Muriel Lake near West Bishop: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Muriel Lake falls in Inyo County, part of California. Country round the bank runs to rolling bush. It measures about 60 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. On our Inyo County list it sits near the top for size. West Bishop lies 16 miles from the water. The big place round here is Clovis, 62 miles distant. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Muriel Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across Inyo County, recorded fish include california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Fish Muriel Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 49°F for August and 18°F for January. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid June. Open water usually runs from mid June until about mid November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. At Muriel Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. There is no recorded infrastructure here; expect to find your own way in. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Summit Lake, 0.6 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Confirm access to Muriel Lake locally before you travel.