Crabtree Lakes Fishing in Inyo County, California

• Overview

  Crabtree Lakes lies in Inyo County, in California. The water sits 11,345 feet up. It measures about 83 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. With about 1.4 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. On our Inyo County list it sits near the top for size. Head to Lone Pine, 15 miles away, for anything you forgot. Three Rivers lies 34 miles off, Big Pine another 43 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Crabtree Lakes

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Inyo County records list california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and owens sucker among the fish reported. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. The shape of Crabtree Lakes decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put August at about 49°F and January near 18°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid June. Averages place the thaw at mid June and the freeze at mid November. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. It sets the rhythm of the year at Crabtree Lakes.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Hitchcock Lakes at 1.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Nothing here settles the position at Crabtree Lakes for certain.