Lundy Lake is one of the most overlooked and easily forgotten drive-to lakes in the Eastern Sierra. Hidden in the foothills above Mono Lake, most folks pass by the lake on their way to Bridgeport, Lee Vining or the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park. But those who skip the lake are the ones who lose out.

The 100-acre lake offers solid fishing without the usual crowds. A mere 15 minute ride from Lee Vining can have you feeling like you’ve left most other anglers and hikers behind. The manmade lake is long and rather skinny and offers a boat dock and lots of easy shore access.

Originally a smaller, naturally formed lake that was considered a blessing by the first miners in the region, Lundy was expanded to its current size in 1910 and has become known for its great shore access and for its views of the metallic waters of Mono Lake below and the towering edges of Yosemite National park above.

Mill Creek, which runs below Lundy Lake, is also a nice spot for some fishing and short hikes. Both Lundy Lake and Mill Creek tend to struggle during low water years, but they are still always fishable and a fun escape from the crowds.

Directions: From Highway 395 north of Lee Vining, turn west onto Lundy Lake Road and follow roughly five miles to the lake.

The Lundy Lake Campground offers 36 campsites that include restrooms and non-potable water, but does not accept reservations. The Lundy Lake Resort also offers RV hook up spots, regular campsites, cabins, a general store and boat rentals in a rather rustic setting. For more information or reservations, please call 626-309-0415.

Directions: From Highway 395 north of Lee Vining, turn west onto Lundy Lake Road and follow roughly five miles to the lake.

The best part about fishing Lundy Lake is the lack of pressure it gets and the easy casting access it affords. While many folks like to fish the lake from a boat, and the trolling can be very rewarding, much of the shoreline offers quality angling opportunities as well.

Most of the south side of the rectangular lake is easy to reach and cast from. There are also popular spots by the dam at the east end, and by the resort at the west end. Lundy Lake is home to healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout and because it lacks the pressure of some of its neighboring lakes, the fish are known for being slightly more gullible and often slightly larger than you’ll find elsewhere.

Below the lake, Mill Creek is also known for holding small, wild trout populations, especially anywhere you can find a beaver pond.

Directions: From Highway 395 north of Lee Vining, turn west onto Lundy Lake Road and follow roughly five miles to the lake.