Fishing Den Lake in Inyo County, California

• Overview

  In California, Den Lake belongs to Inyo County. Mixed forest runs right down to the water. It covers about 7 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. By elevation it is in the upper part of our California listings. The closest town, West Bishop, is 19 miles distant. Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek follows at 21 miles, then Bishop at 22 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Den Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Records held for Inyo County cover california golden trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Den Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 50°F, the coldest about 19°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid June. Open water usually runs from mid June until about mid November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. Plan any trip to Den Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. For a change of water, Claw Lake is 0.4 miles distant. Rules at Den Lake are worth checking on the day.