Sullivan Lake, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Sullivan Lake is a Mono County water, California side. It sits at 9,820 feet above sea level. At 21 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. 12 miles away sits Mammoth Lakes, the nearest town. Yosemite Valley lies 22 miles off, Oakhurst another 39 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Sullivan Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Mono County records list brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout among the fish reported. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. At Sullivan Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 21°F in February up to 52°F in August. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early June. Ice usually gives way near early June, and forms again about late November. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. At Sullivan Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Weber Lake sits 0.5 miles off and takes the overflow. Treat access at Sullivan Lake as something to verify.