Margaret Lake in Inyo County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Set in Inyo County, California, this is Margaret Lake. The bank is 10,925 feet above sea level. At roughly 3 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Inyo County. Nearest place of any size is Big Pine, 15 miles away. Further out sit West Bishop (17 miles) and Bishop (18 miles). It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Margaret Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Inyo County records list california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout among the fish reported. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. The shape of Margaret Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 50°F in August and bottoms out near 19°F in February. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Once it clears, about mid June, the fishing comes on quickly. On the long-run averages the water opens up around mid June and starts locking again about mid November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. The season on Margaret Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Spearhead Lake, 0.3 miles out. Signs at Margaret Lake carry more weight than any list.