What You'll Find at Convict Lake
Convict Lake sits at 7,583 feet in a glacial basin about 2 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, ringed by steep granite peaks and accessible by a paved road that stays open most of the year. The lake holds rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout, with rainbows dominating the catch. Fish here run larger than you'll find in many nearby streams—rainbows regularly reach 14 to 18 inches, and browns push into the 20-inch range. The water is cold and clear, which means the trout are selective about what they eat and when.
The lake's reputation draws anglers from across California and Nevada, especially in summer and early fall. Crowds are real on weekends, but the fishing pressure has not killed the fishery—the lake is stocked regularly and holds enough wild fish to keep things interesting. The shoreline is mostly accessible, with a trail that circles the lake and several pullouts where you can fish without a long walk. A resort on the north shore offers lodging, a restaurant, and a marina with boat rentals if you want to reach deeper water or the far banks.
Key Takeaways
- Convict Lake holds rainbow, brook, and brown trout, with rainbows most common and fish averaging 14 to 18 inches.
- The lake sits at 7,583 feet and is reached by paved road from Mammoth Lakes, staying accessible most of the year unless heavy snow closes the access road temporarily.
- Early morning and evening produce better than midday, especially in summer when the sun is intense and trout retreat to deeper water.
- Fly fishing works well in spring and fall; spinning gear and trolling are effective year-round, particularly in summer when fish are deeper.
- A day-use fee is charged at the parking area, and the resort offers food, lodging, and boat rentals if you want to fish from the water.
When to Fish Convict Lake
Spring (April through May) brings the best dry-fly fishing, as insects hatch in larger numbers and trout feed actively in the shallows. Water levels rise from snowmelt, and the lake is less crowded than summer. Afternoon winds can be strong, but mornings are often calm enough for technical fly work.
Summer (June through August) is peak season for crowds and for boat traffic. Trout move deeper during the day to escape the sun and heat, so early morning and evening shore fishing works better than midday. If you fish from a boat, you can reach deeper structure and troll effectively. Nights cool dramatically at this elevation, so bring layers even in July.
Fall (September through October) offers excellent fishing as water temperatures drop and trout feed more actively throughout the day. The lake is less crowded than summer, and the light is softer. Winds tend to be lighter than spring. By late October, snow can close the access road, though this varies year to year.
Winter fishing is possible but unpredictable. The road can close for weeks at a time, and when it is open, the lake is cold and trout are less active. Some anglers fish through the ice, but access and conditions change rapidly.
Fly Fishing Techniques and Patterns
Dry flies work best in spring and early summer, particularly in the first two hours after sunrise. Mayfly patterns in sizes 14 to 18—PMDs, pale morning duns, and Callibaetis—match the hatches. Caddis patterns in tan and olive also draw strikes. Fish the shallows along the north and west shores where insects emerge. Cast parallel to the shoreline rather than straight out, and watch for rises before you start casting.
Nymphs and streamers produce year-round and are especially effective in fall and winter. Woolly Buggers in black, olive, and brown work well stripped slowly along drop-offs. Pheasant Tail nymphs and Hare's Ear patterns fished on a dead drift near the bottom catch fish when dry flies fail. Use a 9-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X for nymphs; go lighter (6X) only if the water is very clear and fish are refusing.
The inlet creek on the west side of the lake funnels water and concentrates trout. Fish the mouth of the creek where it enters the lake, especially in early morning. The outlet on the south end also holds fish, though it is smaller and more technical to fish.
Spinning and Trolling
Spinning gear is effective and less technical than fly fishing, especially for anglers new to the lake. Small spoons (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) in silver, gold, and copper work well cast from shore and retrieved steadily. Panther Martin spinners and similar in-line spinners also produce. Fish the drop-offs where the shallow shelf breaks into deeper water—usually 30 to 50 feet out from shore.
