Fishing at Heart Lake, Mono County, California

• Overview

  The Mono County end of California holds Heart Lake. The country round it is rolling hill from end to end. At roughly 3 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Our Mono County list holds plenty of bigger water. The closest town, Mammoth Lakes, is 4.2 miles distant. Beyond it, West Bishop at 33 miles and Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek at 34 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Heart Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Fish documented in Mono County include brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and owens sucker. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Heart Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 26°F in January and 59°F in August. In milder years the surface never sets. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Heart Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out. A rising level usually fishes better than a falling one.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. The car has to stay half a mile away, which shapes how much tackle you bring. There is a toilet block some half a mile out. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Arrowhead Lake, 0.4 miles out. For Heart Lake in particular, ask before you travel.