Convict Lake Campground

We stayed in site #17, it was pretty private as we didn't really have anyone around us. The bathroom was clean and the site itself was well maintained. Firewood was for sale at the camp store or through the hosts. Gets super cold at night! Showers were available at the camp store as well as laundry.

As night approached, we had to find a campground. We were also looking for something maintained but scenic which this campground was. There are no actual views of the lake from the camp ground that we saw, but some of the sites have a stream flowing through. Even though it was late in the day (5-6pm) and the campground was basically all reserved, we did find a few open spots that you could pay for at the pay station. Each spot has a nice parking spot big enough for a small trailer. Not all spots were leveled, but we did find one that was leveled enough that we didn't need to make any additional adjustments. They all had fire pits, table, and bear lockers. All in all, it's a great campground. I want to mention there is a restaurant close by, but expect to pay upwards of $100 for a meal. It might be best to bring in your own meals. I have T-Mobile, and I was able to get a text or two, but I had absolutely no service until we got back to the 395.

Convict Lake is a beautiful campground in the east Sierras. Fantastic fishing. The fall colors were outstanding. T-mobile is accessible at space 5. Convict Lake Trout Fishing 

Trout are the draw at Convict Lake.

With crystal clear water and abundant forage, the Convict Lake rainbows are hearty and ready to put your knots to the test.

Thanks to regular plantings and cool, high-elevation waters, the bite stays relatively good throughout the year, although definite peaks occur in the cooler spring and fall weather.

Brown trout can be found here as well, though there aren’t as many as the ‘bows. They do get big, though, so it’s definitely worth a try.

The fishing season runs from the end of April through the middle of November. Check with current regulations to make sure you’re within the seasonal guidelines. 

To focus on rainbow trout at Convict Lake, you must first decide if you want to fish the lake or the creek. Both are excellent fisheries, and both get a ton of pressure during the high tourist season.

The lake will offer more in the way of size, while the creek often offers faster action. It’s a toss-up, really, and you can do some of both if you’re staying a few days. 

The lake has several areas to target, though the key here is to fish the edge of the bowl. There’s a ledge around it that drops off into much deeper water. Fishing along this edge can provide some pretty great action.

Starting at the main parking lot at the marina, you can go out on the jetty that forms the bay. From the jetty, you can cast straight to the edge of the ledge and get your bait in front of schools of fish. 

If you choose the jetty, keep in mind boats are coming and going all day, and nobody wants their prop tangled up with your line. Use proper etiquette, and you’ll be fine.

Following the road partway down the southern side of the lake will get your to several parking areas with trails along the lake.

Intrepid anglers can continue on foot to reach additional areas with fewer bank anglers.

Trout can be caught right from shore all around the fisherman’s trail. It wraps around the lake and offers access to all sorts of great fishing holes. 

Fresh baits work great if you’re bait fishing, as do PowerBait and mouse tails. Using minnows can also be very productive here, as can injecting a nightcrawler with air to float it in front of cruising trout.

Check at the marina for minnows and other baits.

If boats are more your thing, this lake will give you plenty of reasons to come back.

Troll from the marina around the lake just off the drop-off, and you’ll likely do well.

Use the standard trolling techniques and watch your finder. Baits, spoons and spinners are always a go-to for trolling. 

The resort has reported that trolling Needlefish in the Green Frog pattern or Tasmanian Devils in the Bleeding Frog patterns have been effective.

Tie on a rainbow-colored lure, and you just might find the browns that are sprinkled around the lake. Browns love eating fingerling rainbows, and in Convict Lake, they don’t have to look very far to find some.

The lake’s southern end has some pretty great areas for setting off in a float tube and slinging some streamers.

The inlet usually has some pretty big trout holding below it, waiting for a tasty snack.

Toss some Woolly Buggers in the 8- 10-size range, Clouser Minnows in 6-8, and Mohair Leech patterns. These will bring big fish to the net.

Early mornings also offer excellent dry fly opportunities, as long as the wind stays away.

Fishing for Convict Creek Trout 

Convict Creek is a favorite fly-fishing destination, with decent-sized ‘bows, browns, and brook trout.

You may find a few brookies in the lake, but for the most part, they stick to the creeks.

The rainbows are the most common catch, especially after the California Department of Fish and Wildlife plants it below the dam in the spring, which is likely to occur by May.

If approaching the creek with a fly, think Olive Caddis in sizes 12 to 16, possibly with a Hares Ear Nymph below. Use the dry as an indicator.

Some flies you must have in your kit for the creek are Pheasant Tail or A.P. nymphs in 12-16, and one more dry, the Yellow Humpy, in 14-18.

Bait anglers can do well on the creek using small hooks in the size 10 to 12 range with one or two chartreuse garlic fireballs. If they aren’t biting on the chartreuse, try the orange shrimp flavor.

Trout go nuts for this stuff. Just don’t spill the liquid on your hands. Tough to wash that stink off.