Trolling from a boat covers more water and reaches fish that have moved deep. Troll small spoons, spinners, and crankbaits along the drop-offs and around the islands. Early morning and late evening trolling is more productive than midday. If you rent a boat from the resort, ask the staff which areas are producing—they know the current patterns better than any guide.
Bait fishing with live minnows or PowerBait works but is less sporting and less effective than lures or flies. The lake has a no-live-bait rule for certain areas, so check current regulations before you fish.
Access, Facilities, and Regulations
Convict Lake is reached by turning south from Highway 395 at the town of Mammoth Lakes and following Convict Lake Road for about 5 miles. The road is paved and well-maintained but can close in winter. A day-use parking area charges a fee (amount varies by season). The parking lot fills on summer weekends, so arrive early or fish on weekdays.
Convict Lake Resort sits on the north shore and offers a restaurant, lodging, a marina with boat rentals, and a small store. Boat rentals are available by the hour or day. The resort also has a gas station and a tackle shop with local flies and lures. Camping is not allowed at the lake itself, but several Forest Service campgrounds are nearby in the Mammoth Lakes area.
California fishing regulations apply. You need a valid California fishing license. The lake is open year-round, but check current regulations for any seasonal closures or special restrictions. Barbless hooks are required in some areas. The lake is stocked regularly by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and wild trout also inhabit the water.
Gear and Preparation
Bring a 5-weight or 6-weight fly rod if you plan to fly fish, with a floating line for dry flies and a sinking or intermediate line for nymphs and streamers. A 9-foot leader and 50 feet of backing are standard. For spinning, a 6-foot medium-light rod with 4- to 6-pound test line handles the small lures and fish size well.
The elevation means the sun is intense and the air is thin. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses—the water is clear and polarized lenses help you spot fish and see the bottom structure. Layers are essential; mornings and evenings are cold even in summer. A light rain jacket and a fleece are good insurance.
The granite peaks around the lake create wind tunnels, especially in afternoon. If you are fly fishing, plan to fish early and be ready to switch to spinning or take a break when the wind picks up. Bring a headlamp if you plan to fish dawn or dusk, and a small net makes landing fish easier on the steep banks.
Nearby Water and Alternatives
If Convict Lake is crowded or you want to explore, several other lakes and streams are within 30 minutes. Mammoth Lake itself is larger and holds similar trout but is also busier. June Lake, about 15 minutes north, is smaller and often less crowded. The Owens River below the lakes offers excellent fly fishing for wild trout in a different setting—faster water and smaller fish, but more solitude.
Hot Creek, a short drive south, is a spring-fed stream with selective trout and technical fishing. Crowley Lake, larger and deeper, holds bigger fish but requires a boat to fish effectively. Each water has its own character and season, so local tackle shops in Mammoth can point you toward what is fishing well on the day you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish Convict Lake?
No. The shoreline is accessible and productive, especially in spring and fall. A boat lets you reach deeper water and fish the middle of the lake in summer, but shore fishing from the trail and pullouts catches plenty of trout. Boat rentals are available at the resort if you want to try it.
What is the best time of day to fish?
Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before dark) are most productive year-round. In summer, midday fishing is slow because trout move deep. Spring and fall allow better midday fishing than summer.
Is the road to Convict Lake open in winter?
The road is paved and usually passable, but heavy snow can close it for days or weeks. Call the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center or the resort before you drive in winter to confirm conditions. Summer and fall are the most reliable seasons.
What size trout should I expect?
Rainbows average 14 to 18 inches, with some reaching 20 inches. Browns run larger, often 18 to 24 inches, but are less common. Brook trout are smaller, usually 10 to 14 inches. Stocking and wild reproduction keep the population healthy.
Can I fish the inlet and outlet creeks?
Yes. The inlet creek on the west side and the outlet on the south are both fishable and often hold concentrated trout. The inlet is easier to access and more productive. Both are small and technical, so fly fishing or small spinners work best.