Grant Lake - June Lake, CA

Grant Lake, located in the Eastern Sierra’s June Lake Loop, is a productive stillwater fly fishing destination known for large brown and rainbow trout, particularly in spring and fall. As the largest lake in the loop, it presents a challenging but rewarding environment for anglers seeking big trout in open, often windy waters.

Peak fly fishing occurs from ice-out through early summer and again in fall. During these periods, trout patrol the lake’s shallows near Rush Creek and other inlet areas. Streamer fishing dominates here. Sculpin, woolly bugger, and leech patterns fished on intermediate or full-sink lines are particularly effective. Trophy brown trout exceeding 10 pounds are caught annually, especially during low-light conditions or at dusk.

Though dry fly fishing opportunities exist, particularly during callibaetis and midge hatches, most success comes from subsurface presentations. Fall offers anglers a chance at aggressive pre-spawn browns, often near the shoreline and feeder creeks.

The lake is best fished from small watercraft, float tubes, or pontoon boats, though limited shoreline wading is possible. Summer can be slow due to warm surface temperatures and recreational boat traffic. As such, serious fly anglers tend to avoid midsummer and focus on shoulder seasons when fish are active and accessible.

Grant Lake offers fly anglers a remote yet accessible trophy trout experience with spectacular Sierra scenery. Its blend of size, solitude, and the potential for truly large trout make it a must-visit for serious stillwater enthusiasts