Laurel Lakes, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Laurel Lakes falls in Mono County, part of California. The setting is mixed forest. At roughly 8 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. The nearest place of any size is Mammoth Lakes, 5.9 miles away. West Bishop is 29 miles away, with Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek at 30 miles. Within a short drive: Bloody Lake out at 1.2 miles, Valentine Lake about 1.2 miles, Lost Lake out at 1.9 miles, Edith Lake about 1.9 miles and Lake Genevieve out at 2 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Laurel Lakes

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Fish documented in Mono County include brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, owens sucker and california golden trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. The shape of Laurel Lakes rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August near 52°F and February near 20°F on the long-run figures. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from early June. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early June and starts locking again about mid November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. The season on Laurel Lakes follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. If the gate is shut, Bloody Lake at 1.2 miles is the nearest alternative. None of that is settled for Laurel Lakes in what we hold.