California Trout Season Opens This Weekend and NorCal Waters Are Ready

One of Northern California’s biggest outdoor traditions arrives this Saturday, April 25, when the 2026 statewide general trout season officially opens. From Burney to the Sierra Nevada, waters across the region will be loaded with anglers at first light, and this year there’s even more to be excited about.

A warmer early season means more lakes are fishable than usual.

“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. “The early season warm up has resulted in more lakes than normal being open for this year’s trout opener and there’s plenty of fish to be caught! All lakes up to 10,000 feet are ice free, leaving anglers with more options on where to cast their lines. We’re excited to welcome anglers of all ages to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and make lasting memories on the water.”

Fishing begins one hour before sunrise on Saturday, so early risers have a real advantage. Most lakes, rivers and streams across the state carry a five-trout daily limit with a 10-trout possession limit, though regulations vary by water body. Anglers 16 and older need a valid California sport fishing license, available through CDFW’s online portal, licensed agents or the CDFW License App.

Not sure where to go? The California Inland Recreational Angler Survey (CIRAS) pulls real trip data from fellow anglers to help narrow down your options, and CDFW’s interactive Fishing Guide covers trout plants, boating access, regulations and more.

For those chasing something more specific, CDFW’s Heritage and Wild Trout Program offers maps of designated wild and heritage trout waters across Northern California. Adventurous anglers can also take on the Heritage Trout Challenge, which tasks participants with catching six native California trout species from their historic drainages.