Marie Lake Fishing Guide, Fresno County, California

• Overview

  Fresno County in California is where Marie Lake sits. The surface lies 10,561 feet up. It measures about 82 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. It ranks high for size among our Fresno County listings. The nearest place of any size is West Bishop, 23 miles away. Further out sit Mammoth Lakes (25 miles) and Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek (26 miles). The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Marie Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Reported across Fresno County: brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and green sunfish. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Anyone new to Marie Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 52°F in August and bottom out at 21°F in February. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly early June. Open water usually runs from early June until about late November. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. Marie Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Marshall Lake at 0.5 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position on Marie Lake before loading the car.