Steelhead Lake Fishing in Mono County, California

• Overview

  The Mono County entry here is Steelhead Lake, in California. What surrounds it is rolling bush. It covers about 21 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. The town to know is Mammoth Lakes, 14 miles out. West Bishop follows at 22 miles, then Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek at 23 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Steelhead Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Mono County records list brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, owens sucker and california golden trout among the fish reported. The county list is broader than any single water. On Steelhead Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 20°F to 50°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Break-up comes around mid June, and the run that follows is short and strong. The season between ice runs from about mid June to mid November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. The season on Steelhead Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Grass Lake, 0.6 miles away. Check the position at Steelhead Lake before loading the car.