Fishing Mammoth Creek – Liberty Sports Bar & Grill
Fishing Notes
- Water Type: Small stream
- Fish Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout
- Best Seasons to Visit: Spring, summer, fall
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 4 minutes
- Parking: Yes, available along Mammoth Creek Rd. via Old Mammoth Rd.
- Restrooms: Yes, at parking area
The Adventure – Mammoth Creek
Flowing right through town, Mammoth Creek offers one of the most accessible fishing experiences in the area. This small stream is perfect for beginners or families looking to cast a line without venturing far. With riffles, pools, and meandering bends, it holds plenty of rainbow and brown trout waiting for a well-placed fly or baited hook. It’s a quick, easy way to get your feet wet—literally and figuratively—in Mammoth Lakes’ fishing scene.
The Reward – Liberty Sports Bar & Grill
After fishing close to town, head straight to Liberty Sports Bar & Grill for a laid-back reward. With a spacious patio, lively atmosphere, and hearty American fare, Liberty is perfect for swapping fishing stories over burgers, wings, or a local craft beer. Big screens inside keep the energy buzzing, while the outdoor seating invites you to kick back in the sun. Don’t miss their daily happy hour from 3–6 pm (subject to change) and the crowd favorite—all-day Taco Tuesday’s. For even more fun, check their event calendar for regular live music nights.
Boat Fishing at Crowley Lake – Lakanuki Bar & Café
Fishing Notes
- Water Type: Large reservoir
- Fish Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout
- Best Seasons to Visit: Spring, fall (seasonal opening)
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 17 minutes
- Parking: Yes, available at Crowley Lake Fish Camp
- Restrooms: Yes, including a floating restroom
The Adventure – Crowley Lake
Crowley Lake is legendary among anglers—and with good reason. This vast reservoir is home to some of the region’s largest, hardest-fighting trout, and the best way to experience it is by boat. Whether you’re trolling, casting, or still-fishing, the action here can be nonstop when conditions align. Early mornings often bring calm water and spectacular sunrises, while afternoons often can challenge you with shifting winds and the thrill of chasing down active schools. It’s the kind of fishing that gets your heart racing—and your arms pleasantly sore.
The Reward – Lakanuki Bar & Café
When the rods are stowed, trade waterfront breezes for tropical vibes at Lakanuki Bar & Café in The Village. This Hawaiian-themed bar and café pairs your adventure with island-inspired flavors: poke bowls, shareable appetizers, and plenty of Polynesian flair. Order a Mai Tai, sink into the tiki décor, and let the festive atmosphere carry you from cast to cocktail. With a lively calendar of DJs and dance nights, and daily happy hour, it’s one of Mammoth’s most memorable après spots—where the fun keeps going long after the fish stories wind down.
Fly Fishing Upper Owens River – Mammoth Tavern
Fishing Notes
- Water Type: Freestone river
- Fish Species: Brown trout, rainbow trout
- Best Seasons to Visit: Year-round (check regulations)
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 18 minutes
- Parking: Yes, multiple pullouts and trails to the river
- Restrooms: No
The Adventure – Upper Owens River
For dedicated fly anglers, the Upper Owens is a dream. Flowing through open meadows with the Sierra mountains towering in the background, this river offers solitude and serious fishing with 360 views. Brown and rainbow trout require stealth, patience, and a sharp eye for hatches. Whether you’re stripping streamers through deep pools or delicately presenting a dry fly to rising trout, every cast here feels like a challenge and a privilege. It’s technical fishing at its finest..
The Reward – Mammoth Tavern
Cap off the day at Mammoth Tavern, a modern yet inviting hideaway perched above Old Mammoth Road. Known for its creative small plates, hearty mains, and a lively happy hour, it’s the perfect après spot for a refined day on the river. From 4–5:30 pm daily, don’t miss 30% off drinks while digging into favorites like their popular short rib grilled cheese—you’ve earned it. Order a craft cocktail or local brew and toast to the trout you landed—or the ones that slipped away.
Whether you’re casting in town, boating across a vast lake, or chasing trout on a wild river, Mammoth Lakes delivers fishing adventures as rewarding as the meals and drinks that follow. Because here, every good catch deserves an even better après.
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