What Lake George Offers

Lake George sits at 10,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra, about 3 miles north of Mammoth Lakes village. It's a small alpine lake — roughly 11 acres — that holds rainbow and brook trout in cold, clear water. The lake is accessible by car year-round on a paved road, which makes it different from many high-elevation waters in the range that require hiking or seasonal access.

The shoreline is rocky and steep in places, with scattered lodgepole pines and open granite. Depth runs from 20 to 40 feet in most of the lake, with a shallow inlet where Mammoth Creek feeds in from the north. That inlet is where most of the feeding happens, especially in early morning and late afternoon.

The trout here are not large — most fish run 8 to 12 inches, with occasional fish to 14 inches — but they're eager and the water is clean. The lake rarely gets crowded because it's small and sits just off the main highway, so locals know it but pass-through anglers often miss it.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake George is a 10,000-foot alpine lake 3 miles north of Mammoth Lakes village, accessible by paved road year-round.
  • The inlet where Mammoth Creek enters is the most productive area, especially during early morning and evening hours.
  • Trout average 8 to 12 inches; fly fishing and small spinners work best in the cold, clear water.
  • No motorboats are allowed, and the lake has a day-use area with parking and a small picnic zone.
  • Afternoon winds are common at this elevation, so plan to fish early or late in the day for calmer conditions.

How to Reach Lake George

From Mammoth Lakes village, take Highway 395 north for about 3 miles. Turn right (east) onto Lake George Road — the turnoff is clearly marked. The road is paved and well-maintained, and the drive takes about 5 minutes from the highway. There is a small parking area and day-use facility at the lake.

The lake is open year-round, though snow can close the access road for short periods in winter. Call the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center or check the Inyo National Forest website before heading up in December through March to confirm the road is clear.

Where to Fish and What to Use

The inlet at the north end of the lake, where Mammoth Creek flows in, is the most consistent spot. Fish here in the early morning before the wind picks up, or in the evening after 5 p.m. The water is shallow and clear, so use light tippet and small flies or lures.

Fly fishing works well with small dry flies (size 16 to 20) in the inlet, or nymphs (Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear) in 2 to 4 feet of water. Spin anglers do well with 1/8-ounce spinners in silver or gold, or small spoons. The lake is cold and the trout are not aggressive, so work your fly or lure slowly and expect strikes to be gentle.

The rocky shoreline on the east and south sides holds fish too, but the water is deeper and the bottom is uneven. Wade carefully if you fish from shore, or use a float tube if you have one — the lake is small enough that a tube covers a lot of water quickly.

Timing and Conditions

Early summer (June through July) is when the lake is most reliable. The water is still cold, but the inlet is flowing well and the trout are feeding actively. By August, the water warms slightly and fishing slows a bit, though it remains decent through September.

Afternoon winds are a fact of life at 10,000 feet. The lake can go from glassy to choppy by 2 p.m., so plan to fish early morning or evening. Overcast days are often better than clear ones because the sun is intense at this elevation and the water is so clear that trout spook easily.

Winter access depends on snow. The road is plowed, but heavy storms can close it for a day or two. Spring runoff (April through May) can make the inlet murky, so clarity is best from June onward.

Regulations and What to Bring

Lake George is in Inyo National Forest and follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations. The lake is open to fishing year-round, with a two-fish daily limit for trout. You need a valid California fishing license.

No motorboats are allowed on the lake. Float tubes, rafts, and canoes are permitted. The day-use area has parking, a vault toilet, and a small picnic area, but no drinking water or other services. Bring your own water and snacks.

The elevation means weather can change fast. Bring a windbreaker even on warm mornings, and sunscreen — the sun reflects off the granite and water. If you're not acclimated to 10,000 feet, take it easy the first day; altitude affects people differently.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Lake George is crowded or the fishing is slow, several other waters are within 15 minutes of Mammoth Lakes. Mammoth Lake itself is larger and holds bigger trout, though it gets more traffic. Horseshoe Lake, just north of Lake George, is smaller and quieter but requires a short hike.

The Mammoth Lakes basin has over a dozen fishable lakes, so you have options if conditions aren't right at George. The visitor center can point you toward current conditions at each lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Lake George in winter?

Yes, the lake is open year-round and the road is usually passable, but snow can close it temporarily. Call ahead before driving up in December through March. The lake itself doesn't freeze solid, and trout bite in winter, though the water is very cold and fish are less active.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to 10 a.m.) and evening (5 p.m. to dark) are best. Afternoon winds make the lake choppy and trout less willing to feed. Overcast days are better than clear ones because the water is so transparent.

Do I need a boat to fish Lake George?

No. You can fish from shore, especially around the inlet and rocky areas. A float tube or small raft lets you cover more water and reach deeper areas, but it's not required. Many anglers do well wading or casting from the bank.

What size trout should I expect?

Most fish run 8 to 12 inches. You'll occasionally catch a 14-incher, but this is a small lake with a lot of anglers, so the average is modest. The fishing is about the experience and the setting, not trophy size.

Is there a fee to fish Lake George?

There is no day-use fee. You only need a valid California fishing license. Parking is free at the small lot near the lake.