South Fork Lake / Lone Pine Area

Lake Name: South Fork Lake      Elevation: 11,040

Road condition:   Paved to Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead

Day hike: A physically challenging 4 mile hike.  It is the last mile that is most challenging.

Region: Mt. Whitney Ranger District   Area/description: Cottonwood Lakes / Golden Trout Wilderness

Lake size: 5 acres    Species: Golden trout, 5-12 inch range with some larger ones

Closest town or supplies: Lone Pine

Contacts: Mt. Whitney Ranger District (760) 876-6200; Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce: toll-free at (877) 253-8981 or locally at (760) 876-4444

Nearest campground: Tuttle Creek Campground; Whitney Portal is located in the eastern Sierra, 13 miles west of Lone Pine, CA. This campground is adjacent to Whitney Creek. Roads are paved. Restrooms are provided. Firewood is available for sale. Small store with showers nearby; Lone Pine Campground; Independence Creek Campground (See Independence camping.) Portagee Joe Campground; Diaz Lake Campground.

Fishing season: General   Restrictions: Artificial lures with barbless hooks

Tips: Bring a good map, plenty of water or a water filter and watch for trail signs as the trail forks after Golden Trout Camp.  The trail will follow Cottonwood Creek.

Favorite lures or bait: Use small lures such as Kastmasters, Daredevils and Panther-Martins.  Bring smaller lures, but have a variety of color combinations to entice both shallow and deep cruising trout. (See Category: Fishing Tips – Best Lures and Bait)

Favorite fly patterns: Fly & Bubble technique with small nymphs such as Hare’s Ear, Zug Bug, Bead-Head Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail or a Tellico Shrimp.  (See Category: Fishing Tips – Best Fly Patterns and Techniques)

Stocking information: Wild trout populations

Additional information: This is a popular and scenic Golden trout lake.

Nearby fishing: Cottonwood Creek

Directions: From Highway 395 in Lone Pine, turn left on Mt. Whitney Portal Road and drive three miles to the Horseshoe Meadow Road turn-off.  Turn left and drive approximately 15 miles to the turn-off to Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead.  Turn right at the turn-off and proceed to the trailhead parking area.