Fly Fishing Along Highway 395 in Mammoth Lakes

March 18, 2026

For those in search of perfect fishing moments, there’s no better route to take you there than California’s Highway 395—better known to anglers as the “395 Trout Highway.”

Stretching along the Eastern Sierra, this scenic corridor connects some of the most iconic fly fishing destinations in the region, offering access to world-class waters, alpine lakes, and unforgettable backcountry experiences.

Whether you're new to fly fishing in Mammoth Lakes or planning your next trip, this route brings it all together.

What Is the 395 Trout Highway?

The 395 Trout Highway refers to the stretch of U.S. Highway 395 running through California’s Eastern Sierra, offering direct access to top fishing destinations like Crowley Lake, Hot Creek, and the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

The southern section of the highway begins in Hesperia and travels north along the Sierra Nevada to the Nevada border near Topaz Lake—passing more than a lifetime’s worth of fishing opportunities along the way.

“It’s pretty special,” said Mike Coco, owner of Liberty Sports Bar & Grill in Mammoth Lakes and an avid angler. “Fly fishing is definitely a passion I’ll spend the rest of my life doing.”

Why Highway 395 Is a Fly Fishing Destination

Few places offer this level of access to such a wide range of fisheries in one place.

Along Highway 395, anglers can move easily between large still waters like Crowley Lake, technical fisheries like Hot Creek, and the alpine lakes of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, each offering a different kind of experience depending on the season and approach.

Mike’s passion for fishing was born just a few years after he was, when he first caught sunfish like bluegill and perch in the waters of southeast Pennsylvania.

At about the same time, two of Mike’s future fishing buddies in California were also casting their early days away in the Keystone State.

Jeff Posey first came to the Eastern Sierra from Pennsylvania in 1994, and his big personality and bartending skills soon made him well known in Mammoth. Jeff’s early fishing days included going after “carp with WD40 and Wonder bread,” he joked.

The father of three is a big fan of fishing in the Sierra’s immense backcountry, and he’s also a huge Philadelphia sports fan—traits that Mike and the third member of the Three Amigos of Top Bug Fly Fishing, Tim Carraher, all share.

Top Fly Fishing Stops Along Highway 395

While Highway 395 offers access to countless fisheries, a few locations stand out for both their accessibility and fishing quality.

Crowley Lake is known for its size and the opportunity to target larger trout, while Hot Creek offers a more technical experience with clear water and selective fish. The Mammoth Lakes Basin, with its chain of alpine lakes, provides a mix of easy access and scenic surroundings that make it a favorite for both new and experienced anglers.

Each of these fisheries plays a role in shaping what makes fishing in Mammoth Lakes so unique, and together they form the backbone of the 395 Trout Highway experience.

Backcountry Fishing in the Eastern Sierra

Unlike Mammothites Jeff and Mike, Tim lives in the high desert town of Palmdale, but fly fishing is in his bloodline. His great-grandfather was a fly fisherman, and his grandfather taught him the sport on Pennsylvania’s famed Spruce Creek and the Little Juniata River.

Like many Southern Californians, he now makes regular trips to the Eastern Sierra.

While Highway 395 provides easy access to well-known fisheries like Crowley Lake, Hot Creek, and the Mammoth Lakes Basin, all three anglers agree that the backcountry offers something entirely different.

“That’s one of the most amazing things about this place—fishing in the backcountry. You can’t get that experience anywhere else. You never have a bad day out there,” Mike said. “The views alone are worth it. Anybody who fishes the backcountry here enjoys it.”

“High country lakes in the fall—there’s nobody around, you get to catch goldens, and the scenery isn’t too bad either,” Jeff said about his passion for heading out on “golden adventures.”

“I got lucky,” Tim said. “My first trout in the Sierra was a golden on my grandfather’s fly rod. You fall in love with that kind of stuff, and that’s that. The air is crisp, the fish are ready. I love the backcountry in the Sierra. There’s nothing like it. You can’t find more perfect moments.”

A Community Built Around the 395 Trout Highway

It’s this shared passion for angling—and for doing so along the Highway 395 corridor—that inspired the three anglers to team up and create Top Bug Fly Fishing, an apparel company deeply rooted in the region.

Top Bug’s t-shirts, hats, and stickers are handmade in Mammoth by Jeff’s Eastcore Productions and are only sold locally. Their designs reflect the landscape and culture of the Eastern Sierra, from references to Crowley Lake to imagery inspired by the 395 highway itself.

Inspired by Patagonia’s give-back philosophy, the goal for Top Bug is to support the region and help put the “395 Trout Highway” on the map—and in the company it deserves.

“We’re all big enthusiasts of the Eastern Sierra,” Tim said. “Yes, you’ve got to fight the crowds on the weekends to get to the goodness up here, but it’s worth it.”

“We’re three guys who want to do something unique, something positive that helps support the Eastern Sierra and its fly fishing community,” Mike added.

For those in search of perfect fishing moments, there’s no better route to take you there than the 395 Trout Highway.

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.
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