Twin Lakes Fishing

Sierra Fishing Destinations

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Sequoia National Park

Twin Lakes are an enjoyable spot to spend a weekend, or longer, fishing and taking in the scenery. The lakes are 6.8 miles north of Lodgepole Village in Sequoia National Park. The 2,700-cimb to the lakes is a challenging single-day hike, but campsites before the lakes are unappealing, making the extra effort worthwhile. Fishing is good in both lakes for brook trout, some at respectable sizes. Stories of large rainbow trout lurking in the lakes have not been confirmed.

Check fishing regulations before heading out. Below 9,000 feet, Sequoia National Park regulations require catch and release of rainbows and allow only the use of artificial flies or barbless lures. Fortunately, Twin Lakes are at 9,400 feet. See Fishing Sequoia National Park.

Twin Lake, Sequoia National Park, California

Smaller of the Twin Lakes

Sidetrips

Ranger Lake is a wonderful little lake for fishing. Of course, to reach it you have to cross Silliman Pass, which stands above Twin Lakes. If you look at it as a hiking adventure with a little fishing on the side, it makes a great day trip from Twin Lakes.

Other Nearby Featured Trips

Marble Fork of the Kaweah River - spend some time in Lodgepole and fish along the pretty Marble Fork.
Bubbs Creek - for backpackers, setting out from Cedar Grove and fishing Bubbs Creek all the way up past Vidette Meadow is a wonderful adventure.

Twin Peaks

In My Creel

#14 Elk Hair Caddis
#14 Wooly Buggers (black and olive)
#16 Adams
#12 Blue Wing Olive
#16 Black Gnat
Mepps lures

Most of my fishing was with flies, but on the last day I tried a litle spin casting and landed one nice brook. Brook trout were easy to land, but I never latched onto one of those elusive rainbows.

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Recommended Books, Lures, and Flies for Fishing Twin Lakes

High Sierra Fly Fishing: Basics to Advanced Tactics A great book for fishing Sierra lakes and streams. Covers everything from beginning to advanced tactics.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Your Complete Hiking Guide, Mike White. An excellent guide to Kings Canyon National Park, including detailed maps, trail descriptions, and photographs. Trip descriptions include the John Muir Trail. Learn about the best campsites, the giant Sequoias, swimming spots, and much more.
Mepps Plain Lure Assortment Trouter Kit Spinner blades are silver or gold plated, copper, or polished brass.
Panther Martin Pro Guide Anywhere 6 Pack Great trout lures almost guaranteed to catch fish.
Flies Direct Elk Hare Caddis Olive Assortment Trout Fishing Flies (1-Dozen) Hand-Tied By Professionals Who Take Great Pride In Their Craftsmanship.

Ranger Lake

Sierra Fishing Destinations

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Taking the Trail up to Twin Lakes

The Twin Lakes trail departs from the Lodgepole area at a trailhead within the campground. Drive into the campground and park in the large lot before the bridge. Hike over the bridge and find the Twin Lakes trail clearly marked with a sign. The uphill climb to Twin Lakes begins immediately and then eases out somewhat leading up to Cahoon Gap. Then drop down to a stream crossing before turning uphill toward the lakes. Expect a stiff climb.

Afternoon showers are common at Twin Lakes, so if clouds are threatening as I experienced, set up your tent before heading out fishing. Within 15 minutes I had a deluge of rain. Within an hour it was over. There are good camping sites among the trees between the lakes. Bear boxes are available and there is even an outdoor toilet nearby.

Lodging and Camping

Accommodations are available in a number of excellent lodges in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Close to the Marble Fork is Wuksachi Lodge. A little farther away find John Muir Lodge, Grant Grove Cabins, Kings Canyon Lodge, and Cedar Grove Lodge.

Excellent campsites are found throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Lodgepole Campground is the closest, but only a short drive away are several other nice campgrounds.

California's Best Camping

For complete information about campgrounds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, see

Fishing Supplies

On the road heading for Sequoia, you can pick up fishing supplies at the following places:

Fisherman's Warehouse, 4320 W. Shaw Ave, Fresno
California Bait and Tackle, 4516 E. Belmont Ave, Fresno
Sportsman's Warehouse, 1650 W Visalia Pkwy., Visalia
Village Market, 40869 Sierra Dr., Three Rivers
Three Rivers Mercantile, 41152 Sierra Dr., Three Rivers
Lodgepole Village store
Grant Grove store

Twin Lakes Fishing
Sequoia National Park

Sierra Fishing Destinations