Dave's Sierra Fishing

Fishing Spuller Lake, Mono County, CA

Spuller Lake Overview:

Spuller Lake is tucked against the crest of the California's Sierra Nevada just east of Yosemite National Park. With a scenic 2.7 mile, one and a half hour hike from the Tioga Pass Road, you can be at the shore of this beautiful lake. While summer crowds gather around the roadside lakes near Yosemite, you will likely be alone fishing the waters of Spuller Lake.

Recommended Books for Spuller Lake Area

• Fly Fishing Eastern Sierra Streams, Michael Brown. Loaded with information on equipment, flies and where to fish in the Eastern Sierra.
• Fly Fishing Mammoth, Mark J. Heskett. Covers equipment, the 10 best flies for the area and how to tie them, lakes and streams, including private land, and hatches and their seasons.
• California Fly Fisher The best magazine for California fly fishers. Packed with great articles by local experts.
• Sight Fishing for Trout, Landon R. Mayer (2010). Sight-fishing expert Landon Mayer teaches you what you need to know to spot the trout before you cast--because if you can see a trout, you are more likely to catch that trout. The keys to successful fly fishing.

Approach to Spuller Lake:

To reach Spuller Lake from Yosemite National Park follow Highway 120 over Tioga Pass. Just a little more than a mile east of the entrance gate you reach Tioga Lake. Drive past the overlook four tenths of a mile and park in a turnout across from the campground. Approaching Spuller Lake from the east, take Highway 395 just south of Lee Vining turn west on Highway 120 and drive about 11 miles to Tioga Lake. The last time I was there, anglers were having great success at Tioga Lake, but as fast as they could land their fish, marauding bears were stealing their catch. You won't find any bears up at Spuller Lake.

The trail to Spuller Lake begins across from the overlook and traverses the mountainside to the south. You can save time and effort by parking farther east near the campground and hiking up cross -country to intersect the trail. Carry a map and compass or a GPS to orient yourself. Once you hit the trail it is easy travel.

About a mile from your car you will pass the mine site at Bennettville, a 19th century mining operation. You can see the old cabins below you in the woods. A short distance later you reach Shell Lake and then about a half mile beyond that you come to Fantail Lake. Take the left side of Fantail and follow Mine Creek up to Spuller Lake. It's about a 600 foot climb from your car to Spuller Lake, situated at an elevation of 10,250 feet.

I didn't have time to make the short hike north from Spuller Lake to try fishing at Maul Lake or Green Teble Lake. Maybe next time.

In My Creel:

Not knowing what kind of fishing conditions I would encounter along the way and up to Spuller Lake, I took a nice selection of spoons, flies, and spinners with me on my trip up to Spuller Lake:

Accommodations and Supplies:

Lodging is available close to Spuller Lake at the nearby Tioga Pass Resort. There is also ample lodging in Lee Vining or south on Highway 395 at June Lake. If you are coming into the eastern Sierra from the north, you might want to stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Minden, Nevada. Coming up 395 from the south there is a Holiday Inn Express in Bishop, California.

There are a number vacation cabin rentals in the area, especially south near Mammoth Lakes. Numerous campgrounds can be found nearby, including at Tioga Lake, Ellery Lake, along the road to Saddlebag Lake, and lower down along Lee Vining Creek.

Fishing supplies can be found at Bell's Sporting Goods in Lee Vining or Ernie's Tackle and Ski Shop in June Lake.