Convict Creek - Mammoth Lakes, CA

Convict Creek, originating from Convict Lake near Mammoth Lakes, California, is a distinguished trout fishery renowned for its clarity, aesthetic appeal, and productive angling opportunities. This lotic system supports robust populations of stocked Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), regularly augmented by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and a significant, naturally reproducing population of wild Brown Trout (Salmo trutta), notably including migratory specimens from Convict Lake.

Angling methodologies are comprehensive. Conventional bait presentations and spin casting with diminutive artificial lures are efficacious for stocked trout in accessible lower reaches. Fly fishing is particularly efficacious for targeting wild trout, demanding nuanced presentations. Nymphing with imitative patterns (e.g., caddis, stonefly, mayfly) is consistently productive subsurface. Streamer patterns (e.g., baitfish imitations) are exceptionally effective for enticing large Brown Trout, particularly during low-light conditions or migratory periods. Optimal fishing periods span from late spring through autumn, aligning with the official trout season, with heightened activity during fall brown trout migrations. Access is excellent via the Convict Lake Road. Anglers are unequivocally mandated to consult current CDFW regulations for specific bag limits and any area-specific provisions, ensuring adherence to established conservation protocols for this Eastern Sierra resource.