California Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Eastern Sierra Region
Convict Lake is a deep, beautiful mountain lake just off US-395, with stocked rainbows and big browns.
Looking for the latest Convict Lake river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Convict Lake.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Convict Lake that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Convict Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Cold and clear. Browns cruise the shoreline in fall.
Strip small streamers along the drop-offs.
Stocking report
See the CDFW fish planting schedule for the latest stocking at Convict Lake and other California waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Convict Lake, bring: Woolly Bugger #6-10, Mini Leech #8-10, Zebra Midge #16-18, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Clouser Minnow #2-6.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Convict Lake lake details
| Access | Convict Lake Road off US-395, with a trail around the lake. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 7,600 ft |
| Nearest town | Mammoth Lakes, California |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Rainbows and browns |
| Regulations | Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the current rules. A California sport fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 4X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Closed or not accessible in winter. |
| Camping | Convict Lake campground (seasonal) |
| Kids | Yes. Easy trail. |
| Good to know | Busy in summer. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Snow.
Spring
Opening day.
Summer
Summer trout.
Fall
Browns.
How to get there
From Mammoth Lakes, take US-395 south to Convict Lake Road.