First Lake in Inyo County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  First Lake falls in Inyo County, part of California. The water sits 9,977 feet up. At roughly 8 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. The closest town, Big Pine, is 11 miles distant. West Bishop is 16 miles away, with Bishop at 17 miles. Not far off: Second Lake (0.2 miles), Third Lake lies 0.7 miles on, Black Lake (0.7 miles), Summit Lake lies 1 mile on and Fourth Lake (1.1 miles). No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on First Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Species logged across Inyo County include california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Anyone new to First Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August runs about 52°F on average, January about 20°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early June. Climate figures give an open season running early June to mid November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. First Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. If the gate is shut, Second Lake at 0.2 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at First Lake carry more weight than any list.