South Lake near West Bishop: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Set in Inyo County, South Lake is a California water. It stands 9,711 feet above sea level. Surface area is around 174 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. It is a smooth basin, with the interest below the waterline rather than along it. Size puts it in the front rank of our Inyo County list. Head to West Bishop, 15 miles away, for anything you forgot. The big place round here is Clovis, 66 miles distant. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on South Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. County-wide records name california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and owens sucker. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Read South Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between February at about 19°F and August at about 50°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Break-up comes around mid June, and the run that follows is short and strong. Averages place the thaw at mid June and the freeze at mid November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. On South Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. There is a launch about half a mile from the bank. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. There is a mapped landing stage half a mile away. A picnic spot sits half a mile from the bank. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. If the gate is shut, Hurd Lake at 0.8 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at South Lake are worth checking on the day.