Fish stocking schedule
California fish stocking schedule 2026.
- Stocking Now
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife
California's stocking program ranges from urban ponds in Los Angeles to high Sierra lakes accessed only by aircraft. The state's heritage trout program protects six native trout species in their original waters.
Official source
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Stocking Report
California Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes the authoritative California stocking schedule — Weekly updates in Searchable database format. For this week's actual stocking locations, dates, and volumes, view the official report directly.
This page summarizes the California stocking program for planning purposes. The agency report is the authoritative source — verify before any trip.
Primary stocked species
In California.
Typical stocking pattern by species. Heavy fill marks primary stocking months; moderate fill marks possible stocking. Verify exact dates against the official report.
- Rainbow TroutOncorhynchus mykissTypical size: 9–12 inch catchable; some trophy fish 16+ inches
- Brown TroutSalmo truttaTypical size: 9–14 inch catchable; trophy fish 18–24 inches
- Brook TroutSalvelinus fontinalisTypical size: 8–11 inch catchable
- Kokanee SalmonOncorhynchus nerkaTypical size: 2–3 inch fingerling
- Channel CatfishIctalurus punctatusTypical size: 10–14 inch catchable; 1–3 inch fingerling
Notable California programs
- High Sierra Aerial Stocking
- Heritage Trout Streams
- Urban Fishing Program
- Catfish Pond Stocking
State hatchery system
California operates 16 state-run fish hatcheries supporting the stocking program.
California urban fishing program
California maintains a designated urban fishing program — typically frequent stockings of catfish, trout, and panfish in city ponds and lakes. These programs are designed to make fishing accessible to families and first-time anglers.
California urban fishing program details →Weekly stocking alerts for California.
Bield Fish reads California Department of Fish and Wildlife's stocking reports and alerts you when your saved waters are stocked. Set your county once and you'll know the day fish hit your home river.
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