Where’s the Year-round Trout Fishing?

April 2, 2009

Question: What was the basis for opening the East Walker River, Hot Creek and the Upper Owens River to year-round (adding winter months) fishing when most other waters in the area don’t open until the last weekend in April? Which other waters in California are now open to year-round angling? (Troy R.)

Answer: In March 2007, 10 waters across the state were opened to winter angling, including the East Walker River, Hot Creek and the Upper Owens River. Before this, many trout-bearing waters in the state were closed from Nov. 16 through the Friday proceeding the last Saturday in April. Department of Fish and Game (DFG) biologists from the Heritage and Wild Trout Program work to improve, enhance and increase angling opportunities for wild trout throughout the state. They looked for waters that were previously closed during the winter months that could be opened to angling when biologically justified.

According to Fisheries Biologist Jeff Weaver, the East Walker River, Hot Creek and the Upper Owens River were selected because they are highly productive streams with robust trout populations and are generally accessible during winter months. Each stream was assessed based on its individual merits. Additional waters across the state may qualify for future consideration for winter angling opportunities.

Part of the rationale supporting the opening of additional waters are that scientists from other states have not observed significant impacts to their fisheries in waters open year-round. Several research articles have also concluded that catch and release mortality is greater during warmer summer months than during cooler winter months. Angler usage is expected to be low during the winter months due to inclement weather and difficult access conditions. It is also important to select waters from across California that provide reasonable access to anglers in different parts of the state.

The other seven rivers opened to year-round fishing included the Pit, North Fork Yuba, Truckee, Little Truckee, American, East Fork Carson and the Tuolumne River. There is a zero bag limit on these waters from Nov. 16 through the Friday proceeding the last Saturday in April and only barbless artificial lures/flies may be used.

In addition to all 10 waters listed above, there are other trout-bearing streams in California open to year-round angling, too (e.g. Upper Sacramento River). Check the DFG Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations online at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations for more information and for seasonal regulation changes.