Mono County Fishing
Mono County along the eastern slope of the Sierra is one of the premier fishing destinations in California. Mono County spreads from the summit of the Sierra to the Nevada border and from Mammoth Lakes in the south nearly to Topaz Lake in the north. Within its boundaries are many of the Eastern Sierra's most popular fishing lakes: Crowley Lake, Virginia Lakes, Lundy Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Twin Lakes, Bridgeport Lake, and the entire June Lake Loop. (T.J. Lake shown above)
California record brook and brown trout were caught in Mono County. The streams in Mono County attract fly fishermen from around the world. Among the leading fishing creeks and rivers are the East Walker River, West Walker River, Lower Rush Creek, Hot Creek, and Lower McGee Creek. Wilderness fishing destinations include the Hoover Wilderness and the Toiyabe National Forest. One advantage of fishing the Eastern Sierra is that many of the little side-roads up into the mountains put you at high elevations, within easy walking distance of many alpine streams.
Mammoth Lakes
Cinko Lake
- Fish lakes and streams in the Hoover Wilderness
- Comfortable backpack destination
Conness Lakes
- day-hike from Saddlebag Lake
- Fish at the base of Mount Conness
- Twenty other prize fishing lakes in the area
Cooney Lake
- One mile from Virginia Lakes
- Enjoy great fishing for brook and rainbow trout
Crystal Lake
- Spectacular mountain lake only a short hike out of Mammoth Lakes
- Fish for rainbow, brook, and brown trout
Emerald Lake
- Twenty-minute walk from Lake Mary in Mammoth Lakes
- Fish around the lake for rainbows and brookies
Fern Lake
- a 2-mile uphill hike from June Lake to this hidden gem
- A strenuous climb pays off with excellent fly fishing
Fremont Lake
- Beautiful mountain lake teeming with big trout
- Backpack in Hoover Wilderness
- Leavitt Meadows Pack Station can pack you in
Green Lake
- A 2½-mile hike from the trailhead on Green Creek
- Beautiful scenery and a varied shoreline, enjoyable fishing
Hilton Lakes
- 2-hour hike from Rock Creek area.
- Day trip or camp overnight, explore all the lakes
Mammoth Lakes
- Fly-fishing Mecca in Eastern Sierra, 7 major lakes
- Spectacular mountain scenery
- Campgrounds, lodging, trails, restaurants all nearby
Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River
- 9 miles of river to fish in Reds Meadow
- Fish near the road or hike to remote spots
Parker Lake
- 2-mile hike to this beautiful mountain lake near June Lake
- Fish for brown and brook trout
Sherwin Lakes
- A cluster of pristine mountain lakes near Mammoth
- A one-hour hike and then cast for rainbows and browns
Skelton Lake
- An easy hike from the Mammoth Lakes area
- Fish for rainbow and brook trout
T.J. Lake
- Beautiful scenery off the beaten path in Mammoth
- A half hour walk to amazing fishing
June Lake
Recommended Books, Lures, and Flies for Fishing Mono County
- Fly Fishing Eastern Sierra Streams Where to Go, What to Use, and How to Get There, Mike Brown. Great book detailing the best streams in the Eastern Sierra. Color Photographs.
- Mepps Plain Lure Assortment Trouter Kit Spinner blades are silver or gold plated, copper, or polished brass .
- Fishin' Trails - 25 Short Hikes for Eastern Sierra Wild Trout Fishin' Trails covers the Bishop Creek area, Rock Creek, Mammoth Lakes, and more.
- Fishin' Trails 2 - 25 More Hikes for Eastern Sierra Wild Trout Fishin' Trails 2 offers more backcounrty destinations from Lone Pine to Bridgeport.
- Fly Fishing Trout Flies | Essential Flies for Trout | Hand-Tied Dry Flies, Nymphs, Streamers 32 of the most proven Trout flies, well-known for their timeless fish-catching effectiveness.
