Shorty Lake Fishing in Mono County, California

• Overview

  Mono County in California is where Shorty Lake sits. It lies 10,381 feet above sea level. You can fish the entire water from one spot if you pick it well. It is a small entry by Mono County standards. Mammoth Lakes is the closest place, 12 miles off. The nearest city of size is Clovis, 58 miles away. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Shorty Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Across Mono County, recorded fish include brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and owens sucker. The county list is broader than any single water. Anyone new to Shorty Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 25°F in February and 54°F in August. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late May. The water is typically free of ice between late May and early December. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Shorty Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. You can camp half a mile off, which suits an early start. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. The nearest alternative is Sedge Lake, 0.2 miles out. For Shorty Lake in particular, ask before you travel.