Poore Lake - Sonora Junction, CA

Poore Lake is a remote alpine fishery near Sonora Junction, CA, offering excellent brook trout fishing in a serene wilderness setting. At over 8,000 feet in elevation, it is accessible only by foot or horseback, making it ideal for anglers looking for solitude and wild trout action.

This natural lake supports a healthy brook trout population, and because it receives minimal pressure, fish are typically eager to strike. Fly anglers do well with dry flies and beadhead nymphs, while spin anglers succeed using small spinners like Panther Martins. The shoreline offers both shallow and steep drop-offs, creating productive fishing zones across the lake.

Poore Lake is managed under standard Sierra Nevada regulations: five-trout limit, open season from late April through early November, with some restrictions on artificial lures and barbless hooks. There are no developed facilities, and anglers must pack in all gear and practice Leave No Trace principles.

The lake is best suited for day hikes or overnight trips from Highway 108 trailheads. Wildlife is abundant, and the scenery is spectacular. Poore Lake remains one of the Sierra’s best undiscovered backcountry trout destinations, prized for its wild fish, scenic tranquility, and rewarding angling experience.