Gertrude Lake in Mono County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Gertrude Lake is set in Mono County, California. It lies 9,449 feet above sea level. The whole thing is a single swim; walk it in a minute. It is a small entry by Mono County standards. The nearest place of any size is Mammoth Lakes, 9.8 miles away. For a city, Clovis is 63 miles off. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Gertrude Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Mono County records list brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Fish Gertrude Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August near 57°F and February near 26°F on the long-run figures. Temperature moves within a narrow band, and so does the fishing. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Gertrude Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. For a change of water, Ashley Lake is 0.5 miles distant. Check the position at Gertrude Lake before loading the car.