Book Your Fishing Charter in Mammoth Lakes, CA

Come to Mammoth Lakes, California for a scenic trip of a lifetime. This beautiful small town on the edge of Long Valley Caldera is known for its stunning landscape, hot springs, and hilly terrain. Much of its early history is tied to the Mono tribe that settled in its area for thousands of years, before the Europeans came to establish a mining company in the 1800s. After a brief brush with Gold Rush fame, the town turned its back on mining and transformed itself into the tourist destination that it is today.

Because of its pristine landscape and geologically active surroundings, the town is dotted with interesting peaks and natural hot springs, both of which are its main draws. Because of its high altitude, it is also considered a fantastic training ground for long-distance runners and mountain bikers. 

Mammoth Lakes, as its name suggests, is a land of lakes. It is known as one of the most productive areas for trout fishing. With its crystal-clear waters and majestic natural vista, the town is a must-fish destination for anyone who wants a challenging but rewarding fishing experience in California. 

Mammoth Lakes Fishing: Trout Fishing in California at Its Best

It’s all in the name. Mammoth Lakes is dotted with bodies of water that make for productive fishing. It is known for having some of the best trout fishing in the state, so if you’re looking to challenge yourself with various trout species, then you’ve come to the right town.

Start off with the Mammoth Lakes Basin, which is regularly stocked with rainbow, brook, and brown trout. The basin is made up of seven main lakes, but the best ones are Lake George, Lake Mary, Twin Lakes, and Lake Mamie. 

San Joaquin River, particularly the stretch that flows through the Red Meadows, is a fly fishing haven. It’s quite a productive spot for rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and even golden trout. 

Hike up the highest paved road in California to reach Rock Creek Lake, where you can fish for golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout while enjoying a view of the High Sierras.

Another hike-and-fish destination you must check out is Convict Lake. It is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and brown trout, but you may also find some California-native Owens sucker in the area. 

Further down south from Convict Lake is Crowley Lake. Aside from trout and Owens sucker, this pretty lake also has some Sacramento perch. 

Fish Rush Creek, the biggest watershed in the county. This body of water runs through the inlets of the lakes in the June Lake Loop and offers great fishing, especially for trophy trout. Easy access to the creek is at Silver Lake and Grant Lake.

From the main cluster of lakes at Mammoth Lakes, hike for two miles to reach the productive Crystal Lake. The lake has a diverse shoreline, making it a great stretch to practice either fly fishing or spin casting. It is the best place to fish if you want to get away from the crowds.

If you’re in for some off-season trout fishing, go to the California-Nevada border and find Topaz Lake. It’s quite a big lake at 2,500 acres, so best to fish the waters from a boat. Aside from trophy trout, Topaz Lake has great smallmouth bass fishing as well.

Another great fly fishing hotspot accessible from Mammoth Lakes is the Upper Owens River. It is home to resident wild trout, but one of the most popular fish species here is the migrating steelhead known as Crowley steelhead that migrates from Crowley Lake during the fall.

Immerse in the Great Outdoors at Mammoth Lakes

1. Enjoy a Long Winter in California

Mammoth Lakes has one of the longest skiing seasons in the country, making it a great destination for anyone who can’t get enough skiing or snowmobiling.

2. Camp Almost Anywhere in Mammoth Lakes

Setting up a tent or an RV is possible almost anywhere in Mammoth Lakes as most of its land is publicly owned. But why would you, when the town has some of the best campgrounds in the country?