IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR: WHAT IS FISHMAS?

Forget December. Around June Lake, the most wonderful time of the year arrives on the last Saturday in April.

We call it Fishmas.

If you’ve never spent spring in the Eastern Sierra, you might be wondering what exactly Fishmas is and why everyone around here starts talking about fishing as soon as the snow begins to melt. Fishmas is the nickname for the traditional Eastern Sierra trout opener, when many of the region’s waters open for the fishing season and anglers descend on Highway 395 for one of the longest-running spring traditions in the mountains.

In June Lake, it’s a pretty big deal.

Fishing has been part of life on the June Lake Loop for generations, and opening weekend feels a little like the unofficial beginning of another season. Boats that have been sitting through winter come back out, tackle boxes get reorganized, cabins fill up and people start debating where they’re going to be when the sun comes up Saturday morning.

For a lot of families, it’s the same place they were last year. And the year before that.

That’s really what Fishmas is about. Yes, there are trout involved, but it’s also an excuse to come back to the mountains and reconnect with people and places that have become part of the family calendar. Some anglers have been making the trip since they were kids and now arrive with kids — or grandkids — of their own.

And June Lake gives you four pretty good reasons to keep coming back.

June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake each offer a different experience, all within the June Lake Loop. You can spend opening morning on one lake, change plans in the afternoon and try somewhere completely different the next day without packing up and driving halfway across the Eastern Sierra.

Of course, late April in June Lake is still late April in the mountains. Spring at 7,600 feet doesn’t necessarily mean shorts and flip-flops. Some years bring blue skies and sunshine. Other years make it very clear that winter hasn’t completely packed its bags yet. Snow can still cover the surrounding peaks, mornings can be freezing and conditions can change quickly.

That’s part of Fishmas too.

Pack the warm layers. Check the weather and road conditions before you leave. If you’re heading onto the water, bring the appropriate safety equipment. And always check current California fishing regulations and licensing requirements rather than assuming everything is exactly the same as last season.

If you’re bringing kids, don’t overthink it. Fishmas doesn’t require decades of fishing experience or a boat full of expensive gear. Find a spot, bring snacks, dress everyone warmly and let them figure it out. Maybe they catch their first trout. Maybe they spend half the morning throwing rocks into the lake.

Both count.

The other important part of Fishmas happens after you get off the water. Opening weekend brings people back into June Lake after the quieter winter months, which means it’s a great excuse to make an actual weekend of it. Book somewhere to stay, grab breakfast before heading out, and stop for dinner and a drink when you’re done. You can find our June Lake restaurants and places to eat here.

And yes, this is when everyone tells the story about the fish that got away.

It gets bigger by Sunday.

Fishmas may kick things off, but it’s only the beginning of fishing season on the Loop. Spring eventually gives way to long summer days on the water, and summer turns into cool mornings and golden aspens in fall. If you’re planning a trip beyond opening weekend, our June Lake fishing guide has more information about fishing the Loop.

Whether you’ve been coming for 30 years or this is your first opening weekend, there’s really only one rule we care about: take care of the place while you’re here. Pack out fishing line, hooks, bait containers and everything else you bring with you. Respect other anglers, wildlife, private property and the people who call June Lake home.

Then come back next year.

That’s how Fishmas traditions get started.

Happy Fishmas. We’ll see you on the water.