Saddlerock Lake near Big Pine: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Saddlerock Lake lies in Inyo County, in California. The surface lies 11,125 feet up. It measures about 33 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. It ranks high for size among our Inyo County listings. Big Pine lies 15 miles from the water. Then West Bishop, 17 miles, and Bishop, 18 miles. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Saddlerock Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Fish documented in Inyo County include california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and owens sucker. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. The shape of Saddlerock Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give August about 50°F and February about 19°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid June. Ice clears near mid June and comes back about mid November in a typical year. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. It holds true on Saddlerock Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. For a change of water, Ledge Lake is 0.2 miles distant. Nothing here settles the position at Saddlerock Lake for certain.