Location
and Overview The
eastern slope of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains is well
known as a mecca for trout fishermen, and South Lake is just
one more example of why this is so. Located about 20 miles
from Bishop, CA at an elevation of 9800 feet (check out the
map), South Lake is home to
plenty of trophy-size rainbows and is conveniently close to
a number of area campgrounds and lodges. Hotel accomodations
and other amenities are available in the town of Bishop itself.
Fishermen rate South Lake:
Fishin'
South Lake
South Lake's
big draw is its plethora of rainbow trout, in sizes ranging
from pan-sized to five-pound-plus lunkers. The California
Department of Fish and Game plants fish in the lake on a regular
basis during the fishing season, which runs from the last
Saturday in April through November 15. For more info on DFG's
stocking schedule, click
here. Alpers trout are also planted in the area by
Adopt-A-Creek
throughout the season. In addition to the ubiquitous rainbows,
a number of big browns and the occasional brook trout may
also put in an appearance.
Anglers
report good results using a variety of natural
baits such as worms and salmon eggs, as well as Power Bait.
Spoons,
spinners and
jigs are also productive. Many fishermen like to rent a boat
or launch their own, and troll for the big ones out in the
middle of the lake.
South
Lake Boat Landing, located at the north end of the lake,
features boat rentals, a launch ramp, and a tackle shop which
sells bait, tackle, and snacks. The staff there will be happy
to give you tips on what baits or lures are working best.
For more information, including boat rental rates and the
latest fishing report, click
here.
If
you find yourself looking for a change of pace, South Lake
is also conveniently close to Lake
Sabrina and all the good fishin' opportunities along the
South and Middle Forks of Bishop
Creek.
South Lake Weather
The weather in the eastern Sierras can change rapidly, so
no matter what the forecast says it never hurts to be prepared
for the possibility
of rain. Summertime thunderstorms are not uncommon, although
they seldom last long. Depending on conditions during the
preceding winter, some snow may still be present at higher
elevations well into the summer fishing season. Daytime highs
during summer can range from the high 60's into the 80’s
near the lake, and up to 100 degrees plus in the town of Bishop.
Low temperatures at night can range anywhere from freezing
or below, up into the mid-40’s. Make sure you have plenty
of warm clothing and rain gear just in case.
Click
here
to see current weather conditions and forecasts for the town
of Bishop.
Lodging
and Camping
Lodging is available at several motels in the town of Bishop,
and three lodges near the creek also offer small housekeeping
cabins for rent. Parcher’s
Resort, which boasts a number of rental cabins, a store,
and a café, is located close to South Lake on South
Lake Road (these are also the folks who run the South Lake
Boat Landing). Bishop
Creek Lodge is located a few miles farther down on South
Lake Road, and in addition to rental cabins features a small
general store where fishing tackle, bait, and a limited selection
of camping gear and food can be purchased. They also have
a restaurant and pay-for-use public showers. Last but certainly
not least, on SR 168 on the way to Lake Sabrina is Cardinal
Village Resort, which also has a restaurant (open for
breakfast and lunch only), a store, and rental cabins. Habegger’s
Resort, located across the road from Bishop Creek Lodge, is
an RV park with a small general store.
Several
U.S. Forest Service campgrounds located throughout the area
offer a less expensive alternative for those who enjoy sleeping
in a tent or RV. The U.S.
Forest Service website has information on campground locations,
fees, and dates of operation. Campsite reservations can be
made through ReserveAmerica.com.
Licensing
and Regulations
All anglers must have a valid California fishing license in
their possession while fishing. Only one pole per fisherman
may be used. The trout season is open from the last Saturday
in April through November 15 every year, with a bag limit
of 5 fish per day and a total of 10 in possession.
The
California Department of Fish and Game has all the current
fishing regulations
on their website.
