Gardisky Lake

Gardisky Lake is a lake in Mono County, California and covers about 0.6 acres, reaches about 7.8 feet at its deepest point and holds roughly 1.9 acre-feet.

One weed edge or deeper pocket can hold much of the day’s activity; cast across the break instead of along it, then make one pass close to bottom. With little deep water in Gardisky Lake, weeds, wind, and water color can matter more than depth alone.

Fish and Baits

Fish listed for Gardisky Lake include Brook Trout, Golden Trout, and Rainbow Trout.

While looking for rainbow trout on Gardisky Lake, cast a small spoon, inline spinner, light jig, or fly through cool water.

How to Read the Water

Make one shallow pass and one deeper pass on the same shoreline; that shows whether fish are tight to cover or using the first break; fish the first useful drop, then keep one slow bait ready.

Season by Season

Early in the year, protected water and the first warm afternoon can be the best clues; as the water heats up, check deeper edges without assuming every fish is on the bottom; cooling fall water often makes points and firm banks useful again; try the windblown bank, then slow down after the first bite.

A Simple Tackle Plan

A light spinning rod, thin line, a few small spoons, inline spinners, and jigs cover the listed trout; carry one slightly heavier setup when other fish or windy water call for more control; make one pass close to bottom; fish the warmest edge early in spring, then keep one slow bait ready.

Record the wind, water color, depth of the first good pass, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce; add vibration in stained water.