Event will no longer compete with Eastern Sierra Trout Opener
BY MIKE STEVENS
MOUNTAIN CENTER – In the last issue of Western Outdoor News, it was reported that Lake Hemet listed on the CDFW stocking schedule in early October. As veteran SoCal trouters know, the DFW schedule is just the plan, not a guarantee, but at this time WON can confirm that delivery was made and trout season is underway at Lake Hemet.
That load consisted of 1,000 pounds of rainbow trout. While that got the 2026-27 trout season party started, lake officials announced private stocking of quality Mount Lassen rainbow and lightning trout will kick off in January. Those are huge plants that typically go in once a month well into spring, and when paired with more DFW stockings sneaking in, trout remain worthy targets throughout the cooler months. Also, since there is some altitude under Lake Hemet and not a ton of day-to-day angler pressure, trout holdover very well between plants.
As far as Southern California lakes are concerned, trout season is up and running at Big Bear Lake, Jess Ranch, Lake Cuyamaca, Lake Gregory and now Lake Hemet. Gregory also got 1,000 pounds of DFW rainbows, and word is Calaveras trout are coming soon.
Also worth noting, the annual WON Big Trout Campout has a new date for the 2026 installment of the event. It now will be held on April 3-4, so anglers will no longer have to choose between it and the Eastern Sierra Trout Opener.
