South Lake - Bishop, CA

outh Lake, a cherished and iconic fishery nestled deeply within the spectacular Bishop Creek Canyon, stands as a prime and expansive destination for both spin and fly anglers seeking exceptional trout fishing. Renowned for its cold, crystal-clear, and highly oxygenated waters, South Lake supports a diverse and robust population of trout, including Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and even the elusive Golden Trout, offering a truly varied angling experience. With a surface area of approximately 170 acres, South Lake provides ample space for anglers to spread out and explore its numerous coves, inlets, and deeper channels. While there is generally good shore access, many of the most productive fishing spots and opportunities to target larger, trophy-sized trout are best reached by boat. The South Lake Boat Landing, conveniently located on-site, offers a comprehensive range of amenities, including a variety of rental boats and a well-maintained launch facility for private vessels. Trolling is a highly effective and popular method on South Lake, allowing anglers to cover large expanses of water and target cruising fish at various depths using various spoons, plugs, and dodgers. For shore anglers, traditional bait fishing with PowerBait, worms, or salmon eggs are go-to choices, particularly near inlets and drop-offs. Fly fishing is also immensely popular and productive, with anglers exploring the lake's myriad coves and inlets, as well as deeper sections from boats, using a variety of nymph, streamer, and dry fly patterns. South Lake boasts a rich history of producing trophy-sized trout, with impressive Rainbow and Brown Trout regularly reported caught. The tackle shop at the boat landing ensures anglers have access to current conditions, recommended techniques, and any necessary gear. The fishing season generally mirrors that of other high-elevation Eastern Sierra lakes, typically running from late April or early May through November, weather permitting. Its grand scale, diverse trout populations, and excellent infrastructure solidify South Lake's reputation as a premier destination for serious trout anglers.