Fishing the June Lake Loop

I will be traveling to the Sierras in May to test the fishing and provide first-hand information on early season conditions.

June Lake Loop:

In my opinion, this cluster of 4 beautiful lakes is ideal for a relaxing family getaway. North of Mammoth Lakes on Hwy 395 is the junction to the June Lake Loop ( Hwy 158 ). On Hwy 158 you will pass some of the most beautiful lakes in the Eastern Sierra. First is June Lake and the town of June Lake, Ca. Here you can grab a bite to eat, stock up on bait and tackle, and camp at 2 different campgrounds along the lake. Just beyond town lies the small and quiet Gull Lake. There are also 2 campgrounds located right off the highway next to Gull. Further down the winding road takes you to June Mountain Ski Resort, Reverse Creek, the Double Eagle Resort, and eventually Silver Lake. Silver Lake is a beautiful with it's aspen trees and glassy waters. There is a campground and RV park at Silver Lake, but if you want to stay in a rustic cabin, check out Silver Lake Resort. As you continue down Hwy 158, you will be driving alongside Rush Creek as it flows to Grant Lake and eventually Mono Lake to the north where you will find Hwy 395 once again.

June Lake: Fish alongside the south shore with access from the highway. Trout love the Power Bait and I recommend something bright in color. If you have a boat or want to rent one, the majority of the boaters fish the south east side of the lake and troll along the shores and deeper water.
Gull Lake: Fisherman's trail runs alongside the west side of this gem. Access to the trail is right off the highway next to the campground. All along this small and easy to hike trail are great fishing spots. I've had a lot of fun and success fishing these waters. It is a deep drop-off, so when it warms up in the summer and mid-day, the fish tend to stay near the bottom. Early morning and in the evening is when you can attempt to fish closer to the surface.
Silver Lake: This is my favorite of the 4 lakes. Early in the morning along the north side of the lake is best. There is a small creek that feeds the lake on this end with easy shoreline access and parking available. Set up close to the inlet and start fishing. You don't have to cast very far to get in the channel where these trout love to swim back and forth. You won't be disappointed!!
Grant Lake and Rush Creek: Rush Creek is a picturesque area with ample fishing locations all along it's banks. It is stocked by the DFG just like the rest of the lakes in the area, so there are always trout being pulled out of this creek. Rush Creek flows into the largest of the 4 lakes, Grant Lake. It's a big lake that offers not only fishing, but water skiing too. I like to fish the shallow waters near the Rush Creek inlet to the lake. Lots of dirt roads provide access to the shoreline, but be careful if you don't have 4 wheel drive.

www.silverlakeresort.net Silver Lake ( Stay Here!! )
www.ferncreeklodge.com June Lake
www.doubleeagle.com

Trout Season Opens on April 25th!!

Trout season in the Sierras will open very soon.


I wanted to list some excellent fishing locations that will be easily accessible to any and all fresh water fishermen.


First, lets start with how to get to the Eastern Sierra Nevada in California. The Scenic By-Way of the Eastern Sierra is Highway 395. This highway runs north to south from Canada to Interstate 15 in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. From Southern California, you can access highway 395 from highway 14 or Interstate 15 and going north until you reach the 395. Once on the 395, you travel north to gain access to the Eastern Sierras, but don't forget to look around so you don't miss any of ther great views and photo opportunities along the way.


The trout season opens on the last Saturday of April. April 25th will be another start to an amazing fishing experience to all trout anglers who visit the Sierras.



Crowley Lake --> A popular destination for anglers on opening weekend, Crowley offers anglers boating and shore fishing opportunities. Although it may be crowded, it is easily accessible right off the 395 about a half an hour north of Bishop, Ca. Large trout have been caught every year on this beautiful lake and you won't be dissappointed. Bait - try using Power Bait ( brightly colored ) or medium to small spinners for crank bait fishermen ( I recommmend Panther Martin's).



Convict Lake --> Located just past Crowley Lake off of highway 395 and tucked away among towering granite peaks is the medium sized gem, Convict Lake. Again, this is a popular location on opening weekend, but with great rewards. Hungry and large trout patrol these waters just looking for something new to eat after the ice melts. This is a must fish lake any time of the year while trout season is open. I have had great success on this lake with Power Bait and the use of spinners along the south shore. Convict also has camping and resort accomodations available with a small general store for all suppplies.


www.panthermartin.com
www.berkley-fishing.com


Come back soon as I will be talking about other great fishing, hiking, and backpacking opportunities in the amazing Sierra Nevada Mountains . . .