What North Lake offers and how to fish it

North Lake sits at 9,500 feet in the Eastern Sierra, about 10 miles northwest of Bishop on a steep dirt road that closes in winter. The lake holds brook trout and golden trout in cold, clear water surrounded by granite peaks and whitebark pines. Fish here run 8 to 14 inches mostly, with occasional larger fish in the deeper sections. The lake is small enough—roughly 40 acres—that you can cover productive water in a morning, but deep enough that trout suspend in the middle during midday heat.

Access is straightforward: drive Highway 395 north from Bishop, turn west on North Lake Road (Forest Road 8S09), and follow it to the parking area and boat launch. The road is rough but passable in a standard vehicle when snow is gone, usually May through October. No motorboats are allowed, so you fish from shore or bring a float tube or small raft. The nearest services—gas, food, lodging—are in Bishop, 30 minutes downhill.

Key Takeaways

  • North Lake closes under snow from November through April, and the access road becomes impassable; call the Bishop Ranger District to confirm conditions before driving.
  • Brook trout dominate the catch and respond to small spinners, flies, and bait fished near the inlet creek and along the eastern shoreline drop-off.
  • Golden trout occupy deeper water and are more selective; they prefer small dry flies and nymphs in the early morning and late evening.
  • A California fishing license is required; purchase one online through the Department of Fish and Wildlife or at sporting goods stores in Bishop.
  • The lake sits above 9,000 feet, so arrive early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and bring layers—weather changes fast in the high country.

When to fish North Lake

The season runs from late May through mid-October, depending on snowmelt and road conditions. Early season—late May through June—brings the most active fishing as water warms slightly and insects hatch. The inlet creek, which feeds the lake from the north, is particularly productive in early summer when snowmelt runs high and brings food downstream. Fish are aggressive and less selective during this window.

July and August see slower midday fishing as the lake warms and trout move deeper, but dawn and dusk remain excellent. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in August, so plan to be off the water by 3 p.m. September and early October offer cooler water, fewer crowds, and renewed feeding activity, though the season can end abruptly if early snow closes the road. Check the Bishop Ranger District website or call ahead before making the drive in late September.

Tackle and techniques that work here

Brook trout at North Lake respond well to small spinners in silver or gold—size 0 and 1 Panther Martins and Mepps work consistently. Cast near the inlet and along the rocky eastern shore where the bottom drops off sharply. Retrieve slowly and pause frequently; brook trout often hit on the pause. Bait fishing with small pieces of nightcrawler or salmon eggs is effective from shore, especially in the early morning and late evening.

Golden trout are pickier and prefer flies. Small dry flies—size 16 to 20 Adams, Pale Morning Duns, and Caddis patterns—work during the hatch, typically mid-morning and late afternoon. Nymphs fished under a strike indicator in the deeper sections produce throughout the day. If you bring a float tube or raft, you can reach the center of the lake where goldens suspend in 20 to 40 feet of water. A 4-weight or 5-weight fly rod is ideal; bring a sinking line or sink-tip for deeper presentations.

Shore access and camping nearby

The parking area at North Lake has a small boat launch and a few spots to fish from shore, though the shoreline is rocky and steep in most places. The best shore fishing is along the eastern side where a gentle slope meets deeper water. Bring a small backpack with water, snacks, and a headlamp—you may want to fish into dusk. The lake has no facilities; the nearest restroom is at the ranger station in Bishop.

North Lake Campground sits at the parking area and offers about 10 sites with vault toilets but no water or hookups. Sites fill quickly on weekends in July and August. Reservations are not available; camping is first-come, first-served. If the campground is full, Sabrina Lake Campground is 5 miles south on the same road and has more capacity. Both are managed by the Inyo National Forest and charge a small nightly fee.

Regulations and what to bring

California fishing regulations apply. You need a valid California fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at sporting goods stores in Bishop. The daily limit is five trout of any species combined. Barbless hooks are not required but are encouraged for catch-and-release fishing. Check current regulations before you go, as rules can change.

Bring layers—fleece, a windbreaker, and a warm hat—because temperature swings are extreme at 9,500 feet. The sun is intense at altitude, so sunscreen and sunglasses are essential. Bring more water than you think you need; the air is dry and dehydration happens fast. A headlamp or flashlight is useful if you fish into dusk. If you plan to float tube or raft, bring a personal flotation device; the water is cold enough that hypothermia is a real risk if you capsize.

Getting there and road conditions

From Bishop, drive north on Highway 395 for about 2 miles, then turn west on North Lake Road (Forest Road 8S09). The road climbs steeply and is unpaved for the final 8 miles. In good conditions, the drive takes 45 minutes to an hour. The road is typically open from late May through mid-October, but early or heavy snow can close it without warning. Call the Bishop Ranger District at (760) 873-2400 before you drive to confirm the road is open and passable.

A standard passenger vehicle can make the drive when the road is dry, but high clearance helps. After heavy rain or early snow, the road becomes muddy and rutted; a truck or SUV is safer. Do not attempt the drive in winter or immediately after a storm. If you are unsure about conditions, ask at the ranger station in Bishop or at a local fly shop—they know the current status and can advise whether the trip is worth the risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish North Lake in winter?

No. The access road closes under snow, usually by November, and does not reopen until late May. The lake itself remains fishable under the ice, but reaching it requires a winter mountaineering approach that is beyond most anglers' skill and equipment. Plan your trip between late May and mid-October.

Do I need a boat to fish North Lake?

No, but a float tube or small raft gives you access to deeper water where golden trout hold during the day. Shore fishing is productive, especially early and late in the day, and requires no equipment beyond a rod and tackle. If you bring a float tube, wear a personal flotation device—the water is very cold.

What is the difference between the brook trout and golden trout here?

Brook trout are more aggressive and easier to catch; they hit spinners and bait readily and tolerate warmer water. Golden trout are more selective, prefer flies, and hold in deeper, colder sections. Both are worth targeting, but if you want consistent action, focus on brook trout near the inlet and shoreline.

Is there cell service at North Lake?

Cell service is spotty or absent at the lake itself. If you need to contact someone in an emergency, drive back down the road toward Bishop where service improves. Bring a map and compass or GPS device, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

What should I do if the road is closed when I arrive?

Do not attempt to drive around a closure gate or barrier. The road is closed for safety—mud, snow, or washouts make it impassable and dangerous. Return to Bishop and try again in a few days, or contact the ranger station to ask when conditions are expected to improve. Nearby alternatives include Sabrina Lake and South Lake, both accessible year-round on paved roads.