Lake Ruth, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Mono County, California, is where Lake Ruth sits. It lies 9,633 feet above sea level. It covers about 15 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Yosemite Valley lies 30 miles from the water. It is 86 miles to Modesto, the nearest city. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Lake Ruth

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Species logged across Mono County include brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and owens sucker. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. The shape of Lake Ruth decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 54°F and January at 22°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from late May. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late May and starts locking again about late November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. It holds true on Lake Ruth more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. It is tagged for fishing in public mapping. A recognised fishing spot is mapped about half a mile away. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Lake Helen is 0.5 miles off. For Lake Ruth in particular, ask before you travel.