California Trout Season Approaches
After several months of California lakes and rivers empty of fishing rods, anglers return to waterways filled with eager trout on opening day of the 2019 trout season. Don't miss a minute of the action. Make sure you have a fishing license in hand before it all starts. Purchase Your 2019 License Today
2019 Trout Opener
The general trout opener will commence on Saturday, April 27, one hour before sunrise. Most lakes, rivers and streams have a limit of five trout per day and 10 in possession. However, regulations differ on season opening and closing dates, bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and gear restrictions. Check the Regs Before Fishing
Where are the Fish?
CDFW raises and plants millions of trout each year for the enjoyment of anglers. To view trout planting schedules, please visit the fish planting website. The fish planting schedule is updated in real time, directly by CDFW hatchery staff. Fish Planing Schedule
Fishing in the City
In an effort to recruit new anglers, CDFW holds several family friendly, free fishing workshops up and down the state. Fishing in the City clinics give city dwellers an opportunity to learn how to fish, while staying close to home. The workshops teach participants about fish species, fishing techniques, conservation and angler ethics. Many clinics are being held this spring and summer. Find one near you and go enjoy a day of fishing with your family! More Info
2019 Recreational Ocean Salmon Fishery Dates Set
Sport fisheries in the Klamath Management Zone will open from late May through early September. Fort Bragg and San Francisco areas are currently open; they will close for the first half of May, then reopen and continue through the end of October. The Monterey management area is open now and remains open through late August. More Info
Kirman Lake on the Rebound
Not long ago, Mono County's Kirman Lake was one of the premier trophy brook trout fisheries in the entire state. The backcountry water outside of Bridgeport was a destination where anglers would head for a chance to catch the biggest brook trout of their lives - a football-shaped brookie measured in pounds rather than inches. CDFW fisheries biologists are working to restore Kirman Lake to its former glory as a trophy trout fishery and have begun stocking the lake with wild brook trout from nearby Silver Creek. More Info
Fraudulent License Sales Websites
Anglers should be aware of fraudulent websites claiming to sell state fishing licenses. The only place to get a valid California fishing license is through the CDFW online license sales and service, through one of our many license agents, or a department license sales office. More Info
Keep up with the latest in CDFW fishing, hunting and conservation news. Go To CDFW Newsroom
