Higgins Lake in Inyo County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Higgins Lake lies in Inyo County, California. Everything around it is lake country bush. Surface area runs to about 4 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is a small entry by Inyo County standards. Nearest town is Lone Pine, 22 miles off. Kernville follows at 41 miles, then Weldon at 44 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Higgins Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Species logged across Inyo County include california golden trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. The shape of Higgins Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 58°F, while January sits near 24°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly early May. The season between ice runs from about early May to early December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Higgins Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try North Haiwee Reservoir, 10 miles away. None of that is settled for Higgins Lake in what we hold.