Golden Lake near West Bishop: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Golden Lake lies in Inyo County, California. The water sits 10,873 feet up. At roughly 2 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. On size it sits at the modest end of our Inyo County list. Some 16 miles away sits West Bishop, the nearest settlement. Further out sit Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek (19 miles) and Bishop (20 miles). No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Golden Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Species logged across Inyo County include california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Golden Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 22°F in February to roughly 53°F in August. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Count the season from break-up, usually late May. Ice clears near late May and comes back about late November in a typical year. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. On Golden Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Honeymoon Lake is 0.5 miles distant. Check the position at Golden Lake before loading the car.