Ram Lake, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  You will find Ram Lake in Mono County, California. It lies 10,774 feet above sea level. At roughly 19 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It sits higher than most water we list in California. Mammoth Lakes sits 7.7 miles from the bank. West Bishop is 29 miles and Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek 30 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Ram Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. County-wide records name brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Ram Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 53°F in August and bottoms out near 22°F in February. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Ice is part of the season here, ending near early June. From about early June to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Ram Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. If the gate is shut, Glen Lake at 0.2 miles is the nearest alternative. Where Ram Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.