Freshwater · Sierra
Trout - Lake
These notes are district-general defaults. Search your lake or stream first — special waters override these rules. Full booklet: 2026 Freshwater Guide. Catch reports: Fish data.
Species group
TROUT
Season
District general (CCR §7.00(b)): 1) All rivers and associated tributaries above Lake Shasta: closed to the take of salmon. 2) Anadromous waters of Tehama and Shasta counties not listed in Special Regulations: Last Saturday in Apr. through Nov. 15; artificial lures with barbless hooks; closed to salmon. Many Sierra lakes/streams use seasonal openings (often Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30 or similar) when listed in Special Regulations §7.50 — look up your water. Unlisted lakes/reservoirs: generally follow statewide inland trout seasons/bags — verify in the 2026 freshwater guide. IMPORTANT: If your lake, river, or stream is named in the Alphabetical List of Waters with Special Fishing Regulations (2026 Freshwater Sport Fishing Guide), those special rules override this district default.
Season notes
Hatchery trout/steelhead = healed adipose fin clip (adipose absent). Unless otherwise provided, wild trout/steelhead must be released immediately.
Daily bag limit
§7.00(b)(2) anadromous waters: 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead per day; 4 in possession. Many Sierra special waters: 5 trout (or 0 trout / artificial only) — the alphabetical list controls. IMPORTANT: If your lake, river, or stream is named in the Alphabetical List of Waters with Special Fishing Regulations (2026 Freshwater Sport Fishing Guide), those special rules override this district default.
Minimum size
See special-water listing; some east-side waters have minimum length rules.
Gear restrictions
§7.00(b)(2): artificial lures with barbless hooks. Special waters often require artificial lures / barbless hooks — check the listing. Sierra/North Coast bait-fish restrictions may also apply.
Identification
Lake trout are the largest of the chars; the record weighed almost 46.3 kilograms (102 lb) (netted) with a length of 50 inches (130 cm), and 15– to 40-pound fish are not uncommon. The average length is 24–36 inches (61–91 centimetres). The largest caught on a rod and reel according to the IGFA was 72 pounds (33 kg).