Gem Lake Fishing Guide, Tuolumne County, California

• Overview

  Set in Tuolumne County, California, this is Gem Lake. The surface lies 8,232 feet up. About 5 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It is a small entry by Tuolumne County standards. For supplies, Twain Harte is 25 miles out. After that come Cedar Ridge at 27 miles and Tuolumne City at 28 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Gem Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Records held for Tuolumne County cover rainbow trout, brook trout, Sacramento sucker and bluegill. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Fish Gem Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 59°F at the top of summer and 26°F at the bottom of winter. The freeze here is occasional rather than annual. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. On Gem Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Failing this one, try Jewelry Lake, 0.6 miles away. Check the position at Gem Lake before loading the car.