I will always come back to this campground because it is one in a million! I love having the separation of the campground from the cabins in the upper lot. Being able to explore all over the lake and fish in the creek. The general store is also a plus because I somehow always forget at least one thing and they always manage to have it.

My friends and I have been fishing Convict Lake for the Trout Opener for 15 years years now and camping it for about 4-5 years of those 15. We have stayed in many of the campsites and have been very satisfied with them all. The bathrooms are well kept, and the general store staff and camp posts are always so nice! We never have a bad stay coming here, it’s tradition.

This is one of the most scenic areas for me. Mountains, lakes, fishing, beautiful roads, hiking trails.. convict lake has it all. Ive stayed here multiple times in all the different seasons. Always a blast.

Great campground! Very clean, quiet and peaceful. The campground typically takes reservations ahead of time; however our trip was midweek so first come, first serve. We arrived just after 4pm so plenty of spots to choose from.

Camp host was very nice. Surrounding neighbors well spaced out and quiet. A lovely space to fish and go for a morning jog as well! If looking to remain connected, note there’s no cell service, however you may be able to connect to Wi-Fi at either the general store or restaurant. With COVID-19, checkout time was modified to an earlier departure time of 11am.

Convict Lake is probably one of my most favorite cam[grounds. It's situated at the base of an impressive mountain and at the shore of an awesome lake. You can't ask more. There's also wildlife strolling thru the campgrounds all the time.

The campsites are well spaced out with some actually located on a beautiful stream. The restrooms are clean.

The lake has a very small marina where you can rent boats. The lake offers fishing, swimming and much more.

 Cell Service: None

We usually stay in the Mammoth Lakes area but changed it up and we are so happy we did. The tent sites are small with little to no shade but the beauty of Convict Lake was worth it. The only wildlife we dealt with were deer which is much better than bears (so many in Mammoth).

We enjoyed paddle boarding, fishing, and hiking around the lake.

What can I say- I LOVE convict lake. I’ve been coming here for 20+ years with my family for reunions. We always camp but have stayed in the cabins years ago. Used to go over Labor Day weekend but changed to June but the weather is always wonderfully warm during the day and brisk-chilly at night. There are some sites that have a great locations to the bridge that connects to the road for easy access to the general store. Some shady sites and others are exposed to the direct sun. Great fishing in the creek- it is stocked. You can find some quiet spots around the lake to relax, read, and soak up the sun if you aren’t into fishing. Bathrooms and sites are very well kept. I always stop here for a quick view even when driving home from mammoth. Worth it every time.

Went here for the first time a week ago with the family. Clean grounds and restrooms. Firewood sold on site for $7 a bundle, super reasonable. Easily found a campsite without a reservation. Nice hiking trails. Fishing spots all around the lake. Will def be back again soon

This is one of my favorite places in the Eastern Sierra Mountains. It’s just a short drive from the highway and Mammoth Airport. The campground is very popular with a mix of reserved and non reserved sites. I understand the name of the lake is related to some convicts who escaped to the area many years ago. We were able to get a walk up sites by arriving in the early afternoon. The sites are well groomed with fire pits and picnic tables. The restrooms are very clean and well maintained. The setting may be one of the most beautiful in California. You have large mountain lake surrounded on 3 sides by beautiful mountain peaks. They have great 3 or 4 mile trail around the lake and lots of fishing opportunities.

Went at the end of October with some snow! The lake is gorgeous when you can see the snow. Highly recommended for a late season trip. Bundle up though!!

Quite, clean friendly, deer come right into your camp site, creek runs behind majority of sites, great fishing, swimming , boating paddle boards

My husband and I have been camping at Convict Lake for many years. He and his family have gone to opening day of fishing in the freezing cold for MANY years. Tucked away in the mountains of the Inyo National Forest it is just a few skips North of Bishop and an easy drive up to Mammoth from here. Choosing the best site takes some know-how and I cant give you my sweet spots just yet however I will share some details about fishing here on this little lake . It is decent fishing from almost any point- shore or from small boat. I have caught several fish myself- even out-fishing my husband on our honeymoon. The little store is great- friendly people. The little restaurant is fine- though there are places a short distance away as well.

While we have either tent-camped or had a motorhome this campground offers various rental cabins, inexpensive showers that are decent (comparatively speaking). Good hiking. great hot springs, cold springs, picturesque views, plenty of small museums just south in Bishop (Railroad museum etc) and small casino in the North End of Bishop on the southbound side.

Its a great little escape- as long as people continue to keep it nice and clean

I bring my kayak here when I want to get away for a quick paddle. Waking up in the valley is a much better experience. With the access to trails you have you'll have more than enough to do, but if that gets old either fish convict from boat, or tackle the 15 minute drive over to crowley. Hot springs in winter, cold spring in the summer. Beware of keeping foods in your vehicles as bears are commonly seen near the campsite.