Longley Lake Fishing Guide, Inyo County, California

• Overview

  Within Inyo County, California, you have Longley Lake. It stands 10,696 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 10 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Compared with other California water on our list, it sits high. West Bishop sits 12 miles from the bank. For a city, Clovis is 66 miles off. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Longley Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Species logged across Inyo County include california golden trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Longley Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 57°F in August and bottoms out near 24°F in January. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around early May. In an average year the thaw lands around early May and the freeze near early December. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Time your trip to Longley Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Upper Horton Lakes at 1.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Longley Lake are worth checking on the day.