Owens River (Benton Crossing Road area)
This is classic river fishing. A lot of fly-fishing. Slow meandering water to test your technical fishing skills. Certain times of the year you will need mosquito repellant, but it is often windy down there, which keeps the little critters under control. This is reputed to be a world-renowned fishery, with an amazing number of fish per mile. Locals report mixed luck at times. Good place to fish, great scenery, enjoy. South on HWY 395 to Benton Crossing Road (at the green church), then about three miles to the bridge. Turn left on the dirt road and drive as far as you want, look for dirt roads leading to the river every so often.

Crowley Lake
Everyone knows Crowley. Opening day usually sees 6000 - 8000 people. This lake provides some of the best trout fishing in California. It is a big lake, and a boat is useful. They are available for rent. Float tubes are common. Crowley Lake is just a few miles south of Mammoth on HWY 395. There is a marina, general store, 70 rental boats, most with motors, campgrounds, RV sites, some with full hook-ups. There are two fishing seasons on Crowley — from opening day until August 1 there is a five-fish per day, no-size limit, and 10 in possession rule. After August 1 thru October 31, it's two fish per day, 18-inches total length, and only artificial lures with barbless hooks can be used.

Convict Lake and Convict Creek
Spectacular scenery. Boat rentals available. Launch ramp. This is a deep lake, and you can try for big fish. South on HWY 395 to the Convict Lake turnoff. Easy access from the parking lot. The best fishing on the creek is just below the outlet. There are campgrounds here and a general store for fishing supplies, food, and beer.

McGee Creek
Mostly small trout, but a beautiful area. Just a few miles south of Mammoth, turn right (west) at the McGee Creek sign and go up the canyon a few miles until the end of the road. Walk up the creek and find a spot.

June Lake Loop
Lots of lakes — June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake. The June Lake loop area is usually one of the first 'high' country areas to clear of ice and snow. There are several fishable streams, marinas, campgrounds, restaurants, and supply outlets within walking distance.

Mammoth Lakes Basin
Twin Lakes, Lake Mamie, Lake Mary, Lake George. Planted often, popular, scenic, accessible by car, with campgrounds, and lots of big fish. If you're up to it, try early season ice fishing. Hike 3 miles carrying all your stuff, including a big ice screw, drill a hole, and maybe catch something really big. Just be careful of dangerous ice conditions.

Mammoth Creek
Mammoth Creek runs down from the Lakes Basin, along the edge of town, through Sherwin Meadows, to HWY 395 and on to Hot Creek and the Owens. Along the Sherwin Meadows area, it's easy to access the creek.

Upper Lakes Basin and surrounding backcountry
From the lakes basin you have easy access to a number of nearby backcountry lakes. Take a mile hike and you leave the people behind. Easy walking distance to Crystal Lake, T.J. Lake, Barrett Lake, and McLeod Lake. Skelton Lake is just a couple miles from the Duck Pass trailhead. Catch and release McLeod Lake has cutthroat trout. Great wilderness experience without camping out

Hot Creek
World famous, productive, and nearby hot springs. This is a world-class fishery. Catch and release with barbless artificial flies only. This is the only place around where the fish are all natural, no plants. Fish to18 inches are regularly caught.

San Joaquin River
Very productive river fishing. The San Joaquin River begins at Thousand Island Lake, ten miles north of Mammoth, and ends up in the San Francisco Bay. During the summer, there is a shuttle that takes you down into the valley. Up HWY 203 past Mammoth Mountain and down Minaret Road to Agnew or Red's Meadow.

Owens/Bishop Area
Below Pleasant Valley reservoir, you can fish the Owens year round. The Wild Trout section of the river comes out of Pleasant Valley Reservoir and flows for 4.4 miles downstream towards Bishop.

Rock Creek Area
Rock Creek Lake is just a few miles south of Mammoth. Rock Creek Lake sits at the end of the road, then you can hike up to Serene Lake, Eastern Brook Lakes, Mack Lake, Marsh Lake, Hidden Lake, Ruby Lake, Heart Lake, Summit Lake, Golden Lake, Patricia Lake, and Box Lake. How about that for variety? Rock Creek Lake is the biggest, and has access from the road and campgrounds. There is a five fish daily limit with 10 in possession here. Go a couple miles south of Mammoth on HWY 395 and turn west at Tom's place, drive a few miles up the road.