Fifth Lake near Big Pine: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Fifth Lake is one of the Inyo County listings for California. The country here is lake country bush. It covers about 21 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 town to know is Big Pine, 12 miles out. Clovis sits 69 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Fifth Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. 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. Reported across Inyo County: california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Anyone new to Fifth Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 19°F in February up to 50°F in August. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid June. Averages place the thaw at mid June and the freeze at mid November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. On Fifth Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. There is camping recorded roughly half a mile off. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Fourth Lake at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the current arrangement for Fifth Lake.