A lot of Californians will be early risers Saturday for the General Trout Season opener, which starts an hour before sunrise. Conditions are described as “perfect”. Last year many alpine lakes were frozen through the winter, but this year the California Department of Fish and Wildlife was able to stock many more bodies of water with many more fish. The department’s hatcheries are operating at nearly full production. Shasta and surrounding counties have some of the most famous Trout fisheries in the world, such as Hat Creek, the Pit River, and the Upper Sacramento River. Most lakes, rivers and streams have a limit of 5 Trout per day and 10 in possession. There are many variations of opening day, bag limits, size limits and gear restrictions with different bodies of water. The rules are all available at wildlife.ca.gov/regulations. A fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older, and licenses can now be displayed on cell phones.
– Steve Gibson