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Directions: 
Whitney Portal is the end of the Whitney Portal road in Inyo County, California, 13.7 miles west of Lone Pine at an elevation of 8,374 feet. The trailhead is at Whitney Portal out of Lone Pine. It is 11 miles from the trailhead to Mt. Whitney at an elevation of 14,504 feet. |
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Notes: 
This region has a number of excellent lakes and streams to fish for Rainbows, Brookies, and Browns. Generally, the fish are small but healthy and active. Most of the Rainbows and Brooks reside in the lakes below 11,000 feet.
You can make a loop hike from either Portal or Cottonwood Lakes. There are two passes to climb traversing this area, New Army Pass (12,300) and Trail Crest (13,480) always with the mandatory stop at the top of Mt Whitney (14,496). The loop trip will result in about a 13,000 feet gain/loss of hiking if you take the entire 45 mile trek. A shuttle can be arranged to pick you up at either trailhead and back to your origin. In 1996, Mt. Randy Morgenson (13,927') was named in honor of the USFS Backcountry Ranger who was believed to have died falling through a snow bridge in July, 1996. His remains were found 5 years later.
Whitney Portal Road follows
Lone Pine Creek up to the Whitney Portal Trailhead.
Lone Pine Creek is heavily stocked with both Browns and Rainbows just downstream of Movie Road. Many of these fish are in the 10-12 inch range. The creek has substantial bush cover and pocket water for nymphing with some larger pools where streamers will work.
From the Whitney Portal campground just below the Portal is another trailhead following Meysan Creek up to three lakes. Each of these lakes have plenty of Brookies. The lakes are about 5 miles from the trailhead with a 4000 foot climb.
Grass Lake: Contain Brookies, 5-7 inches
Camp Lake: Contains Brookies, 5-7 inches
Meysan Lake: (25 acres at 11,480 feet) Contains Brookies, 5-7 inches
Whitney Trail from Whitney Portal will take you to the
North Fork Lone Pine Trail (aka Mountaineer Route) which follows the North Fork Lone Pine Creek and heads up to Upper Boy Scout Lake (6.3 acres at 11,316 feet) which consists of Rainbow trout. Iceburg Lake is fishless. Some continue to Mt Whitney following the Mountaineer Route.
Continuing on Whitney Trail past the North Fork turnoff, the trail heads southwest and reaches three lakes before going over the crest.
Lone Pine Lake: Consists of Rainbows and Brookies. About 2.5 miles from trailhead at 9,925 feet.
Mirror Lake: (2.4 acres at 10,660') Consists of Brookies
Consultation Lake: (33 acres at 11,667') Consists of Rainbows.
Tulainyo Lake: This lake is considered the highest named lake within the Sierra Nevada at 12,818 feet elevation. "Cal Tech" has a lake 88 feet higher (but it isn't named) . At one time, it was stocked with Goldens but is considered to be fishless today.
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| Fishing Regulations (Effective March 1st, 2021)
Inyo County, Southwestern portion, in all waters bounded by the Inyo County line on the south and west, Independence Creek on the north (open to fishing), and Highway 395 on the east:
From the last Saturday in April through November 15, 5 trout daily bag limit, 10 trout in possession; and, from November 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April, 0 trout bag limit, artificial lures with barbless hooks only and trout must be released unharmed and not removed from the water.
Other Rivers and Streams outside of Inyo County:
From the last Saturday in April through November 15, 5 trout daily bag limit, 10 trout in possession; and, from November 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April, 0 trout bag limit, artificial lures with barbless hooks only and trout must be released unharmed and not removed from the water.
Other Lakes outside of Inyo County:
Open all year. No restrictions. 5 trout per day. 10 trout in possession.
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