Get Yourself and Your Kids Ready for Fishing

There are many places to fish in the Owens Valley year-round. But for many anglers, one moment stands above the rest: the California general trout season. Opening day falls on the last Saturday in April. It’s anticipated with the same excitement as Christmas, by adults and children alike. Around here, residents and visitors alike to call it “Fishmas.” Give the gift of fishing to your children (and yourself), celebrate the season, and enjoy a lifetime of happy memories.

For all those who may not know how to start, where to go, and when to do it here are some best practice guidelines, resources, and tips and tricks to make fishing with kids fun, safe, and rewarding.

Because here is the truth. First impressions matter. You only get one. And when it comes to kids and fishing, that first experience can shape everything. It can spark a lifelong love or close the door entirely. So start simple. Keep it positive. Make it fun. The goal is not just to catch fish. It is to help them fall in love with the experience.

Getting Started

The three most important things to do are plan, plan, plan!

Whether you are an experienced angler or not develop your plan carefully and keep these basic points in mind when planning and executing your plan.

1. Make it fun!

No matter the age of your child(ren) make sure you pique their interest and make the first experience really, really fun. There can be a number of firsts in fishing: watch a fishing video together, look at the fish in a pond or river, go out on a fishing boat, buy some gear, practice baiting and casting in the backyard, go fishing!

2. Keep it simple

And keep it short! Craft each experience to create a desire to want to go fishing again and again and again …

3. Don’t have any expectations

Fishing is about catching fish, but most anglers will agree that it’s also about the experience as a whole. The more fun and interesting it is, the longer the kids will stick with it. Don’t be disappointed, or let them feel as if they failed, if they don’t hook a fish the first time out. Don’t be concerned if they get bored or tired quickly. There will be a next time.

4. Watch and listen to them and adjust the plan accordingly

Be attentive to their comments and needs and don’t allow frustration to set in. Make sure that they are comfortable, e.g.: wear the right clothing, apply sunscreen, have enough snacks and drinks, and keep a first aid kit handy. If it appears that the experience is going awry, then STOP!

5. Use kid-friendly equipment

Nothing demoralizes a child more than feeling clumsy or incompetent. Adult-sized and complex equipment can wreck a child’s sense of confidence and ruin the experience entirely. An investment (even a small one) in gear and equipment specifically designed for children will reap long-term rewards.

6. Always go out in good weather

Check the weather reports and don’t try to make this a lesson in dealing with hardship – that’s a certain way to undo any willingness that kids will have for going fishing. Of course, a sudden change in conditions can present an opportunity to learn about the weather and should be handled in a safe, fun, and responsible way. It also helps to be near home, or your home-away-from-home like the campground or hotel, so that a return to familiarity and comfort is not too far away.

7. Prioritize

The number one priority is for the kids to have fun! The very last priority is for you to catch fish. Perhaps you will, but remember … kids first, fishing second.

About Fishing in the Eastern Sierra

With those thoughts in mind and perhaps a few beginning outings in your area, come visit one of the world’s most notable and beautiful fishing destinations. The Eastern Sierra is not just for experienced anglers. There are kids fishing events, guide services, and resources to get the best start and develop your budding angler into a fishing fanatic. There are innumerable places to go fishing, resorts where you can stay and play, and historical sites to see, to begin a lifetime of fishing fun with your children or grandchildren.

Fishing Events

Every year there are contests, festivals, fishing derbies, and opening days at numerous locations in the Eastern Sierra from Lone Pine to Bridgeport. Some are specifically designed for children and others have excellent opportunities for kids to fish with adult supervision. Others are great for improving on established fishing skills for youth and adults.

• • The Early Opener Trout Derby in Lone Pine is held every first Saturday in March at Diaz Lake and is very well suited to fishing with kids.

• • The annual Blake Jones Trout Derby in Bishop is one of the largest single-day fishing events in California. Over 50 years of fun, this event is structured so that youngsters can participate successfully and enjoy the day, while even the most experienced anglers can make great catches.

• • The annual Kids Fishing Festival in July in Mammoth Lakes are specifically geared to toward introducing kids to fishing and developing their skills for the future.

• • Held in summer every year, the Silver Lake Fly Fishing Academy, in the June Lake loop area, is a three-day fly fishing event that is geared toward teaching youth and adults the art of fly fishing and developing an understanding of our natural resources and educating youth about stewardship.

• • A major focus of the Bridgeport Trout Tournament is the children’s division where every participating child receives special attention.

• • Fishmas is celebrated all up and down the Eastern Sierra with great contests for anglers to bring their catch in for weighing and prizes at many locations, including Cardinal Village Resort, Tom’s Place Resort, Crowley Lake Fish Camp, Convict Lake Resort, June Lake Loop Chamber of Commerce, Gull Lake Marina, and Annett’s Mono Village near Bridgeport.

Know Before You Go

Some fishing events require registration or a fee, while others are free. Many simply let you weigh your catch and claim a prize anytime during the season. All of these events, along with the services that support the fishing industry, are family-friendly. Kids are encouraged to learn and participate, and furry family members are welcome at many locations. As always, be respectful of others and leave no trace.

