Arrowhead Lake Fishing in Inyo County, California

• Overview

  Arrowhead Lake lies within the bounds of Inyo County, California. The bank is 10,289 feet above sea level. About 21 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Big Pine at 24 miles is the nearest place to stop. After that come Lone Pine at 25 miles and West Bishop at 37 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Arrowhead Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. County-wide records name california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Anyone new to Arrowhead Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical August readings run about 52°F; by January the average is down near 20°F. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around early June. Break-up sits around early June on average, with the water closing again about mid November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Expect Arrowhead Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Dollar Lake sits 0.5 miles off and takes the overflow. Ask locally about Arrowhead Lake if anything is unclear.