Mono County’s lakes and rivers offer more than just beautiful scenery. There are many ways to recreate and enjoy our local bodies of water this summer, including fishing, paddleboarding, and swimming. We compiled this list of water-based summer activities from Visit Mammoth and the Mammoth Lakes Trail System:
Fishing
In the Eastern Sierra, you can find Rainbow, Golden, Brown, and Lahontan cutthroat trout. Catching all four species in a day is the ‘Sierra Slam’! Our lakes also have Brook trout, Sacramento perch, Smallmouth bass, and Kokanee salmon.
Season: Generally, the last Saturday in April – November 15th. Some daily bag and possession limits change August 1st, so be sure to check the 2024-2025 Fishing Regulations.
Where to go:
According to Visit Mammoth, there are many great fishing destinations in the region. Here are a few of our top picks:
- Mammoth Lakes Basin: It’s tough to find a more scenic or accessible place to fish than the Mammoth Lakes Basin. A handful of well-stocked lakes are a short drive from town and are even accessible via the bike path and free shuttle. These lakes are regularly stocked and home to rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Twin Lakes also has a species of native tui chubs. Any regular method used for catching trout in still water will be effective. Powerbait and inflated nightcrawlers are popular for bait fishermen. Spin casters and trollers have luck with Thomas Buoyants, Rapalas, and Tasmanian Devils. Fly fishermen prefer a variety of Woolly Buggers with a nymph trailing behind.
- Upper Owens River: The “Upper O,” as many anglers call it, is a sweet spot to cast for hefty rainbows in the spring and beastly browns in the fall as the species make their spawning runs. Some of the trout get so large during the spawn that they have earned the nickname “Sierra steelhead.” One of the biggest rewards of fishing the heart of the river as it makes its way through the Long Valley Caldera is the spectacular view of the Sierra Nevada on one side and the Glass Mountains on the other.
- Sherwin and Valentine Lakes: Valentine Lake begins with a hike through a forest of old-growth Jeffrey pines and leads up another 1,000 feet above Sherwin Lakes. It’s a moderate hike, covering nearly 9 miles round-trip. The scenic lake sits within the John Muir Wilderness Area and gets so little traffic it almost feels exclusive—which is fitting since the lake is named after W. L. Valentine, who owned a private club in Mammoth in the 1920s. Fishing at either Sherwin Lakes or Valentine Lake provides solid backcountry fishing, gorgeous views, and an off-the-beaten-path feel, all while you’re still close to town.
Book a fishing trip: Whether it’s your first time fishing or you’re a lifetime angler, you need gear, or simply want to make the most of your fishing experience in Mammoth Lakes, you might want to consider booking a fishing trip with a professional guide. Mono County Tourism has a great list of guides here.
This August, there are two events and one free fishing day! Test your abilities in a fishing contest, or enjoy free fishing in Mono County on August 31.
- August 2-3: Bridgeport Fish Fest – Fishing derby, live music, family-fun event hosted by the Twin Lakes Resort. More updates on Facebook: Twin Lakes Resort
- August 24- November 15: “Ambush at the Lake” Fall Fishing Derby – Convict Lake. Catch a tagged fish at the Convict Lake Fall Fishing Derby Series and win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes! Contact Convict Lake Resort – (800) 992-2260 for more information.
- August 31: Free Fishing Day – Come and fish for FREE in Mono County! All regulations still apply and Report Cards are required — but Fishing Licenses are waived on this day. For more information on Mono County fishing regulations, contact the California Department of Fish & Wildlife at 760-934-2664 or visit the website for more information.
Paddleboard
Where to go, from Mammoth Lake Trail System:
- Convict lake: Convict Lake is one of the most iconic lakes in the High Sierra and one of the most easily accessed by car. Stand-up paddling across deep, crystal-clear water, beneath the towering granite and limestone cliffs of Mount Morrison and Laurel Mountain, is an experience not soon forgotten. Park at the marina at the north end of the lake and enjoy an easy launch from the public boat ramp, or if you prefer, park and launch from the beach on the east shore. For glassy water, start early in the day—the earlier, the better—before the afternoon winds kick up. Bring your pet along and your fishing rod!
- Horseshoe lake: Horseshoe Lake is a perfect spot for beginners to hone their paddleboarding skills. The water level varies wildly from spring to fall and from year to year; in dry seasons, especially late summer or fall, be prepared for a long hike down the sandy beach from the parking area to the water. Horseshoe is more protected from wind than other lakes in the Basin, but you’ll always find the glassiest water early in the morning. The beach here is also a popular dog play area—bring your pet and let them ride or swim alongside your board!
- Lake Mary: Stand-up paddling on Lake Mary is an unforgettable experience with clear water, spectacular views of Crystal Crag and the Mammoth Crest, and plenty of room to explore. There are multiple locations for launching on the north and south shores. For the smoothest water, start early in the day—preferably as early as possible—before the afternoon winds pick up. Paddle out to the middle of the lake to get beyond long-casting fisherman. Be aware of other boaters. Explore the snags along the southeast shore for a chance to see bald eagles or osprey fishing for trout. Note: Lake Mary is a source of drinking water, so no swimming allowed!
Rent a paddleboard or kayak:
Mammoth Lakes:
- Footloose Sports (760) 934-2400
- Mammoth Kayaks & Paddleboards (866) 686-9257
- Wave Rave Snowboard Shop (760) 934-2471
Lake Mary area: Pokonobe Resort and Marina or the Lake Mary Marina (760-934-5353)
Jet ski/Motor boat
Both Crowley Lake and Grant Lake allow waterskiing and jet skiing; however, no rentals are available, so you’ll need to bring your own watercraft. Grant Lake is also great for windsurfing. High mountain lakes can be very cold, so a wetsuit is recommended to help insulate your body from the chilly water (Visit Mammoth).
Swim
For a drive-up swim, try Horseshoe Lake. If you’re in the mood for a quick hike, you can reach McLeod Lake via a 1/2 mile trail from the Horseshoe Lake parking lot. This lake offers long, sandy beaches, interesting sun-bleached snags for the kids to climb on and dramatic views of both the backside of Mammoth Mountain and the sheer granite escarpment of Mammoth Crest (Mammoth Lakes Trail System).
Escape the city and beat the heat with an unforgettable summer vacation to Mammoth Lakes! If you’re ready to experience everything our mountain town has to offer, book a room at the Alpenhof Lodge and let the summer fun commence.