Before heading out, check with the event organizers for details and rules. The friendly staff at the Bishop Visitor Center at 218-A S. Main St. in Bishop can help you plan. They have lots of info on fishing and local events, and can guide you to the best options for your needs. You can visit in person or call (760) 873-8405.

Guides, Outfitters, Boat Rentals & Resorts

The knowledgeable and experienced folks who live and fish in the Eastern Sierra can help you plan a fishing excursion or take you and your family out on a fishing trip that will be safe, fun and rewarding. There are many guide services that cater to beginners as well as experienced anglers, just bear in mind that longer and/or backcountry trips might be better suited to older children and adults. The sporting goods stores and outfitters carry something for everyone to build a basic kit or add to your tackle box. Staff at these outlets will have plenty of good information and advice to share so your first foray into fishing is a fantastic one.

If you want to take the kids out on the water there are any number of choices for boat rentals and you could even stay right on the water’s edge at many of the resorts. We have a pretty long list of stores, services and places to go that include: Bishop Pack Outfitters, Lake Sabrina Boat Landing, Parcher’s Resort Cabins and Marina, Reagan’s Sporting Goods, and Sierra Bright Dot Fishing Specialist, among many more.

Great Places to Go Fishing

Lower Owens River & Buckley Ponds

When starting out with kids or beginner anglers, it’s best to fish close to lodging, food, and other services. Bishop has plenty of great spots like this. The canals around town are known for producing plenty of catches. Just a few miles east of town, the lower Owens River offers year-round fishing. Many access points are easy to reach by car, making it perfect for a relaxed day on the water. The Buckley Ponds are another favorite, with warm water fishing for bass, bluegill, and crappie. Located on the Rawson Canal next to the Owens River, they also feature handicap-accessible piers, making fishing safe and easy for kids.

Millpond Recreation Area (Bass)

About 7 miles west of Bishop just off US Highway 395, on Sawmill Rd. is a super beginner fishing spot at the Millpond Recreation Area. The little lake has ample access for fishing and it also has a pier built out over the water for handicap-accessible fishing. Swimming is allowed too. It’s a perfect starting point especially if some in your group are not going to participate in the fishing. There is plenty of parking and amenities include restrooms, a picnic area, and a playground.

Pleasant Valley Reservoir (aka Lunkerville)

Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the Owens River that runs out from the dam and across the plains below Chalk Bluff are superb fishing destinations. Here too, just like elsewhere along the lower Owens River, fishing is allowed all year long. The reservoir is a little more than 8 miles from the center of Bishop and a nearby campground serves as the perfect base for your fishing vacation. You could fish right outside the door of your RV or tent, or take an easy walk to any number of nearby fishing spots along the tumbling stream of the river, or the broad still waters of the reservoir.

Bishop Creek Canyon

Where there’s water, there’s fishing, and it doesn’t get much better than Bishop Creek Canyon. This is the go to zone near Bishop, with world class options that work for everyone, including kids. You’ve got three big lakes, smaller reservoirs, and a whole network of streams and ponds. Plenty of easy access spots where kids can cast, explore, and stay engaged without needing to go far.

Lake Sabrina and South Lake make things simple with nearby services, food, and even boat rentals. North Lake is quieter, with a tucked away campground and a more laid back feel if you want space. All along the canyon you’ll find campgrounds and family friendly resorts like Bishop Creek Lodge and Parchers Resort, so you can keep it comfortable and flexible.

It’s an easy win for a fishing trip. Lots of accessible options, plenty of support, and no shortage of places to drop a line and keep kids stoked.

Rock Creek & Rock Creek Lake

Countless places along the creek between the lake, situated at 9,600 feet above sea level, to the trail along Lower Rock Creek which ends at the small settlement of Paradise, are open for fishing during California trout fishing season. Rock Creek Lakes Resort has wonderful amenities that include a store, grill, cabin and boat rentals, and shower facilities all in a family-friendly atmosphere. The canyon also has magnificent hiking trails with access to backcountry fishing opportunities.

Convict Lake

This is a superb fishing lake with equally superb facilities. A paved path runs along the eastern side of the lake and includes a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier for close, easy access to the water. This path forms part of a large loop path, which has a wooden boardwalk that weaves through the aspen groves at the southern end of the lake. Convict Lake Resort supplements the regular weekly fish stocking done by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) during fishing season and anglers seldom take long to make their quota.

Crowley Lake

Crowley Lake, 28 miles north of Bishop on US Highway 395, is one of the largest bodies of water in the area in which to fish. It is also one of the few places where you can drive up to the water’s edge and camp along the lakeside. Fishing is only allowed during trout season and the Crowley Lake Fish Camp offers rental cabins, camping, boat rentals, a grill, and guided lake trips.

Much More Fishing

The list of fishing spots, and places where great services are offered to make a dream fishing getaway come true, is almost limitless. There are miles and miles of river and streams, ponds and lakes too numerous to count, with visitor centers and services for fishing all along the 150 miles of US Highway 395 from Lone Pine and Bridgeport.

Best practices

A large part of your planning will cover preparation, some practice, kids’ gear, and safety.

