Fishing Second Lake in Inyo County, California

• Overview

  Second Lake is an Inyo County water, California side. The setting is rolling bush on every side. It measures about 29 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The nearest town is Big Pine, 11 miles away. Clovis is the closest city, 70 miles away. Also on the doorstep: 0.2 miles out stands First Lake, Third Lake (0.4 miles), 0.7 miles out stands Black Lake, Fourth Lake (0.9 miles) and 0.9 miles out stands Summit Lake. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Second Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Open biodiversity records for Inyo County list california golden trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Fish Second Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 20°F and August at about 52°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around early June. Climate averages put the opening at about early June and the closing near mid November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. On Second Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. If the gate is shut, First Lake at 0.2 miles is the nearest alternative. Treat access at Second Lake as something to verify.