California · Fishing
Fishing in Crowley Lake, California
Crowley Lake sits in the upper Owens Valley at the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada, and the fishing around it runs deeper than the reservoir itself.
4 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 4 spots
Crowley Lake sits in the upper Owens Valley at the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada, and the fishing around it runs deeper than the reservoir itself. The four spots covered on this page span a range of water types and effort levels: Crocker Lake, Golden Lake, and the Hilton Creek Lakes are all high-country lake fisheries you reach on foot, while Convict Lake Campground puts you right on the water with river fishing access nearby. That mix matters because conditions at elevation and conditions down at the valley floor can be completely different on the same day. Crowley Lake proper is managed by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and has its own access and permit structure, so check current LADWP rules before you show up at the gate. The Hilton Creek drainage is a reliable approach for anglers who want alpine lake fishing without a brutal approach, and Convict Lake is one of the more accessible spots in the area for families or anglers who want a shorter walk. Seasons here are compressed by Sierra snowpack, so most of the high-country lakes are not fishable until late spring or early summer, and the window closes again by October in a typical year.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to fish the lakes around Crowley Lake?
For the high-country spots like Crocker Lake, Golden Lake, and the Hilton Creek Lakes, late June through September is the realistic window most years, depending on how heavy the winter snowpack was. Convict Lake Campground and the lower-elevation water near Crowley Lake itself can fish well earlier in the season, often from late April onward once the California trout season opens.
Do I need a special permit to fish at Crowley Lake?
Crowley Lake is managed by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and access requires both a valid California fishing license and a current LADWP recreation permit. Permit requirements and fees can change seasonally, so check directly with LADWP before your trip rather than assuming last year's rules still apply.
What gear setup makes sense for the Hilton Creek Lakes and other high-country spots?
A light pack rod or a 4-piece backpacking setup works well for the Hilton Creek Lakes and similar alpine water. Small spinners, PowerBait, and dry flies all produce depending on conditions. Keep your kit simple since you are carrying everything in on foot.
Is Convict Lake Campground a good option for anglers with kids or limited mobility?
Yes, Convict Lake Campground is one of the more accessible fishing spots in this group. The campground sits right at the lake, and the shoreline is relatively easy to navigate. It is a much shorter commitment than the hike-in lakes and still offers legitimate fishing rather than just scenery.
What skill level do the hike-in lakes like Crocker Lake and Golden Lake require?
These are backcountry lake fisheries that require a moderate hike, so basic trail fitness and navigation comfort are expected. They are not technical climbs, but you should be prepared for elevation gain, variable weather, and the fact that there is no ranger station or cell service once you are up there.