People always ask, what’s the right age to start fishing with kids? It really depends on the kid and your patience. You can start as early as 3, but 5 or 6 is the sweet spot for most. Before that, keep it low pressure. Let toddlers wander the shoreline, watch other anglers, and just soak it all in. Even a pretend rod at home counts. It’s all about building curiosity.

If they’ve seen you fish, they’ll pick up more than you think, and pretty quickly. Keep sessions short, especially under age five. A few minutes of fun is plenty. Leave them wanting more, not over it.

It is vital, and can’t be stressed enough, to get gear that is made for kids. A shopping trip with your child(ren) can be part of the fishing experience (it is for you when you buy your gear) so let the kids learn how to make good choices here too.

Kids Gear

Start with a rod that’s actually made for fishing, not just branded with the latest superhero or princess. Kids’ rods should be shorter, lighter, and a little softer. That flex makes casting easier and cuts down on those frustrating tangles. For reels, a closed face spin caster is the move. The line stays tucked inside, which means fewer messes, and the push button setup is perfect for small hands. If your kid is a lefty, make sure the handle can switch sides.

Go small and cheap on lures. You’re going to lose them, guaranteed, so bring extras and don’t make it a big deal. Losing gear is part of the adventure. Bait matters more than you think. Live bait can be a little intense for some kids, and barbed hooks are not always the friendliest option. Talk it through with a local shop or experienced angler, then loop your kid into the decision so they feel part of it.

Keep the vibe light, and they will stay hooked.

Practice

Spend some time at home getting know the equipment and learn the basic casting techniques – the overhead and sidearm casts. Play a game in the backyard where a target is set out to try and drop the lure into the target. A brightly colored hula-hoop makes a great target on a green lawn. Learn to assemble and disassemble the kit and care for the equipment.

Safety First

An approved life vest is essential when fishing from a boat, but also highly recommended to be worn anywhere near water. Discuss all the aspects of safe gear use, especially being aware of surroundings when casting so as not to poke or hook someone or something unintentionally. Safety measures should include packing appropriate clothing and shoes, wearing sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses. Water, food and snacks are also a factor of safety as well as the yummy goodness of a fun day out.

Fish Hatcheries & Stocking

The modern story of fishing in the Eastern Sierra goes back over 100 years. Long before Euro-American pioneers arrived in the mid-1800s searching for mining riches and fertile farmland, the lakes and streams above 6,000 feet in the high Sierra were fishless. When these settlers arrived, they moved native trout, a food source for them, into fishless drainages and upstream of waterfalls.

As sport fishing grew in popularity, more fish, both native and non-native, were introduced into the high lakes and streams. This brought both benefits and challenges. Fishing opportunities flourished, boosting the local economy. At the same time, the ecological balance was disrupted. Several native fish, amphibian, and invertebrate species declined, and some are now federally listed as threatened.

Hatcheries

Fish planting today is carefully regulated and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Fish hatcheries produce specific species and quantities to keep planting sustainable. In our nearby region, three trout hatcheries, Black Rock, Fish Springs, and Hot Creek, raise different species. Visitors are welcome to tour these facilities and learn more about the fish and fishing here.

The historic Mt. Whitney fish hatchery, just north of Independence, no longer produces fish. Instead, it’s now a beautiful museum and wildlife interpretive center. It’s a great spot for kids and adults to learn about fish, feed them, and dive into the fishing history of the area. The building itself is 100 years old, making it a perfect place to kick off your fishing adventure with your kids.

Stocking

Fish planting happens regularly, following strict rules set by CDFW to keep fish populations healthy and fishing sustainable. You can find the latest stocking schedules and an interactive map on the CDFW website—perfect for planning your visit. Catching a fish plant in action is a cool experience, and if you time it right, you might even chat with the folks doing the planting.

In addition to the stocking done by the CDFW, many event organizers and resort owners in the region do supplemental stocking (per California regulations) so there are always plenty of fish to catch.

Rules and Regulations

California fishing license

Does a kid need a fishing license in California? NO!

All anglers over 16 must carry a valid California Sport Fishing license. Licenses range from 1-day passes to annual permits, with different prices for residents and non-residents. Catch limits vary by season and by specific waterways, and many areas are designated as catch-and-release only.

Some Eastern Sierra waterways are completely closed to fishing. Make sure you know the rules for the area you plan to visit. If you’re heading into the backcountry, understand your responsibilities before you go. Cell service is spotty or nonexistent out there, so you won’t be able to call friends or check the Internet for answers.

Free Fishing Days

Two free fishing days a year are open to fishing without a license, but catch limits and other rules still apply. More information and updated dates for each year can be found on the CDFW’s Free Fishing Days webpage.

Plan Ahead & Fish Responsibly

With so much to do and so many options to get kids started with fishing let us help you find what you need here in the Eastern Sierra.

Call us on (760) 873-8405 or come in to see us at 218-A S. Main St. in Bishop and talk to us. Our staff at the Bishop Visitor Center can answer questions, point you in the right direction, provide maps, and help you make good choices so that you and your family enjoy your time in our beautiful big backyard.