Pinecrest Lake Fish Stocking
Tuolumne County, California · 2024–2026 on record
According to California CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule, Pinecrest Lake was last stocked Week of July 5, 2026 with Trout (unspecified). Pinecrest Lake has 29 stocking records on file, spanning 2024–2026.
When Pinecrest Lake is stocked
Pinecrest Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in May — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pinecrest Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Tuolumne County, California.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Pinecrest Lake, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Pinecrest Lake was last stocked Week of July 5, 2026, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid California freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase California license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by California fish & wildlife agency.Official California regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Pinecrest Lake:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Recommended Tackle for Pinecrest Lake
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Pinecrest Lake, freshest activity first.
Stanislaus River South Fork
5 miTuolumne County · 1 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2026
Stanislaus River Middle Fork
13 miTuolumne County · 1 species · 40 records
Last stocked July 2026
White Pines Lake
20 miCalaveras County · 1 species · 20 records
Last stocked July 2026
Silver Lake
22 miMono County · 1 species · 33 records
Last stocked July 2026
Herring Creek
2 miTuolumne County · 1 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2026
Lyons Reservoir
12 miTuolumne County · 1 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Week of July 5, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of June 28, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of June 14, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of May 31, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of May 24, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of May 17, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of May 10, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of May 3, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
Show 21 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Week of April 26, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of April 12, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of August 24, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of August 10, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of July 27, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of June 29, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of June 22, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of June 8, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of May 25, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of May 18, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of May 11, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of May 4, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of April 27, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of April 20, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of April 13, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of August 25, 2024 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of August 11, 2024 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of August 4, 2024 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of July 28, 2024 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of July 21, 2024 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of July 14, 2024 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
The reporting agency did not include fish counts or sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Pinecrest Lake last stocked?
According to California CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule, Pinecrest Lake was last stocked Week of July 5, 2026 with Trout (unspecified).
What fish species are stocked in Pinecrest Lake?
Pinecrest Lake is stocked with Trout (unspecified).
What time of year is Pinecrest Lake stocked?
Pinecrest Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in May.
How often is Pinecrest Lake stocked?
Pinecrest Lake has been stocked about 10 times a year — 29 recorded stockings between 2024 and 2026.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pinecrest Lake?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid California freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from California fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Pinecrest Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Pinecrest Lake typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.