Goodbye Lake Tahoe, So Long Big Bear: This Sierra Nevada Lake Rewards Hikers With Secluded Fishing

If you're itching to recharge and get away from the world, a visit to one of California's beautiful lakes may be just the ticket. While resorts around shimmering Lake Tahoe and Big Bear are popular options, the crowds may not appeal to travelers hoping to connect with nature on a deeper level. More adventurous backpackers and anglers looking for a quieter, more serene outdoor experience can plan a journey to glistening Consultation Lake.

Consultation Lake sits high in the John Muir Wilderness of Inyo National Forest, near two of California's stunning national parks. Like other alpine lakes in the region, Consultation sits in a glacially carved basin fed by clear snowmelt runoff. Its crystal-clear waters offer trout fishing grounds where anglers can soak in the moment and the spectacular mountain scenery of the Eastern Sierra.

To reach Consultation Lake, you'll have to trek uphill for over 5 miles from the Whitney Portal trailhead, the primary route to climb Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. It's just over halfway to the summit and before the infamous stretch of endless switchbacks. If you'll be hiking in early summer, be prepared for snow on the trail and inclement weather at over 11,600 feet in elevation. Visitors may also want to spend a day or two acclimating to the area before starting the hike. Whitney Portal Campground has drinking water and vault toilets, and the trailhead is about 13 miles west of the small mountain town of Lone Pine.

Although Mount Whitney is one of the most popular hikes in California, few people detour off the beaten path to fish in Consultation Lake. The 33-acre lake may be pond-sized (and cub-sized) compared with Lake Tahoe and Big Bear, respectively, but it offers a secluded backcountry fishing experience that is likely worth the grueling hike. The lake supports several trout species, including rainbow, brown, and golden trout, and anglers note that the fish are smaller and often bite a variety of lures and flies. The primary fishing season runs from late April through November, and you'll need to have a license before tossing your line in the water.

Tucked between the lake and the Mount Whitney Trail, you'll find several dispersed camping sites, mostly flat exposed tent spots amid natural gravel. They are fully primitive and have no amenities beyond what nature provides. While the area around the lake is normally quiet, you may spot a marmot and other smaller critters, such as chipmunks, chattering. Anglers should also be aware that bears inhabit the area and should be careful if cleaning or cooking fish for dinner. Campfires are prohibited in the Mount Whitney area. If you're planning to camp out, you'll have to bring a camp stove.

A successful summer fishing trip to Consultation Lake takes serious planning, since you'll need to arrange transportation, permits, and the right gear. For travelers flying in, Bishop Airport, also known as Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH), is the closest airport with scheduled commercial service. It's roughly an hour and a half away by car. Meanwhile, a larger Southern California airport is Ontario International Airport (ONT), about four hours away. Whether you're coming from in or out of state, all hikers must get a wilderness permit before setting off on the Mount Whitney Trail. Permits are based on a lottery, with daily quotas of 100 day-use hikers and 60 overnight hikers during the quota season. If you're planning a day trip, you'll likely want to start hiking early, as your entire trip must start and finish on the same day. If you miss the lottery window, unclaimed dates are normally available in late April.

As you pass through Lone Pine, it's a good idea to swing by the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center to check trail and weather conditions and grab a bear canister and pack-out kit. Visitors spending the night around the lake are required to store all food and scented items in a bear-resistant container, avoid leaving food in vehicles at Whitney Portal, and carry out everything — including solid human waste. Doing both helps protect California's wildlife and natural habitat, and leaves a similar experience for future hikers and anglers seeking time in unspoiled nature. Once you've caught your fill of fish, travelers heading south toward Los Angeles can swing by this colorful canyon state park to see a completely different side of California's rugged beauty.