The daily bag limit for trout caught in California waters is five fish with an additional ten brook trout allowed for harvesting. Certain bodies of water including Red Lake have specific trout regulations. Refer to the California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations manual for these details.

In this article, we will review some of the California fishing regulations for the 2022 season, the size limit for rainbow trout, as well as the trout season in California.

California Fishing Regulations 2022

All anglers over the age of fifteen, whether resident or non-resident, must possess a valid California fishing license to fish in California waters. You must purchase special steelhead report cards to keep track of all steelhead trout harvested from inland waters.

California has specific regulations regarding certain species of trout. They also have rules for certain bodies of water from which you can harvest trout. Check with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations manual available on their website.

Rainbow Trout Size Limit

There is no size limit on rainbow trout caught in California waters. However, all rainbow trout measuring over sixteen inches in length are classified as steelhead and may fall under different regulations than freshwater trout.

Check with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s regulations manual. You’ll find what the allowable catch of rainbow and/or steelhead trout is in the waters you plan to fish.

California Trout Season 2022

The trout season in California’s inland rivers, streams, and canals begins on April 30 and ends on November 15. You must immediately release any trout caught out of season. Trout fishing in inland reservoirs and ponds is open all year round. There are certain waters that have different seasons. Be sure to refer to the California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations before fishing.