Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Fishing

Folks,

I'm going to be hiking Mt. Whitney again this year on an overnight trip. My friends and I didn't finish last year as a member got altitude sickness and we had to descend about .75 miles from the top. I was wondering if there are any fishes stocked in any of the lakes...Consultation, Mirror, or Lone Pine Lakes? I would like to fish and have a hearty dinner for the overnight camping trip. Has anyone done it?

Thanks in advance.

I don't know if they stock them but Lone Pine Lake does have fish.

I've fished in Lone Pine a number of times over the years. In the past it has been regularly stocked, and I had fun with my kids pulling out the trout...and eating them (no, not the kids--the fish!). It's been so long since I fished in Mirror Lake, I have no recollection about the fishing there, except I must have been in mosquito heaven, as there were swarms of mosquitos, and they seemed to really enjoy my wife more than me. I actually camped there before it was banned back in the 70s, so the area could restore itself. I've never fished in Consultation, and I don't recall any successful reports from that lake. Maybe someone else here can answer for Consultation?

The only stocking they do is at the small pond by the store. They dont stock Lone pine lake.

I have fished at Consultation three or four times, using a collapsible rod and light weight reel, and 2 Lb test. I used a small silver de-barbed Cast Master lure, and did very well. Thing is, the Trout up there look almost like an eel. Decent length, but they had no meat on their bones. But we caught (and released) a bunch of them.

Tried Mirror Lake once, no luck. Never tried Lone Pine Lake.

White Tundra

Mirror Lake has brook and rainbow trout. The stream in Bighorn Park has brook trout. The steam at the 'walk on logs' has rainbows.

Dale B. Dalrymple

For all interested, the State Fisheries has plans through 2010 for stocking Lone Pine Lake and Lone Pine Creek. You can check this yourself HERE. Just scroll down to Inyo County to see all the lakes and streams that are stocked. Apparently the State helicopters to Lone Pine Lake for the “planting,” as the State calls it.

Does anyone know if you need a fishing license to fish the lakes in Sequoia/Kings Canyon? My understanding is that no license is required for fishing in a National Park.

I'd like to try my hand at it this season at Hitchcock or Guitar Lakes, or somewhere along the way from Cottonwood to Portal. Thanks.

Hi, As far as I know, a license is required everywhere in California, with the exception of a couple of "free" fishing days. Those are done to introduce people to fishing. Call the DFG and find out, but California's going to get their money one way or another.

Was fishing Twin Lakes near Bridgeport...a DFG warden popped up from nowhere and asked us to show our license. One guy (stranger to us) with none gave lip...his fine: $300 and confiscated gear. When later, after, we asked the warden about exactly your question...RE, if license needed in National Parks. He said "Everywhere in Calif that is not private land...and even there...maybe.
FYI, He went on to say, stating (if they really wanted to hit you with everything...usually not , but):
If over 18,and caught -
$700 if found fishing - not having a license &
$700 for each fish in possession, &
Confiscate all gear.

Bottom line - Chances are that you will not encounter one up there - your call, but...Get a license.

Old Alpiner:

Hi. Yes. A California fishing license is definitely required if you fish in a National Park. State fishing laws apply and, in most cases, rangers use the State Fish & Game code for violations (which is to say, the fines noted here apply... .) That means you also have to have your license displayed when you fish & etc.

Good fishing,

George

Thanks All for your input. Considering the possibility of fines of up to $700 (yikes), I think I will invest in a license, it's cheap insurance.

I just received this from the good folks over at Sequoia. Edited for brevity.

FISHING REGULATIONS Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks

Fishing License
• A California State Fishing License is required for everyone 16 years or older. Licenses are generally available at concession markets in the National Parks.

Fishing Season
• Trout: The Kaweah drainage, South Fork Kings River from park boundary to Copper Creek, and all lakes – open all year. Other rivers – last Saturday in April through November 15th.
• Other species: open all year.

Limit of Catch and Gear
• For areas below 9000' elevation and not in an exempted area (see reverse): Only barbless hooks and artificial flies and lures permitted.
• For areas above 9000' elevation and/or in an exempted area (see reverse): Barbed or barbless hooks, bait, artificial flies and lures permitted.
Trout: 5 per day/10 in possession
Other species: No limit

This summary is prepared for your convenience, consolidating state and federal requirements that apply within these parks. Anglers must still be familiar with actual regulations.

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA