Gaylor Lakes, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  You will find Gaylor Lakes in Mono County, California. The surroundings are mixed forest. With some 25 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Nearest town is Yosemite Valley, 21 miles off. The nearest city of size is Clovis, 79 miles away. Nearby, in order: Upper Gaylor Lake (0.7 miles), 1.1 miles out stands Granite Lakes, Tioga Lake (1.2 miles), 1.9 miles out stands Shell Lake and Fantail Lake (2.4 miles). It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Gaylor Lakes

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Mono County records list brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, owens sucker and california golden trout among the fish reported. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Gaylor Lakes repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 23°F in February up to 52°F in August. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near late May. Climate figures give an open season running late May to late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. At Gaylor Lakes the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. If the gate is shut, Upper Gaylor Lake at 0.7 miles is the nearest alternative. For Gaylor Lakes, the notice at the access point is the final word.