Chickenfoot Lake near West Bishop: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Chickenfoot Lake is set in Inyo County, California. It lies 10,774 feet above sea level. It measures about 25 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. It sits higher than most water we list in California. West Bishop at 17 miles is the nearest place to stop. Further out sit Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek (19 miles) and Bishop (20 miles). The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Chickenfoot Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Species logged across Inyo County include california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. On Chickenfoot Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 18°F in February and 48°F in August. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late June. In an average year the thaw lands around late June and the freeze near early November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Chickenfoot Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. You can camp about half a mile away, going by the mapping. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. For a change of water, Long Lake is 0.6 miles distant. Treat access at Chickenfoot Lake as something to verify.