Fishing Cottonwood Lake Number Five in Inyo County, California

• Overview

  Inyo County, California, is where Cottonwood Lake Number Five sits. The bank is 11,211 feet above sea level. Around 35 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. On our Inyo County list it sits near the top for size. 11 miles away sits Lone Pine, the nearest town. Beyond it, Three Rivers at 38 miles and Big Pine at 46 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Cottonwood Lake Number Five

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Records held for Inyo County cover california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and owens sucker. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Anyone new to Cottonwood Lake Number Five should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give August about 55°F and January about 22°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from late May. Open water usually runs from late May until about late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Cottonwood Lake Number Five.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, Cottonwood Lake Number Four is 0.3 miles off. Check the position at Cottonwood Lake Number Five before loading the car.