Upper Horsethief Lake Fishing in Fresno County, California

• Overview

  Upper Horsethief Lake lies within the bounds of Fresno County, California. It sits at 8,353 feet above sea level. This is a tiny water, and one quiet approach covers all of it. Most waters listed here for Fresno County are larger. The closest town, Auberry, is 18 miles distant. Beyond it, Oakhurst at 21 miles and Coarsegold at 24 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Upper Horsethief Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Fresno County records list brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, green sunfish and Sacramento sucker among the fish reported. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Work Upper Horsethief Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put August near 68°F and January near 38°F. Long warm spells define the calendar more than any cold. Shade and hour of day matter more than month. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Plan around that when you fish Upper Horsethief Lake. Cool nights slow the mornings but sharpen the evenings.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Lower Horsethief Lake, 0.4 miles away. None of that is settled for Upper Horsethief Lake in what we hold.