Grouse Lake in Fresno County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Grouse Lake stands in Fresno County, California. Elevation runs to 10,479 feet. It covers about 21 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. It is high ground by California standards. Big Pine sits 27 miles from here and is the nearest stop. It is 53 miles to Visalia, the nearest city. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Grouse Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Species logged across Fresno County include brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Grouse Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 54°F and January at 23°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late May. The water is typically free of ice between late May and late November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Time your trip to Grouse Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Granite Lake is 1.7 miles off. Check the position on Grouse Lake before loading the car.