Split Lake in Inyo County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Split Lake stands in Inyo County, California. The country round it is rolling bush from end to end. About 5 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. On size it sits at the modest end of our Inyo County list. Nearest town is West Bishop, 16 miles off. Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek is 18 miles and Bishop 19 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Split 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. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Fish documented in Inyo County include california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The shape of Split Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 22°F in February and 53°F in August. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Count the season from break-up, usually late May. From about late May to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. On Split Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Should this one be busy, Spire Lake is 0.4 miles off. Nothing here settles the position at Split Lake for certain.