Fishing at Piute Lake, Tuolumne County, California

• Overview

  Tuolumne County in California is where Piute Lake sits. It lies 7,917 feet above sea level. At 2 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Tuolumne County. The town to know is Twain Harte, 24 miles out. For a city, Modesto is 74 miles off. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Piute Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Across Tuolumne County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, brook trout, Sacramento sucker and bluegill. The county list is broader than any single water. At Piute Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 26°F in January up to 59°F in August. The season stretches long at both ends here. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. It holds true on Piute Lake more years than not. Cool nights slow the mornings but sharpen the evenings.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. A camping area sits within 130 yards of here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Gem Lake, 0.9 miles away. Check the current arrangement for Piute Lake.