Fishing at Humphreys Lakes, Inyo County, California

• Overview

  Inyo County, California, is where Humphreys Lakes sits. Height above sea level is 11,834 feet. At roughly 6 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Compared with other California water on our list, it sits high. 14 miles away sits West Bishop, the nearest town. Further out sit Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek (17 miles) and Bishop (17 miles). The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Humphreys Lakes

  We hold no depth figure for this one. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across Inyo County, recorded fish include california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and owens sucker. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Humphreys Lakes fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August runs about 50°F on average, January about 18°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid June. On the long-run averages the water opens up around mid June and starts locking again about mid November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Anyone fishing Humphreys Lakes regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. The nearest alternative is Marmot Lake, 0.4 miles out. Treat Humphreys Lakes as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.