If you’re planning an RV camping trip in California’s High Sierra, make sure to include fishing in your itinerary because this wild beauty has dozens of lakes, rivers and streams abundant with rainbow, golden and native brook trout. Also, don’t forget to book a travel trailer from Adventure in Camping, an RV rental company known for its trailers with home-like amenities like kitchen, flush toilet, sink and beds.
Planning your fishing trip at Mammoth Lakes
Despite countless pristine rivers and lakes in the High Sierra, Mammoth Lakes is arguably the best fishing spot with its cluster of lakes regularly stocked with trout. Situated in the eastern part of the mountain range with an altitude of more than 8,000 feet, it’s not just an angler’s paradise but also an excellent RV camping site with scenic views.
Despite its remote location, this nature destination is dotted with developed RV camps and has a full-service community that includes a hospital, restaurants and bars, and grocery stores.
Tips for a pleasant fishing experience at Mammoth Lakes
Planning your fishing trip well ahead of time means you’ll have a better chance of getting the reservations you want. Remember that many campsites can’t simply accept walk-ins during the peak season (summer).
To help you have a stress-free and fun experience, read our six must do’s when fishing at Mammoth Lakes.
Bring the right kind of fishing rod
For a newbie angler, it may be overwhelming to choose from a wide range of fishing rods–e.g, casting rods, surf casting rods, trolling rods, boat rods, spinning rods and fly fishing rods. And while you may think that they are all created equal, note that the best one depends on the type of fish you’re dealing with.
At Mammoth Lakes, a fly rod or a spinning rod is the ideal fishing gear because it’s good at catching trout species.
If you don’t want to spend on buying your own fishing rod and other gear, you can rent them from fishing rentals in Mammoth Lakes.
Use the right bait
The kind of fish that you’re planning to catch also dictates the “ideal” bait. The idea is to use one that they eat in their natural environment. For instance, trout are known to be picky eaters that often only respond to fish egg imitation baits, clumps of salmon eggs, small crawfish imitators, maggots and worms, and aquatic insects.
Know the best fishing spot
Mammoth Lakes is actually a collection of seven major lakes that are easily accessible by car. And if fishing is your main reason for visiting this popular nature destination, you may want to choose Lake Mary, especially around its outlet at the northern end or the inlet on its western side.
Being the largest lake in the region, Lake Mary is also ideal for boating and kayaking. (Note: You can easily find boat ramps and other facilities here.)
Meanwhile, all the lakes in the area are regularly stocked with trout, which you can fish from shore or boat.
Know the right timing
While technically, you can fish any time of the day, you may want to schedule it early morning or early evening. Remember that at midday (particularly on a sunny day), fish tend to move deeper into the river or lake.
Don’t forget your sunscreen
Fishing means you’ll be out in the sun for the better part of the day; that’s why you need to bring sunscreen and some type of protective clothing (hats, sunglasses, etc.).
Even on a cloudy day, you need to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply it every two hours to protect your skin from painful sunburns.
Bring on-the-go snacks
If you want to maximize your time, it’s ideal to bring a packed lunch; opt for on-the-go foods like pizzas, sandwiches, baked ham and cheese rollups, breakfast rolls, cornbread, nuts, chips and bananas.
Final word
Now that you know everything about fishing at Mammoth Lakes, why not start your nature escapade with Adventure in Camping? Book your travel trailer today or call us at (760) 935-4890 for reservations.
