Intake II is a small, cold-water reservoir in the Eastern Sierra that holds brook and rainbow trout in a high-altitude setting

Intake II sits at roughly 8,000 feet in the Inyo National Forest, fed by snowmelt and spring water that keeps it cold year-round. The reservoir is roughly 40 acres when full, making it intimate enough that you can cover productive water in a morning or afternoon. It holds brook trout and rainbow trout, with brookies dominating the population and rainbows scattered throughout. The water clarity is excellent — you'll often see fish cruising the shallows — and the lack of development means you're fishing in genuine backcountry, not a recreation area with crowds.

Access requires a short hike from the parking area, which keeps pressure light and the fish less educated. The reservoir drains into the Owens River system, so the water quality and fish health reflect that cold, clean environment. Intake II is not a destination for trophy fish, but it's reliable for steady action on smaller trout and a genuine sense of solitude in the high country.

Key Takeaways

  • Intake II holds brook and rainbow trout at 8,000 feet elevation, requiring a short hike to reach the water.
  • The reservoir is small and clear, making sight-fishing and reading water conditions straightforward for anglers of any skill level.
  • Brook trout dominate the population and respond well to small dry flies, nymphs, and spinners throughout the season.
  • The best fishing occurs from late spring through early fall, with summer afternoons often producing steady action on the shallows.
  • A California fishing license is required, and the Inyo National Forest has specific regulations for this drainage that you should confirm before you go.

Getting to Intake II and What to Expect on the Water

The trailhead is accessed via Highway 395 near Bishop, with parking at a small pullout that marks the start of a roughly 2-mile hike. The trail gains elevation steadily but is not technical — most anglers reach the reservoir in 45 minutes to an hour. The hike itself is part of the experience; you'll pass through sagebrush and lodgepole pine, and the air gets noticeably thinner as you climb. Bring water and take your time, especially if you're not acclimated to the altitude.

Once you reach the water, you'll see why the hike is worth it. The shoreline is rocky and irregular, with shallow bays on the north end and deeper water along the eastern bank. The inlet creek enters from the north and creates a current line that concentrates fish. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times, but the high altitude means the sun angle changes quickly — what looks dead at noon can turn on by 3 p.m. as shadows lengthen across the water.

The reservoir is cold enough that fish remain active throughout the day during summer, unlike lower-elevation lakes where they retreat to deep water in midday heat. This means you can fish productively from first light until dusk without the typical dead-zone hours.

Fly Patterns and Techniques That Work at Intake II

Brook trout at Intake II respond to small dry flies, particularly Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Stimulators in sizes 14 to 18. The water is clear and the fish are not large, so match the hatch and keep your presentation delicate. During the day, especially in summer, terrestrial patterns — ants, beetles, grasshoppers — can be deadly on the shallows. Cast near the rocky shoreline and along the inlet creek, where fish hold in the current.

Subsurface, small nymphs work year-round. Pheasant Tail nymphs in size 16 to 18, Hare's Ear, and small Copper Johns will take fish throughout the day. Fish these on a dead drift along the bottom in deeper water, or use a tight-line nymph technique in the shallows. A small split shot or tungsten bead helps you get down quickly in the cold water.

Spinners and small spoons work if you prefer spinning gear. A 1/8-ounce spinner in silver or gold will take brookies and rainbows, and the small size matches the forage base. Cast along the rocky banks and retrieve slowly — the cold water means fish are not aggressive, and a fast retrieve often produces refusals.

Seasonal Timing and Water Conditions

Intake II is typically accessible from late May through October, depending on snowpack and Forest Service road conditions. Call the Inyo National Forest ranger station in Bishop to confirm the access road is open before you make the drive. The reservoir is usually ice-free by early June, though water temperature remains in the 40s through July.

Summer (July through September) is the most reliable season. Water levels are stable, the weather is predictable, and fish are actively feeding. August and early September often see the best dry-fly action, as terrestrial insects are abundant and the water is slightly warmer than early summer. Fall (late September through October) can be excellent but brings afternoon thunderstorms and rapidly dropping temperatures — be prepared to leave quickly if weather turns.

Spring (May and June) can be productive but is less predictable. Runoff from snowmelt can muddy the water and raise levels, making sight-fishing difficult. Late May and early June, once the water clears, can produce excellent fishing before summer crowds arrive.

Regulations, Permits, and What to Bring

You need a valid California fishing license to fish Intake II. The reservoir falls under Inyo National Forest regulations, which may include specific restrictions on bait, catch limits, or seasonal closures. Check the current regulations with the Inyo National Forest website or call the Bishop ranger station before you go — regulations can change, and what was legal last year may not be this year.

Bring a day pack with water, snacks, sunscreen, and a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to fish into the evening. The altitude means sun exposure is intense, and the wind can pick up in the afternoon. Wear layers; the temperature can swing 30 degrees from morning to afternoon. A small net is useful for landing fish, and a pair of polarized sunglasses will help you spot trout in the clear water.

The hike is moderate but exposed, so good boots and a hat are essential. There are no facilities at the reservoir, so plan to carry everything in and out. The parking area has no water or restrooms, so use facilities in Bishop before you drive out.

Reading the Water and Finding Fish

Intake II's small size means you can systematically fish the entire shoreline in a day. Start at the inlet creek on the north end, where current brings food and oxygen. Fish the rocky banks methodically, working from shallow water out toward deeper areas. The transition zones — where rocky bottom meets sand, or where the inlet creek meets the main basin — concentrate fish.

The eastern bank drops off more steeply and holds larger fish, but they're also more cautious. Fish this area during low-light periods or with smaller flies and longer leaders. The shallow bays on the north and west ends are excellent for sight-fishing in clear water; polarized glasses let you spot cruising fish and cast to them before they see you.

Wind is your enemy in the shallows but your friend in deeper water. A calm morning allows sight-fishing on the flats, but once the wind picks up, move to the inlet creek or the deeper eastern bank where ripple helps hide your line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a high-altitude fishing license or special permit for Intake II?

No, a standard California fishing license covers Intake II. However, the Inyo National Forest may have specific regulations for this drainage — catch limits, bait restrictions, or seasonal closures — that differ from statewide rules. Contact the Bishop ranger station to confirm current rules before you fish.

Can I fish Intake II in winter?

The reservoir is typically frozen or inaccessible from November through May due to snow and road closures. The Forest Service closes the access road when conditions become unsafe. Call ahead to confirm the road is open before making the drive.

What's the difference between the brook trout and rainbow trout at Intake II?

Brook trout are more abundant and typically smaller, ranging from 6 to 10 inches. They're aggressive and respond well to small flies. Rainbow trout are less common but often larger, reaching 12 inches or more. Rainbows are more selective and require finer presentations, but they fight harder when hooked.

Is there camping near Intake II?

There is no developed campground at the reservoir itself. The nearest camping is at Inyo National Forest sites near Bishop, roughly 30 to 45 minutes' drive away. Many anglers fish Intake II as a day trip from Bishop or from higher-elevation Forest Service camps in the area.

What should I do if I hook a large fish at Intake II?

Keep your rod tip up and maintain steady pressure — the cold water means fish tire quickly, but they also run hard when first hooked. Use a small net if you have one, and handle the fish gently if you plan to release it. The water is cold enough that fish recover quickly after release, but minimize air exposure.