BY MIKE STEVENS
IDYLLWILD – Lake Hemet received its third private trout stocking of the season from Mount Lassen last week, and it was a biggie. A total of 4,000 pounds of trout including rainbows and lightning trout hit the lake on March 3, and some trophy models were in the mix.
Warm water and an algae bloom delayed what was supposed to be the first big plant of the season in December, so the inaugural private plant of the season came in January. It technically wasn’t the first trout plant of the season since the CDFW snuck in there and did a stocking of their own toward the end of 2025, but it was what anglers were waiting for.
Speaking of CDFW stocking, another load is on its schedule to hit Lake Hemet this week followed by the weeks of March 23 and April 20. Those along with more heavy stocking in April will power the WON Big Trout Campout that goes off April 25-26. While signups will likely be be possible right up to that weekend, those hoping to camp at Lake Hemet for that specific derby should lock up those reservations as soon as possible, as it fills up fast.
For more information on the WON Big Trout Campout Powered by Suzuki Marine, visit WONews.com and find the event under the TOURNAMENTS tab.
