California · Fishing
Fishing in Inyokern, California
Inyokern sits at the edge of the southern Sierra Nevada, and while the town itself is high desert, it puts you within reasonable striking distance of a cluster of backcountry lakes that most California anglers never bother to reach.
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Inyokern sits at the edge of the southern Sierra Nevada, and while the town itself is high desert, it puts you within reasonable striking distance of a cluster of backcountry lakes that most California anglers never bother to reach. The fishing around here is almost entirely lake fishing — think alpine and subalpine lakes tucked into the Golden Trout Wilderness and the Sequoia National Forest. Big Five Lakes, Little Five Lakes, Wright Lakes, Coyote Lakes, and Lake South America are the names you'll see on topo maps and trail registers. Crytes Lake rounds out the list on the quieter end. None of these are drive-up spots. Getting to most of them means a multi-mile hike with elevation gain, which is exactly why they hold fish and don't get hammered the way roadside waters do. Long Valley Campground offers river fishing and works as a base camp for some of these routes. If you're coming from Inyokern, plan for the approach — trailheads in this zone typically require a Kern River Ranger District permit during peak season, and the hikes range from moderate to genuinely demanding depending on your starting point.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of fish can I expect to catch at these lakes?
The lakes in this zone — Big Five, Little Five, Wright Lakes, Coyote Lakes, Lake South America, and Crytes Lake — are alpine and subalpine waters in the southern Sierra that historically support trout. Golden trout are native to this part of the Sierra Nevada and are present in some of these waters, though stocking schedules and wild populations vary by lake and year. Check current conditions with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before your trip.
Do I need a permit to fish these areas?
A valid California fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Many of these lakes fall within the Golden Trout Wilderness, which requires a wilderness permit for overnight trips during quota season, typically late spring through early fall. Day hikers fishing these waters should still check current regulations with the Kern River Ranger District, as rules can vary by specific water body.
How hard is the hike in to reach these lakes?
Most of these destinations are not casual day hikes. Big Five Lakes and Little Five Lakes in particular involve significant mileage and elevation gain from the nearest trailheads. Wright Lakes and Coyote Lakes are similarly remote. If you're not comfortable carrying a pack over rough Sierra terrain, start with Long Valley Campground, which offers river fishing with much easier access.
What gear should I bring for fishing these backcountry lakes?
A lightweight pack rod in the 7 to 9 foot range works well for alpine lake fishing. Small spinners, dry flies, and small nymphs are standard for Sierra trout. Because you're hiking in, keep your tackle minimal and prioritize weight. A valid fishing license, a California fishing regulations booklet, and a bear canister for overnight trips are all practical necessities.
When is the best time of year to fish around Inyokern?
The high-elevation lakes near Inyokern are typically accessible from late June through October, depending on snowpack. Early morning fishing tends to be most productive on calm days before afternoon winds pick up, which is common in the Sierra. Avoid planning a trip before the snow has cleared the passes — call the Kern River Ranger District or check trail conditions online before committing to a date.
