Big Virginia Lake

Big Virginia Lake is a premier alpine trout fishery located within the Virginia Lakes basin of Mono County, California. At an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet, the lake provides an ideal cold-water habitat for rainbow trout, brook trout, and Lahontan cutthroat trout. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, it receives regular stockings throughout the fishing season, typically spanning from late May to early November depending on snow conditions.

The lake is best accessed via Virginia Lakes Road off Highway 395, approximately six miles west of Conway Summit. Its relatively easy access, combined with high catch rates and stunning Sierra Nevada scenery, makes it a favored destination for both fly and spin anglers. Shoreline fishing is excellent, especially near drop-offs and inlet points. Bait anglers rely on PowerBait, salmon eggs, and inflated nightcrawlers, while fly anglers use dry flies, nymphs, and streamers effectively throughout the water column.

Boating is limited to non-motorized vessels, enhancing the lake’s peaceful atmosphere. Float tubers often gain an advantage by reaching deeper pockets that hold larger fish during warmer months. Weather can be unpredictable due to the high elevation, and anglers should be prepared for rapid changes. Big Virginia Lake is not just a fishery—it’s a full alpine experience offering accessibility, consistent trout action, and a serene, high-country setting that typifies the Eastern Sierra's fishing appe