Convict Lake Fishing in Mono County, California

• Overview

  The Mono County entry here is Convict Lake, in California. The surface lies 7,608 feet up. Around 172 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The whole outline is near 2.2 miles, and most of it is walkable. On our Mono County list it sits near the top for size. Mammoth Lakes lies 7.5 miles from the water. Beyond it, West Bishop at 27 miles and Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek at 28 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Convict Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. 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. Records held for Mono County cover brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and owens sucker. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. At Convict Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give August about 63°F and January about 27°F. Some winters cap it and some do not. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. It holds true on Convict Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Mapping shows a ramp about half a mile from the shore. Public data records a pier about half a mile out. Somewhere to sit and eat is half a mile out. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Should this one be busy, Lake Genevieve is 2.6 miles off. Where Convict Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.