Brainerd Lake Fishing Guide, Inyo County, California

• Overview

  This water sits in Inyo County, California. Rolling bush runs right down to the water. At 5 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is a small entry by Inyo County standards. Big Pine sits 11 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Then West Bishop, 19 miles, and Bishop, 19 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Brainerd Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Survey and observation records for Inyo County include california golden trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Brainerd Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put August at about 52°F and January near 20°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Ice is part of the season here, ending near early June. Ice clears near early June and comes back about mid November in a typical year. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Brainerd Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Finger Lake, 0.3 miles out. Check the position at Brainerd Lake before loading the car.