Reel In Good Times – 10 Places to Fish Near Bishop

The iconic Owens River and countless bubbling streams and creeks. Shimmering alpine lakes surrounded by jaw-dropping granite peaks. Bishop is arguably home to some of the best fishing in the west. Dust off your poles, line-up your tackle box, and cast off into our 10 favorite places to fish near Bishop.

North Lake

Situated at 9,350’ above sea level, this lake in the Bishop Creek Canyon Area has a backcountry feel but easy road access. Alongside the stunning views and great trout fishing, you can set off into the John Muir Wilderness on the Piute Pass Trail.

South Lake

Yet another great trout fishing lake except this one is a bit higher at 10,000 feet in the Bishop Creek Canyon region. It’s also a popular jumping off point for hikers, backpackers, and those wanting to take in some of the other high-mountain lakes and wilderness via Bishop Pass.

Lake Sabrina

Sabrina Lake, the largest of the four lakes in the Bishop Creek region, lies along the north fork of Bishop Creek. Pronounced “Suh-bry-nuh,” this lake offers anglers the opportunity to rent boats and try their hand at fishing in its abundant waters. While Lake Sabrina is always beautiful, it truly shines in the fall when the Aspen-lined slopes burst into vibrant gold, red, and orange colors.

Intake 2

For an easy to fish lake, don’t miss out on this gem. Heavily stocked by the CDFW, you’ll find both pan-size rainbows and large trout that can be caught either from shore or via a tube. It also offers a wheelchair accessible pier for fishing.

Bishop Creek

The largest tributary to the Owens River, Bishop Creek, has three forks: North, South, and Middle. These forks merge as they flow toward the town of Bishop, each offering excellent fly-fishing. The Middle Fork receives the most attention, with 40,000 rainbow trout planted annually. It features a variety of large pools, pocket water, and plunge pools.

Owens River

While the high alpine lakes often steal the spotlight, the Owens River is quickly gaining recognition among fly-rod fanatics. Open year-round and offering miles of shoreline to explore, the river provides ample opportunities for fishing. You can even book a drift boat with a fishing guide to tackle this scenic waterway.

Pleasant Valley Reservoir

The Owens River hosts another outstanding year-round fishery and is the site of the annual Blake Jones Trout Derby. Located in a canyon along the Chalk Bluffs, this area doesn’t permit watercraft. However, many anglers bring their bikes and pedal along the paved two-mile road (closed to motor vehicles) to reach their preferred fishing spots.

For the Kiddos

Buckley Ponds

A little further downstream you’ll find one of the many ideal locations to introduce your kids due to the handicap-accessible piers that also make for very safe fishing conditions.

These waters provide warm water fishing such as bass, bluegill, and crappie.

Millpond

We’ll let you in on a secret: the Millpond Recreation Area. Besides hosting the annual Millpond Music Festival in the fall and offering nearly 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges, it’s also home to a pond with warm-water fish such as bass and crappie.

Saunders Pond

Some call it a pond, others a lake… regardless, it’s another great year-round warm water fishing spot with an accessible pier.