Fishing at Lake George: Easy, Scenic Fishing

April 01, 2026

One of the best things about fishing is that even the best traveled among us have our old favorite, familiar fishing holes.

Places we return to, both in person and in memory. Hemingway had the Big Two-Hearted River. Norman Maclean had the Blackfoot. John Gierach has the St. Vrain.

Lake George is THE Spot

For the Navarro family of Long Beach, Lake George is the spot.

Lake George isn’t just a place people return to—it’s one of the most accessible and enjoyable fishing spots in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. With easy shoreline access, calm water, and consistent trout fishing, it’s a favorite for families, beginners, and anyone looking for a relaxed day on the water.

Fishing at Lake George

Lake George is a 38-acre alpine lake known for its clear water, cool temperatures, and reliable trout fishing.

Ideal for shore casting and float tubing
No motorboats or swimming allowed, keeping the lake calm and quiet
Great for beginners, families, and casual anglers

While it may not be as large as nearby lakes, its depth, often exceeding 200 feet, helps maintain cool water temperatures that trout thrive in throughout the season.

Why Fish Lake George

Lake George is the kind of place anglers return to again and again.

It combines easy access, reliable fishing, and a peaceful alpine setting that makes it just as much about the experience as the catch. Whether you’re fishing solo, with friends, or with family, it offers a relaxed and memorable day on the water.

For many anglers, nothing beats Lake George.

“Mammoth and Lake George are really special to us,” Kevin said. “And we’ll be coming here until we just can’t do it anymore.”

“He was there, in the good place. He was in his home where he had made it.” — Ernest Hemingway, Big Two-Hearted River

A Favorite Worth Returning To

“We just really love Lake George,” Kevin Navarro said—and it’s a love that seems to be reciprocal.

Recently, Kevin landed a nine-pound, 25-inch rainbow while shore casting and walking the family’s yellow Lab, Jake.

“I was surprised how big it was once I got it close to shore,” Kevin said about the fish he hooked on what he called “the old classic—a Thomas Buoyant in red and gold.”

While Kevin was landing that trout, the rest of his family was enjoying the lake in different ways. His wife, Kelly, and one son were kayaking, while their other son fished from a float tube.

That’s part of what makes Lake George so appealing—it’s just the right size for a variety of experiences.

Best Time to Fish Lake George

Lake George offers consistent fishing throughout the accessible season, with a few key patterns:

Spring–Summer: steady fishing and easy access
Early mornings and evenings: most active periods
Fall: quieter conditions and fewer crowds

Its size and calm conditions make it a great option for shorter trips or relaxed fishing sessions.

A Unique Lake in the Basin

At around 38 acres, Lake George is smaller than Lake Mary but stands out as the deepest lake in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Sitting at over 9,000 feet, it’s also the highest drive-to lake in the area.

That combination of elevation and depth keeps the water cool, creating ideal conditions for trout, including large brown and rainbow trout, along with the occasional brook trout from nearby waters.

“It’s a fairly small lake, so you can kick a float tube or hike around it pretty easily,” Kevin said.

Access and Nearby Fishing Opportunities

Lake George also serves as a starting point for anglers looking to explore other nearby waters.

From here, you can:

Take the steep hike up to Crystal Lake
Follow the easier trail to TJ Lake
Explore additional fishing spots throughout the Mammoth Lakes Basin

For anglers planning a full day or weekend on the water, Lake George is often part of a broader fishing in Mammoth Lakes experience.

A Classic Alpine Setting

Lodgepole pines surround the lake, giving it a cozy alpine feel. The Lake George Dockside Shop offers basic supplies for a day on the water, and the surrounding scenery, especially views of Crystal Crag, makes it a favorite place to slow down and take it all in.

With no motorboats and limited activity on the water, the lake maintains a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere.

Author

Mike McKenna

Award-winning author and journalist Mike McKenna is the writer behind the new book Casting Around the Eastern Sierra, which was recently awarded runner-up in the Outdoor Writers Association of California's Best Outdoor Guidebook category. The book focuses on fishing in Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding area, with tips and tricks from local experts.