6 Mammoth Campgrounds Perfect for Fishing
Peaceful Mammoth campgrounds you can easily walk to the lake to start fishing!
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Rather than spending hours researching lakes with campsites and what types of fish are in the lake, I want to save you a little time by providing a list of all the lakes within Mammoth you can easily fish and camp at.
Here is a list of 6 lakes with each one having either one or a few different campgrounds you can choose between. Some are located within the city of Mammoth itself (the popular ski areas), while others are a simple 15 to 20 minute drive from the main city if you are hoping to escape the crowds.
Keep in mind, most of these campgrounds are only open from May to October each year.
Mammoth Campgrounds
1. Convict Lake
Convict Lake is a great location for anyone looking to escape the crowds of Mammoth and hoping for a more remote camping experience. The Convict Lake Campground is a spacious area with a very welcoming community. There are no hook up so you will either be off-grid or dry camping depending how you camp. Both campsites are a very short walk or drive to reach Convict Lake--making it quite the hidden gem.
If you love fun facts, Convict Lake got it's name after two convicts escaped a prison in Carson City, NV in 1871. Eventually, the police found both convicts, shot and killed them both right in front of the lake--thus Convict Lake
As for fishing, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout and also contains beautiful brown trout. If using an open reel, inflating nightcrawls on a leader is common as well as mini jigs (caramel apple seems to be a hit). Obviously it's hard to know what the fish are biting on, so be sure to stop by the Convict Lake General Store to get some tips and gear. Regardless, the crystal clear, turquoise-blue water makes you're time on the lake unforgettable--even without a catch.
2. Lake Crowley
Before reaching both Convict Lake and the Mammoth Lakes (if heading north on the 395), you'll drive past Lake Crowley spanning over 12 miles long and 5 miles wide.
If you're looking to camp, there are plenty of campsites to choose from with some having full-hook up and others being off-grid.
Full Hook-up Campsites:
Off-Gride Campsites:
If you hope to catch a variety of fish, then look no further beacsue Lake Crowley contains not only rainbow and brown trout, but also Owens sucker and pupfish, as well as Sacramento perch. It's very common to find a fishing guide if you're new to fishing or if you want to have a very successful fishing trip.
3. Lake Mary
Location within Mammoth Lakes, Lake Mary is one of the many lakes you can fish and camp at. According to the USDA, the lake has brown, rainbow, and brooke trout can all be caught on the lake, typically with silver lures, spinners, gold spoons, or just common trout bait. There are also a few streams where you can get lucky too.
As for camping (off-grid) , here are some options:
4. Lake George
Lake George offers one off-grid campsite--Lake George Campsite--however; you could always stay at a campsite on Lake Mary and make an easy drive over to fish.
As for fish, it's reguarly stocked with rainbow, brook, and brown trout.
Keep in mind, there are few lakes you can hike for fishing if you're hoping for a more private fishing day. TJ Lake and Crystal Lake
5. Lake Mami
Lake Mami is right across from Lake Mary, with the Lake Mary Campground being the closest and of course, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout.
6. Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes is one of the more popular fishing lakes along with Lake Mary and Convict lake. Huge brown and rainbow trout can be caught here along with brook trout, native cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon.
As for camping, the Twin Lakes Campground is the spot if you want to be right on the lake and fish more conviently.
Other Camground in Mammoth Lakes City
If you do not mind waking up a little earlier to get on the water, there are plently of other campground (with full hook-up) if that better suits your needs or maybe you do try a few days off-grid and finish up at a full hook-up campground.
Full Hook-up Campsites:
Off-Grid Campsites:
Conclusion
Most of these Lakes are only open during the Spring and Summer seasons due to the large amounts of snow Mammoth recieves, so as always, plan ahead. Regardless, Mammoth offeres a range of camping, fishing, and winter activites year-round--making Mammoth beyond worth the trip. If you are searching for more remote fishing lakes, there are plenty of smaller lakes you can hike to.
