Valor Lake, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Look for Valor Lake in the Inyo County part of California. The surface lies 11,237 feet up. About 11 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It sits higher than most water we list in California. West Bishop is the closest town at 25 miles. The big place round here is Clovis, 56 miles distant. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Valor Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. County-wide records name california golden trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and owens sucker. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Valor Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 52°F, with February the cold end at about 21°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around early June. Averages place the thaw at early June and the freeze at late November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. On Valor Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Ambition Lake is 0.5 miles off. For Valor Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.