishing destinations such as Burney, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes and many other beautiful mountain communities across the state.
The season officially kicks off one hour before sunrise, giving early risers the chance to cast their lines in the quiet, pre-dawn hour when trout are most active. Families, friends, anglers seasoned and new, are highly encouraged to take part in this time-honored event that signals the arrival of spring and the return of exciting outdoor recreation.
“Opening day is more than just the start of trout season, it’s a tradition that brings communities together,” said Nick Buckmaster, CDFW Senior Environmental Scientist. “We’re excited to welcome anglers of all ages to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and make lasting memories on the water.”
Most lakes, rivers and streams have a limit of five trout per day and a 10 trout possession limit. Regulations differ on season opening and closing dates, bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits and gear restrictions. Anglers are strongly advised to check specific area regulations and opening dates in the 2026 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (PDF) available online. All anglers 16 and older must possess a valid California sport fishing license to fish within state boundaries, which can be purchased at CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website, through a licensed sales agent or through the CDFW License App.
CDFW is also making it easier than ever to find the perfect spot to cast your line. The California Inland Recreational Angler Survey’s (CIRAS) helps anglers plan their next fishing trip driven by data submitted by fellow anglers. Data submitted by anglers can include the species of fish caught, catch size and overall angling experience from a single fishing trip that in turn is used by other anglers. CDFW encourages anglers to use CIRAS to optimize their fishing experience as well as contribute data after they complete a fishing trip. CDFW uses fishing survey data submitted by anglers to inform management actions to protect fisheries and improve angling opportunities. CDFW's online, interactive Fishing Guide also provides information about trout plants, boating locations, regulations, license sales agents and more.
For anglers interested in learning more about wild trout and where to find them in their specific region, the Heritage and Wild Trout Program has resources explaining wild trout management and maps of Designated Wild and Heritage Trout Waters to help find these special fish. For anglers that feel up to a challenge, CDFW offers the Heritage Trout Challenge, which requires anglers to catch six different forms of California native trout from their historic drainages!
CDFW’s Recruit, Retain, Reactivate (R3) initiative has resources available for seasoned anglers and beginners alike. Find introductory videos, techniques and other helpful resources on the R3 Webpage.
While this weekend kicks off the official opening of trout season, there are exceptions that should be noted below:
Statewide General Trout Opener: April 25, 2026 Many Sierra waters open for trout fishing on Saturday, April 25, marking the start of expanded bait and barbed-hook opportunities across much of the region. This is the traditional kick-off to some of the most exciting trout fishing of the year.
Important Regional Exceptions — Mark Your Calendars Some waters follow different season structures than the general opener. Here’s what you need to know so you can plan confidently:
- South Fork of the American River (El Dorado County)
- Opens for the take of trout on May 23, 2026 (Saturday before Memorial Day)
- Before May 23: open for general fishing, but catch-and-release only and no bait or barbed hooks
- American River and Tributaries
- Also open for the take of trout on May 23, 2026
- Artificial-only gear and catch-and-release remain in effect until the opener
- Tributaries of Lake Tahoe
- Open to catch and release fishing on May 23, 2026
- Restricted to artificial lures and barbless hooks
- Same pre-opener restrictions apply
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Media Contacts:
Nick Buckmaster, (760) 920-8391
Cort Klopping, (916) 201-2958