Leopold Lake

Leopold Lake is a lake in Tuolumne County, California and covers about 9.8 acres, reaches about 16.6 feet at its deepest point and holds roughly 64.8 acre-feet.

One weed edge or deeper pocket can hold much of the day’s activity; pause the bait on each small drop, then use one moving lure and one slow bait.

Fish and Baits

Fish listed for Leopold Lake include Brook Trout, and Rainbow Trout.

For rainbow trout on Leopold 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; try the first deep shelf after the bank, then follow bait before changing areas.

Season by Season

In spring, start with warming banks, creek mouths, and shallow cover; summer usually pushes the better bite toward the outside weed edge or a nearby drop; fall can bring bait back to windblown points, while winter calls for smaller moves and a slower pace; check the clean side of wind, then keep the first route short.

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; add vibration in stained water; save the heaviest tackle for deep cover.

Record the wind, water color, depth along the active edge, 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; fish one point at two depths, then note the exact cover that gives a bite.