Lyons Reservoir in Tuolumne County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  California holds Lyons Reservoir, in Tuolumne County. The bank gives way to oak and grass. Around 133 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The outline measures near 3.9 miles, so local knowledge counts. On our Tuolumne County list it sits near the top for size. Supplies mean a trip to Twain Harte, 5.8 miles off. Cedar Ridge is 6.8 miles and Mono Vista 9.3 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lyons Reservoir

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. County-wide records name rainbow trout, brook trout, Sacramento sucker and bluegill. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Read Lyons Reservoir for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 37°F in December and 68°F in July. Cold never closes this one. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. It holds true on Lyons Reservoir more years than not. The week either side of a change of season often fishes hardest.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Records show no boating, which makes this a bank-only water. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. A rest area sits about half a mile from the water. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Should this one be busy, Twain Harte Lake (Private) is 6.6 miles off. For Lyons Reservoir, the notice at the access point is the final word.