Granite Lake, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Granite Lake sits in Inyo County, out in California. The ground round it is mixed forest. Surface area runs to about 8 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is high ground by California standards. 16 miles away sits West Bishop, the nearest town. Then Bishop, 18 miles, and Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek, 18 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Granite Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Public occurrence data for Inyo County names california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Granite Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 52°F, the coldest about 20°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Ice is part of the season here, ending near early June. Break-up near early June, freeze-up near mid November: that is the shape of an average year. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. That is the shape of the year on Granite Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Fishgut Lakes, 0.6 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the position on Granite Lake before loading the car.