Fishing Sherwin and Valentine Lakes

October 15, 2023

One of the things that makes Mammoth Lakes so special is how much adventure it offers without ever having to venture too far from the comforts and culinary treats of town. The Sherwin and Valentine Lakes are perfect examples.

The trailhead for the lakes is just outside of town off Sherwin Creek Road. Sherwin Lakes is the easiest to hike to. A somewhat steep set of switchbacks brings you to the first lake. The 2.5 mile hike offers unforgettable views of Mammoth and the Long Valley Caldera below. There are two primary fishable Sherwin Lakes, and like Valentine, both are known for having rainbow and strong brook trout populations.

Valentine Lake begins with a hike through a forest of old-growth Jeffrey pines and leads up another 1,000 feet above Sherwin Lakes. It’s a moderate hike, covering nearly 9 miles round-trip. The scenic lake sits within the John Muir Wilderness Area and gets so little traffic it almost feels exclusive—which is only fitting since the lake is named after W. L. Valentine, who owned a private club in Mammoth in the 1920s.

Fishing at either Sherwin Lakes or Valentine Lake provides solid backcountry fishing, gorgeous views and an off-the-beaten path feel, all while you’re still close to town.

Getting There

From the town of Mammoth Lakes, follow Old Mammoth Road to Sherwin Creek Road, which soon turns to dirt. The gravel road leads to the Sherwin Creek Campground and Picnic Area. To the west of the campground there is a small dirt lot marked for trailhead parking. East of the campground is the alternate trail to Valentine Lake.

Fishing 101

Sherwin Lakes and Valentine Lake are great places to cast for brook and rainbow trout. If the weather and wind are right it can be fairly easy to catch a few feisty brookies at either spot. Whether you’re casting a spin or a fly rod, they like just about anything that sparkles or moves just right. Inlets and outlets are usually productive. But the real key to fishing Valentine or Sherwin Lakes is to stop and enjoy the majestic surroundings. Angling in the “Sherwins,” as that part of the range is called, provides pleasant memories for a lifetime, no matter how the fishing is.

General Season rules and regulations apply. Fishing season runs from the last Saturday in April through November 15.

Man standing on a rock on the shore of Sherwin Lake casting a line. Evergreens and trees with yellow leaves are around the lake

Camping

The Sherwin Creek Campground offers 85 sites. The area is very popular in the summer, especially during weekends, so camping spots or lodging should be reserved in advance. There are also abundant lodging and camping options in the town of Mammoth Lakes.

Know Before You Go

Both trailheads are accessed from a dirt road. Sherwin Lakes and Valentine Lake are at very high elevation, well over 8,000 feet. Always be prepared for a variety of weather in any season with proper clothing layers, sunscreen, and plenty of hydration. The area is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, which should never be approached, provoked or fed. If you do any back country exploring, always tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Fishing
With access to an abundance of high alpine lakes, reservoirs, streams and creeks, Mammoth Lakes offers some of the best trout fishing in the world.
Learn More
Get Off the Beaten Path in Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is so much more than the classic (but sometimes busy) places you’ve seen on Instagram.
Find Businesses Near Me

More Post Like This

Related Content