Cottonwood Lake Number One Fishing in Inyo County, California

• Overview

  This water sits in Inyo County, California. The surface lies 11,030 feet up. Surface area runs to about 8 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is high ground by California standards. 11 miles away sits Lone Pine, the nearest town. Visalia is the closest city, 61 miles away. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Cottonwood Lake Number One

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name california golden trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Take Cottonwood Lake Number One a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical August readings run about 53°F; by January the average is down near 21°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Ice-out usually falls in early June, and the weeks after it fish hardest. In an average year the thaw lands around early June and the freeze near late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Cottonwood Lake Number One.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Failing this one, try Cottonwood Lake Number Two, 0.3 miles away. What applies at Cottonwood Lake Number One may have changed since it was mapped.