Conness Lakes Fishing

Mono County

The stunning Conness Lakes are clustered at the base of Mount Conness just beyond the eastern boundary of Yosemite National Park. Since Saddleback Lake Resort has closed, a water taxi across the lake is no longer operating. However, the hike along the shore of Saddleback Lake and up to Conness Lakes is only about 2.8 miles. The lowest of the 3 main lakes (10,550') offers good fishing.

Adventurous anglers may want to try their luck at the upper lakes (10,660' and 10,750'). Numerous other lakes are sprinkled about the area, including Greenstone Lake and many more in nearby 20 Lakes Basin. Good fishing is found all around the greater Saddlebag Lake area. Saddlebag Lake itself is a popular fishing destination, especially for those with a boat.

Saddlebag Lake

Nearby Featured Trips in Mono County

Cooney Lake - an easy walk in from nearby Virginia Lakes.
Green Lake - not far from Bridgeport, Green Lake makes an excellent camping destination coupled with rewarding fishing.
Fern Lake - a steep hike up from the June Lake Loop, rewarded with a beautiful fly fishing lake
Fremont Lake - take a weekend backpacking trip out of Leavitt Meadow to beautiful Fremont Lake.
Mammoth Lakes - a dozen great fishing lakes
Parker Lake - Fish for brown and brook trout at this pretty lake near June Lake. 2-mile hike.

Mount Conness

In My Creel

Rooster Tail
Mepp's Syclops
Elk Hair Caddis
Bird's Nest
#16 Soft Hackle
#16 Olive Scud

Not knowing what to expect, I packed a variety of spoons, spinners, and flies with me for my fishing trip to the Conness Lakes

Recommended Books for Fishing Sierra Lakes and Streams

Fly Fishing Eastern Sierra Streams Where to Go, What to Use, and How to Get There, Mike Brown. Great book detailing the best streams in the Eastern Sierra. Color Photographs.
California's Best Fly Fishing: Premier Streams and Rivers from Northern California to the Eastern Sierra, Chip O'Brien. An up-to-date guidebook, complete with maps, detailed descriptions of fishing locations, analysis of the seasonal differences which affect fishing, and fly patterns.

Lower Conness Lake

Upper Conness Lake

Sierra Fishing Destinations

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Getting to the Conness Lakes

To reach Conness Lakes from Yosemite National Park follow Highway 120 over Tioga Pass. Just a little more than two miles east of the entrance gate you reach the turnoff to Saddlebag Lake, a popular fishing destination. The 2.4 miles road to Saddlebag Lake is paved in portions and gravel in other parts. Approaching from the east, take Highway 395 just south of Lee Vining turn west on Highway 120 and drive about 10 miles to the Saddlebag Lake turnoff.

Saddlebag Lake Resort has closed, so the water taxi is not available. Look for the trail along the left shore of the lake. Follow the trail as it passes below the dam and along the shore for about 1½ miles to a trail junction. Go left (west) along the south shore of Greenstone Lake.

From Greenstone Lake to the cluster of Conness Lakes is pretty much a cross-country trip, but various pieces of an old, neglected trail (shown on our map) can be picked up along the way. A map and compass and familiarity with cross-country travel in the mountains are recommended.

The final approach to the Conness Lakes is best made by following a crude trail along the north side of the valley. This part of the trail up to Conness Lakes is somewhat strenuous and requires agile feet.

If you would rather stay on more established trails, take the 20 Lakes Basin loop and choose among the easily accessible lakes there such as Z Lake, Steelhead Lake, Shamrock Lake, Odell Lake, and Hummingbird Lake.

Accommodations and Supplies

Conness Lakes fall within the boundaries of the Harvey Monroe Hall Research Natural Area. No fires or overnight camping are allowed within the Research Natural Area. Signs have been erected at Conness Lakes which indicate no overnight camping. Backpackers can seek out great campsites in the Twenty Lakes Basin north of Saddlebag Lake. Be aware that the Twenty Lakes Basin is part of the Hoover Wilderness. Wilderness permits and bear canisters are required.

Lodging can be found at nearby Tioga Pass Resort. There is also plenty of lodging in Lee Vining or south on Highway 395 at June Lake and a little farther in Mammoth Lakes.

Saddlebag Lake Campground is close to the resort and another campground is situated along the road leading into the lake. Campgrounds can also be found at Tioga Lake, Ellery Lake, and lower down along Lee Vining Creek.

California's Best Camping

For complete information about campgrounds from Yosemite to Mammoth, see

High Sierra Trails

Buck Lakes, Emigrant Wilderness, California

Young Lakes, Yosemite

Fishing supplies can be purchased at several nearby locations.

Beaver's Sporting Goods & Hardware in Lee Vining
Ernie's Tackle and Ski Shop in June Lake
Rick's Sport Center in Mammoth Lakes