Big Bird Lake, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Big Bird Lake stands in Tulare County, California. It stands 9,783 feet above sea level. It measures about 68 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The full circuit measures close to 1.5 miles on foot. It is among the larger waters listed here for Tulare County. Three Rivers sits 21 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Lone Pine is 29 miles and Woodlake 32 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Big Bird Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Tulare County cover rainbow trout, brook trout, california golden trout, Sacramento sucker and black crappie. The county list is broader than any single water. Anyone new to Big Bird Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 54°F, the coldest about 20°F. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early June. Climate figures give an open season running early June to late November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Big Bird Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Lonely Lake is 1.1 miles off. For Big Bird Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.