Gilbert Lake Fishing
John Muir Wilderness

Sierra Fishing Destinations

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Gilbert Lake Fishing

John Muir Wilderness - Inyo County

Gilbert Lake rewards anglers with pleasant fishing in lightly forested setting in the John Muir Wilderness region of the Eastern Sierra. Beyond the lake, jagged peaks stand along the Sierra crest, marking the edge of Kings Canyon National Park. At 10,400 feet, Gilbert Lake offers cool mountain air and good fishing for brook trout and a few brown trout.

Only a short distance up the trail from Gilbert Lake is Flower Lake, popular with backpackers and also known for its enjoyable fishing. A number of other lakes are nearby, such as Matlock Lake, which can be reached by side trails or short cross-country jaunts. Gilbert Lake is 2 miles and a 1,200-foot climb from its Onion Valley trailhead, making it an easy day trip for those used to hiking mountain trails.

Gilbert Lake

Other Featured Trips Near Gilbert Lake

Big Pine Lakes - Start from the end of the road 9 miles east of Big Pine. Backpack into the Big Pine Lakes area for days of great fishing in spectacular country.
Bull Lake - an easy hike out of South Lake takes you to this often-overlooked gem a half-mile off the main trail
Marie Louise Lakes - great little lakes near South Lake
Hungry Packer Lake - spectacular scenery, top fishing spot
Baboon Lakes - beautiful lakes to explore, days of good fishing

Gilbert Lake

In My Creel

Adams
Elk Hair Caddis
Parachute Adams
Olive Wooly Bugger
Luhr-Jensen Hus Lure
Mepps Little Wolf
Panther Martin lures

Fishing improved as soon as I moved away from the easily accessed shore of the lake. At the upper end I found some open places where it was easy to cast and the fish were interested.

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Recommended Books, Maps, Lures, and Flies for Fishing the John Muir Wilderness

High Sierra Fly Fishing : Basics to Advanced Tactics A great book for fishing Sierra lakes and streams. Covers everything from beginning to advanced tactics.
FISHINGSIR Fly Fishing Flies Kit - 64/100/110/120pcs Handmade Fly Fishing Lures - Dry/Wet Flies,Streamer, Nymph, Emerger with Waterproof Fly Box - Large selection of flies includes trusted patterns (such as Adams, Woolly Bugger, Elk Hair Caddis, Griffith's Gnat, Stimulator, Egg Fly, etc.) used by anglers around the world.
Acme Tackle SW105/BKT Kastmaster Brook Trout, 1/8 oz Ideal for trout
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.

Big Pothole Lake

Sierra Fishing Destinations

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Making Your Way to Gilbert Lake

The trailhead for Gilbert Lake is at Onion Valley, 15 miles east of Independence on Highway 395. The trailhead is popular with backpackers heading over Kearsarge Pass into Kings Canyon National Park. Facilities at the trailhead include ample parking, vault toilets, information kiosks, usually (but not always working) potable water, and bear boxes. Don't leave any food or scented items in your car. Label it and put it in the bear boxes while you are away.

Along the Trail

The trail starts uphill right away with swtichbacks across an open hillside. You soon pass a side trail leading to Golden Trout Lake, a tempting diversion. From the trailhead Golden Trout Lake is a little over 2 miles and a 2,200-foot climb - better saved for another day.

Watch for waterfalls all around you as you continue up the trail to Gilbert Lake. I counted six on my most recent trip to Gilbert Lake. You'll look down on Little Pothole Lake, likely with good fishing, but I passed it by. Its big brother is up the trail at the foot of Kearsarge Pass. Eventually the trail levels out and you find yourself at Gilbert Lake.

Camping

I have seen people camping at Gilbert Lake, but a short distance farther up the trail more spacious campsites can be found at Flower Lake. Those seeking a little more solitude head over to Matlock Lake or one of its several neighbors. Wilderness permits are required for overnight camping in the John Muir Wilderness.

A number of Forest Service campgrounds are in the area near the trailhead, including Onion Valley Campground right at the trailhead and Upper and Lower Grays Meadow Campground farther back down the road.

California's Best Camping

For complete information about campgrounds near Onion Valley and beyond, see

Fishing Supplies

On your way to the trailhead in Onion Valley, you can pick up fishing supplies at the following places:

Brock's Flyfishing Specialists, Bishop
Sierra Trout Magnet Fly Shop, Bishop
High Sierra Tackle, Bishop
Mac's Sporting Goods, Bishop
Hi Country Market & Hardware, Big Pine
Lone Pine Sporting Goods, Lone Pine

Gilbert Lake Fishing
John Muir Wilderness

Sierra Fishing Destinations