Box Lake Fishing Guide, Inyo County, California

• Overview

  The Inyo County entry here is Box Lake, in California. The surface lies 10,463 feet up. Small at around 12 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. By elevation it is in the upper part of our California listings. The closest town, West Bishop, is 17 miles distant. It is 66 miles to Clovis, the nearest city. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Box Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Reported across Inyo County: california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Read Box Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put August at about 48°F and February near 18°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near late June. The open-water window runs from around late June to about early November in an average year. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Box Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. You can camp half a mile off, which suits an early start. 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. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Heart Lake, 0.2 miles out. Check the current arrangement for Box Lake.