What is Fishmas, and How Is it Celebrated?
Fishmas is the official opening day of the regular fishing season in Mammoth Lakes, California, and is typically the last Saturday in April. This year, Fishmas falls on April 26, 2025. The event is highly anticipated in Mono County, where many locals and visitors flock to the area’s alpine lakes and streams to cast their lines. At this time, lakes and streams are well-stocked with fish in preparation for the opening day. Mono County often hosts fishing events and derbies around Fishmas, such as the “Fishmas Day Derby at Tom’s Place.”
In this article, we will take a closer look at Fishmas and how it is celebrated in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
Regulation Updates and Reminders
Before you cast your line, it is important to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations in Mammoth Lakes. There are areas that have their own set of rules regarding catch limits, bait restrictions, and fishing methods. It is also important to be mindful of seasonal closures and spawning periods to ensure responsible angling practices to preserve the natural ecosystem.
2025 Fishing Events in Mono County
Plan your fishing trip to your favorite Mono County fishing spot around this year’s derbies, festivals, and events in the Eastern Sierra.
- April 25: “Fishmas” Eve Party at Twin Lakes Resort–Fun for the kids, great music, drinks, and more.
- April 26: Regular Fishing Season Begins, aka Fishmas–The highly anticipated day marks the beginning of the season filled with angling excitement across Mono County’s pristine lakes, streams, and reservoirs.
- April 26-27: Mono Village’s Fishing Opener Derby–Opening weekend fishing derby on Twin Lakes involves cash and merchandise prizes given in several categories.
- April 26-June 29: Crowley Lake Challenge–The free, online fishing event invites anglers of all skill levels to participate, contributing data to support the health and management of the trout population in Crowley Lake. Participants have the chance to win a share of $5k in prizes.
- April 27-June 13: Round-Up at the Lake Spring Fishing Derby–There are cash prizes up for grabs, and advance registration is required.
- June 22-23: Bridgeport June Trout Tournament–The open derby with several categories, funds generated from the event provide more trout for Bridgeport Reservoir and the East Walker River.
- July 1-31: How Big-Is-Big Fishing Derby–The derby runs the length of the month, no entry fee required, just bring your fish into the Walker General Store, and your catch will be weighed and recorded. There are plenty of different prizes.
- July 2-9: Mono Village’s Annual Summer Fishing Derby–All proceeds go to the Upper Twin Lake Fish Enhancement Program to supplement the stocking of Upper Twin Lake.
- July 5: Free Fishing Day–Fish for free in Mono County, where regulations still apply, but fishing fees are waived on this day.
- July 26: Kids Fishing Festival–Trophy trout from Desert Springs Trout Farm are stocked in beautiful High Sierra ponds with Mammoth Mountain forming a stunning backdrop. The event is free for kids 14 and under, where rods and reels are provided.
- August 1-2: Bridgeport Fish Fest–Fishing derby, live music, family-fun event is hosted by Twin Lakes Resort.
- October 24-26: Morrison’s Bonus Derby Weekend–This event will take place at Convict Lake, where cash bonuses will be handed out during the derby weekend.
Bottom Line
Fishing in Mammoth Lakes offers visitors and locals a one-of-a-kind experience for anglers of all levels. With great scenery, abundant fishing opportunities, and a rich diversity of species, Mammoth Lakes is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. Follow the tips and guidelines to embark on an unforgettable fishing adventure and create memories that will last in this outdoor paradise. What better way to experience this fun event year-round than by calling Mammoth Lakes home? Trust the real estate professionals at The Snowcreek Property Company to guide you in finding and settling down in the home of your dreams in the scenic mountainous condominium complexes that make up Mammoth Lakes, CA, today.