Pinecrest Lake in Tuolumne County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Pinecrest Lake falls in Tuolumne County, part of California. It stands 5,591 feet above sea level. This is sizeable water at about 303 acres, and a boat opens up most of it. The edge runs 2.6 miles or so, easy to work in an afternoon. Few waters listed in Tuolumne County are bigger. Twain Harte sits 17 miles from the bank. After that come Cedar Ridge at 18 miles and Arnold at 20 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Pinecrest Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. 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. Species logged across Tuolumne County include rainbow trout, brook trout, Sacramento sucker and bluegill. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Pinecrest Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 62°F at the top of summer and 31°F at the bottom of winter. Neither winter nor summer shuts things down for long. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. It sets the rhythm of the year at Pinecrest Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Moorings are at Pinecrest Lake Marina, roughly half a mile off. There is a jetty half a mile off, worth knowing on a busy day. A marked angling spot sits within half a mile. A camping area sits within half a mile of here. A picnic area is mapped about half a mile away. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Should this one be busy, Leland Reservoir is 2.5 miles off.