Convict Creek / Convict Lake Drainage

Name of creek: Convict Creek

Road condition:   Paved 

Region: Crowley Lake / Mammoth Lakes   Drainage: Convict Lake

Description: A small

Species: Stocked Rainbows along with some wild Browns

Closest town or supplies: Tom’s Place, Mammoth Lakes

Contacts: Convict Lake Resort (760) 934-3800; Crowley Lake Fish Camp (760) 935-4301; Mammoth Lakes Visitor Bureau (888) 466-2666 / (760)-924-5500; Rick’s Sports Center (760) 934-3416; The Trout Fitter fly shop (760) 934-2517.

Nearest campground: Convict Lake Campground

Fishing season: General       

Tips:

Favorite lures or bait: Most Sierra creeks are too small to fish effectively with lures and spinners.  Your best bet is to poke and dab using salmon eggs or worms or Power Bait.  Small weighted jig patterns, especially grubs and very small tube worms work very well, and do not over look live terrestrials if they are allowed.  If you are partial to lures bring along small Panther-Martins in a variety of colors. (See Category: Fishing Tips – Best Lures and Bait)

Favorite fly patterns: Using a poke and dab presentation, small Woolly Buggers, Girdle Bugs, Yuk Bugs and terrestrial patterns always work well on creeks.  Dry fly patterns include Royal Wulffs, Parachute Adams, Humpies, Renegades, Stimulators, hoppers, ants, beetles and sometimes a Bead-head San Juan Worm. (See Category: Fishing Tips – Best Fly Patterns and Techniques.  Also read the article on fishing creeks if you are new to the sport of angling.)

Stocking information: 15,000 +

Nearby fishing: Convict Lake, McGee Creek, Crowley Lake, Mammoth Lakes

Additional information: The outlet is the most heavily stocked area.

Directions: From Highway 395, drive 35 miles north of Bishop and turn left on Convict Lake Road.

Map courtesy of mytopo.com.