Inyo is trout country - Brook, Browns, Rainbows, Goldens, Cutthroats. Three streams have earned official designation as Wild Trout Streams, where the fish are left to reproduce naturally. Take a walk along the San Joaquin or Hot Creek and you will see a slew of fisherman trying to hook these wily creatures. Or head into the high country and try your luck in the lakes, many stocked by the Forest Service.
Here's a sampler. The full list would go on forever.
Middle Fork - San Joaquin River - The river originates beneath Mt. Ritter, where the waters run out of lakes like Ediza and Thousand Island. By the time it reaches the Devil's Postpile, the trout run 2100 to the mile, three-quarters native Browns. That population earns it a Wild Trout Stream designation. A fabulous spot to wade in. Easiest access is from Agnew Meadows or the Devil's Postpile National Monument.
Hot Creek - Warmed by water bubbling up from magma 3 miles down, Hot Creek is home to the Gambsia, the Owens sucker, and the Tui Cub, and Rainbow and Brown trout have been introduced. The creek is now designated as a Wild Trout Stream, and is Catch and Release only with artificial flies and barbless hooks. Get there a few miles south of Mammoth on Highway 395 at the turnoff to the Hot Creek Geologic Site. Fisherman can stop before the main parking area and climb down the rocks, or you can follow the water's beautiful S curves up from the geyser pool and cast as you go.
Special Feature...
A Golden Opportunity - Inyo's Cottonwood Lakes are open and the giant native California Golden trout are biting.
Owens River - Down in the valley between the Sierras and the White Mountains, the Owens river is a different experience than the mountain streams. But the fish population measures up to Wild Trout Stream status. You can test your skills from north of Mammoth to south of Bishop. Pick a point. Panther lures can prove themselves here.
Bishop Creek Canyon - Try the creek itself with jigs, salmon eggs, or worms, or hit the lakes: South Lake where one fellow pulled out a 6 lb. 11 oz. Rainbow in 1995, Lake Sabrina, where the fishing is good near the inlets with worms or power bait; North Lake, jigs, worms, and salmon eggs recommended.
Rock Creek Canyon - Upper and lower creeks and the lake, source of a near-9 lb. Rainbow in 1995.
Mono Lake Area - Ada, Agnew, and Cascade Lakes for Brook; the Conness, Gibb and Dana Lakes for Goldens, Burrow Lakes for Rainbows; Ellery and Grant Lakes for a variety. Stop in the Ranger office and see where else they are biting.
Mammoth Area - Tons of lakes to choose from, like Twin, Mary, George, Crowley, Convict, and June. Don't overlook the streams: Lower Virginia, West and Little Walker, Rush, Mammoth, McGee. The list goes on.
Cottonwood Lakes - Pristine habitat for native California Golden Trout—a hike to get there, but worth it.
from Away.com
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Here's a sampler. The full list would go on forever.
