Convict Creek
Fly fishing in California · Beginner · Best seasons: Summer, Fall
Target Species
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
About This Water
Near Convict Lake in the Eastern Sierra. Beautiful alpine stream with wild trout.
Fishing Recommendations
Convict Creek is one of the Eastern Sierra’s most storied and unique fisheries. Flowing out of the dramatic, granite-rimmed Convict Lake and eventually making its way toward the Upper Owens River and Crowley Lake, this creek offers a diverse range of water—from high-gradient pocket water to meandering, glassy meadow sections.
As your guide, here is the deep dive into fishing Convict Creek, California.
🎣 Location Overview
Convict Creek is a classic Eastern Sierra freestone stream located just south of Mammoth Lakes. What makes it special is its stark beauty and its two distinct personalities.
The upper section (near the resort and lake outlet) is rugged, rocky, and fast-moving. As the creek moves downstream toward the valley floor, it slows down into a classic "spring creek" style meadow fishery with deep undercut banks and thick willow lining. Anglers love it because it offers a technical challenge for those seeking wild browns, while also providing plenty of action for those targeting the active rainbows that drift down from the lake.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
- Rainbow Trout: These are the primary residents in the upper stretches. You’ll find a mix of wild fish and "stockers" that have moved out of the lake. They are opportunistic and usually hold in the faster riffles and at the heads of pools.
- Brown Trout: The "kings" of Convict Creek. The lower meadow sections hold wary, wild Brown Trout. They are highly territorial and prefer the safety of undercut banks, submerged logs, and the deep shadows of willow overhangs. They feed aggressively during low-light periods.
- Behavior: Because the water is exceptionally clear, these fish are "spooky." If they see your shadow or a splashy line, the pool is finished for the hour. Stealth is more important here than in almost any other creek in the region.
📅 Best Times to Fish
Optimal Seasons
- Summer (Late June – August): This is prime time for dry fly action. As the snowmelt recedes, the creek becomes very manageable. This is the peak of the hopper/dropper season.
- Fall (September – October): This is arguably the best time for trophy hunters. Large Brown Trout from Crowley Lake often move up into the lower reaches of the creek to spawn. The fall colors are spectacular, and the fish become more aggressive as they prepare for winter.
Best Times of Day
- Summer: Early morning (before 10:00 AM) and "the evening rise" (the last 90 minutes of light). Mid-day can be tough due to the high sun and clear water.
- Fall: Mid-day is actually quite productive as the water warms slightly, triggering insect activity.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Dry Flies:
- Parachute Adams (#16–20) – The gold standard.
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–18) – Great for the swifter upper water.
- Joe’s Hopper or Dave’s Hopper (#10–12) – Essential for late summer in the meadows.
- Chernobyl Ant – High visibility for pocket water.
- Nymphs:
- Zebra Midge (#18–22) – Black or Red; effective year-round.
- Pheasant Tail (#16–20) – Best for the riffles.
- Copper John (#16–18) – Good as a dropper under a hopper.
- Streamers:
- Black or Olive Wooly Buggers (#10–12) – Swing these through deep holes in the fall.
Effective Techniques
- Hopper-Dropper: Use a buoyant foam grasshopper on top with a 2-foot 5X fluorocarbon dropper to a Zebra Midge. This covers two water columns and acts as a strike indicator.
- Dapping: In the brushy meadow sections, you often can't cast. Use a long rod to "dap" your fly over the willows into the undercut banks.
- Tight-Line Nymphing: In the rocky upper sections, skip the indicator and feel for the take to avoid spooking fish in the shallow runs.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "Sneak Attack": On the meadow sections, stay 10 feet back from the bank. If you walk right up to the edge, the vibrations through the ground will alert the trout before you even pull line off your reel. Fish from a kneeling position if possible.
- Focus on the S-Curves: In the lower reaches, every bend in the creek creates a deep pool on the outside edge. These are the "hotels" for big Browns.
- The Lake Outlet: The first 200 yards below Convict Lake can be very productive for larger Rainbows that are "dropping down" to find more food than the lake provides.
- Check the Wind: Convict Canyon is a wind tunnel. If the wind is howling off the peaks, switch to a heavier 5-weight rod and fish streamers—the surface chop hides your presence from the fish.
⚠️ Important Information
Access
- Access is easy via Convict Lake Road off Highway 395.
- There is ample parking near the Convict Lake Resort and around the campground.
- Note: A significant portion of the lower creek flows through the UC Santa Barbara Valentine Eastern Sierra Reserve. This area is strictly off-limits to the public. Observe all "No Trespassing" signs to protect research sites.
Regulations & Permits
- A valid California Fishing License is required for anyone 16 or older.
- Season: Generally follows the standard Sierra trout season (last Saturday in April through November 15).
- Gear: While some areas allow bait, I strongly recommend barbless hooks and catch-and-release to preserve this fragile alpine ecosystem.
Special Considerations
- Bears: This is active Black Bear country. If you are carrying a lunch or snacks, keep them in a bear-resistant pack or container.
- Wading: Wading is generally not necessary and often discouraged in the meadow sections as it silts up the water and destroys bank integrity. Stay on the banks when possible.
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midges Chironomidae | midge | March, April, October, November | All Day | #18-24 | Zebra Midge #18-22, Griffith's Gnat #18-22, Morgan's Midge #20-22 |
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis | mayfly | April, May, September, October | Late Morning/Afternoon | #16-20 | RS2 #18-20, Parachute Adams #16-20, Pheasant Tail #16-20 |
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella | mayfly | June, July, August | Late Morning | #14-18 | PMD Sparkle Dun #16-18, Split Case PMD #16-18, Quigley Cripple #14-16 |
| Spotted Sedge Hydropsyche | caddis | July, August, September | Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #14-16, Godzilla Caddis #14-16 |
| Yellow Sally Isoperla | stonefly | June, July | Afternoon/Evening | #14-16 | Yellow Sally Stimulator #14-16, Iron Lotus #16, Yellow Little Bear #14-16 |
| Trico Tricorythodes | mayfly | August, September | Early Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner #20-24, Drowned Trico #22, Sunken Trico Spinner #20-22 |
| Grasshoppers Acrididae | terrestrial | August, September | Afternoon | #10-14 | Hopper Juan #12-14, Parachute Hopper #10-14, Dave's Hopper #12 |
| Carpenter Ants Camponotus | terrestrial | June, July, August | All Day | #12-16 | Black Foam Ant #14-16, Chernobyl Ant #12-14, Carpenter Ant #12-16 |