California & Orange County Fish Stocking Schedule 2026–27

Find upcoming trout and catfish stocking dates for Orange County lakes, plus California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) fish planting information throughout the state. Orange County trout are generally stocked during the cooler months, while OC Parks stocks catfish primarily from spring through fall. Stocking weeks can change, so check the official schedule before heading out.

CDFW publishes a dynamic fish planting schedule showing planned and completed stockings by water, county and species. The schedule is updated by CDFW hatchery staff, and fish plants are subject to change based on road, water, weather and operational conditions.

Official fish stocking schedules:

• 2026-27 Trout Stocking Schedule (released Oct. 13, 2026)
• 2026 Catfish Stocking Schedule (released in March)

CDFW Fish Planting Schedule

Here are California's free fishing days plus more ways to fish for free.

Note: These fish stocking schedules do not include non-CDFW or private lakes and rivers such as the Santa Ana River Lakes.

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Next Orange County Fish Stocking Dates

OC Parks released its 2026-27 trout stocking schedule on Oct. 13, 2026. Trout stocking at OC Parks lakes is scheduled over seven weeks, from the week of Nov. 23-27, 2026 through the week of Feb. 15-19, 2027. Irvine Lake is not on this season's schedule. OC Parks' 2026 catfish stockings ended with the week of Oct. 12-16; the 2026 catfish schedule was released in March. Irvine Regional Park's first trout stocking of the season is the week of Jan. 4-8, 2027.

Stocking dates are approximate. Dates shown are the scheduled week of stocking and can change because of weather, water conditions, fish availability and other operational factors. Check the official OC Parks or CDFW schedule before making a special trip.

Orange County Lakes Fish Stocking Schedule

In Orange County, trout are typically stocked during the cooler months and catfish primarily from spring through fall. The table below combines OC Parks and CDFW listings; TBA entries are retained where a current date has not been announced.

Irvine Lake dam project: The Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is rebuilding Santiago Creek Dam, with construction scheduled for 2027 to 2030. IRWD told SFGATE that it would begin lowering the lake further on Oct. 26, 2026. Neither OC Parks nor IRWD has posted an official last day for fishing, so check the OC Parks Irvine Lake page before you go. Project details are on the IRWD Santiago Creek Dam Improvement Project page.

California Fish Planting Schedule

Looking for fish stocking elsewhere in California? Use the official CDFW Fish Planting Schedule to search planned and completed fish plants by county, water and date.

Fishing License Requirements

A California fishing license is generally required for anglers age 16 and older. OC Parks' 2026-27 trout schedule says a license is required for ages 16 and up at all parks. OC Parks' Irvine Lake page, where fishing has been run by James Event Productions since July 1, 2026, still says no license is required at Irvine Lake. Fishing regulations, bag limits and other rules still apply. See our Orange County fishing guide and California free fishing days for more information.

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