Fishing at Cherry Lake, Tuolumne County, California

• Overview

  In California, Cherry Lake belongs to Tuolumne County. It sits in rolling hill. Roughly 2.7 sq miles of surface: treat each bay as a water in its own right. Around 9.9 miles of bank, which is a long day on foot. On our Tuolumne County list it sits near the top for size. Start from Twain Harte, 18 miles down the road. Modesto sits 65 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Cherry Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Reported across Tuolumne County: rainbow trout, brook trout, Sacramento sucker, bluegill and brown trout. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Cherry Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 65°F, with January the cold end at about 33°F. In milder years the surface never sets. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. On Cherry Lake that shapes the whole year. Early and late in the day beat the middle for most of the year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. If the gate is shut, Lake Eleanor at 2.9 miles is the nearest alternative. Ask locally about Cherry Lake if anything is unclear.