If you plan your vacations around great fishing spots or can't take a vacation without stopping somewhere to fish, don't miss Mammoth Lakes, California. Not only does Mammoth Lakes have breath-taking views and abundant fishing areas, it also boasts a unique brand of trout.

The area is known for the Alpers Trout, raised at the nearby Alpers Owens River Ranch. This family-owned ranch was converted to a fishing ranch in the 1920's. Fish were raised there to stock family ponds until the 1980's when they began stocking local ponds. Alpers trout are exclusive to the Eastern Sierra and a prize for any fisherman. Averaging 2-3 lbs. they're known for their fight, wildness, size and tender pink flesh. Besides these one-of-a-kind fish Mammoth Lakes offers other varieties of trout including Rainbow, Brown, Brook, Cutthroat and Steelhead. Catfish, Black bass and salmon can also be found in area lakes and streams.

With the wide variety of fishing spots available it makes it easy to "re-locate" if you can't get a bite to save your life or you're easily bored.

There are catch and release fisheries located on the Upper Owens River, including Hot Creek. These fisheries are zero limits, no bait and barbless hooks. Not your style? There's plenty of local lakes and streams available for bait, fly, trolling and throwing lures.

Located above the town of Mammoth Lakes is Mammoth Lakes Basin. The Basin has four beautiful lakes: Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake George and Lake Mamie. These lakes are regularly stocked by the DFG (Department of Fish and Game)and with Alpers Trout in the summer. The lakes offer boat rentals, pontoon boats, tackle shops, public showers and some lakes offer canoes. Mammoth Creek runs down from the basin and is a great place to catch pan-sized Rainbow or wild Brown trout.

Convict Lake and Crowley Lake are also nearby, several miles south (7 and 12 respectively) of Mammoth Lakes. Both lakes are full of Rainbow and wild Brown trout and stocked weekly during the season. They offer campgrounds, boat rentals and a general store. Crowley Lake has special regulations so check with the DFG or at Crowley Lake fish camp with questions.

Still not enough? Take a venture at the small alpine lakes from Rock Creek Lake to Long Lake where you can catch an abundance of trout including Golden and Cutthroat. Trout up to 5 lbs. or more have been pulled from the waters of nearby Rock Creek. DFG stocks the creek weekly during the season. A general store offering fishing supplies, licenses and food is available.

There are also 4 lakes in the June Lakes Loop full of Alpers trout, or if fly-fishing is a passion try Rush Creek or along the San Joaquin River in the Reds Meadow area.

The fishing season is from the last Saturday in April until November 15th. Generally speaking the limits for trout and salmon are 5 per day/10 in possession. Black Bass limits depend on county. Rush Creek, Owens River, and Crowley Lake have varied regulations and there are specific regulations regarding Steelhead trout. Please contact the DFG with any questions.

Fishing licenses are required for anyone over age 16. For those who live in California an annual resident license can be purchased for $38.85. A non-resident can purchase a 10-day ($38.85), 2-day ($19.45) or 1-day ($12.60) fishing license (valid for consecutive days only). DFG offers two Free Fishing Days each year, one Saturday in June and one in September. DFG also offers free or reduced licenses for qualifying persons. Please contact them at 760-934-2664 for further information.

Just reading about all the varieties of fish and opportunities available is enough to make any angler chomp at the bait and head out this weekend. Have a great time and come home with tons of trout, or at least a good story!

This guide to Mammoth Lakes catch & release, catch & eat, and catch & mount was brought to you by Kendra Songer.

So, you like the fish?  And the lakes?  And the solitude?  And the bliss?  Then you will like Mammoth Lakes.  Unless you rent a Mammoth Lakes vacation home.  Then you will LOVE Mammoth Lakes.