BY MIKE STEVENS
CONVICT LAKE – Conditions were perfect for the duration of Opening Day at Convict Lake which stood above the rest with the biggest trout caught during the 2026 Eastern Sierra Trout Opener. That fish went 11-pounds even on the scale on the Convict Lake Store’s patio and was caught by Henry Perez of Muscoy, Calif. who was tossing a Rapala along the North Shore.
Plenty of 3 to 5 pounders were weighed in at Convict Lake Resort, and some anglers playfully “complained” that they were trying for big fish bit couldn’t keep the smaller CDFW stockers from biting. There was respectable action for those working minijigs, spoons, spinners and of course, the Rapala-type baits that caught the big one, but most stringers were filled by angler bait fishing with Berkley PowerBait, Mice Tails, Trout Worms, Pinched Crawlers and live worms.
Convict Lake is always a high-traffic spot on Opening Weekend with some anglers making their way to the inlet in the dark before making their first casts, but the trout cooperated all over the lake. So anglers working the jetty, North Shore, South Shore (including the Hangman’s Tree but really most open spots along that entire shore) and the shoreline adjacent to the outlet and opposite the Marina all found success for the most part. Anglers also tapped into Convict Creek and did well in the big holes just below the outlet and throughout the campground.
“What a way to kick things off at Convict Lake,” said Convict Lake Resort Marketing Manager, Lisa Cornwell. “Beautiful weather, big fish and smiling anglers. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the season brings!”
Convict Lake is one of a few lakes in the Eastern Sierra that benefits from a three-pronged attack when it comes to stocking trout. It will receive the top-tier trout from Desert Springs Trout Farm in Oregon both via Mono County’s budget and Convict Lake’s own budget. Yes, Convict Lake adds even more fish on its own dime, and of course, regular DFW deliveries only sweeten the deal.
Visit ConvictLake.com for more info and to read up on the Ambush at the Lake Derby and other happenings at the resort.
