This post was written by Jessica Schneider, 2015-2020 Office Director, 2011-2013 Information Center & Bookstore Manager, and 2010 Information Center & Bookstore Assistant.
Spring is upon us, and with it the opening of campgrounds and the thawing of lakes for fishing season opener this Saturday, April 30. Following is a list of open campgrounds, as well as the conditions of lakes, in the Mono Basin and surrounding areas.
Open campgrounds:
Oh! Ridge, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, Lower Lee Vining, and county campgrounds on Lundy Creek. You can see information about all Mono Basin campgrounds here.
For up-to-date campground information, visit the Inyo National Forest’s website here.
Fishing conditions:
Lundy Lake is low, but free of ice. The resort will open on Memorial Day.
June, Gull, Silver, and Grant lakes are all open and ice-free. However, access to the back side of Grant Lake Reservoir is closed from the June Lake loop. To access this area, take West Portal Road.
Virginia Lakes has two feet of ice below several feet of snow. The resort is closed. The road to Virginia Lakes is still partially snow-covered, with limited parking.
Upper and Lower Twin Lakes and the Bridgeport Reservoir are ice-free and full. All of the resorts and landings are open.
Fishing licenses:
Due to the new Department of Fish & Game computerized licensing program, the only place to purchase a fishing license in Lee Vining is at Bell’s Sporting Goods. Licenses will no longer be available at Lundy Lake Resort, Virginia Lakes Resort, or Saddlebag Lake Resort. They can be purchased online at the Department of Fish & Game website.
Roads:
Not all roads are plowed completely during this time of year. Make sure to check road conditions before travel.