Hot Creek
Hot Creek near Mammoth Lakes, California is a small spring creek below the hatchery with wild rainbows, browns and cutthroat in a steep canyon.
- 24 miRiver length
- 3Game fish
- 9Access points
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About Hot Creek
Hot Creek is a small, spring fed creek in the Eastern Sierra just outside Mammoth Lakes. Anglers reach it from Highway 395 on the Hot Creek Hatchery Road. The public water is in a canyon below the hatchery and the trails down to it can be steep.
The stream is clear and technical. Just below the hatchery you find a meadow stretch with some of the biggest fish. Farther down, the canyon section has smaller fish and deeper pools. A private ranch controls water between the hatchery and the public canyon.
Hot Creek holds brown trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Most fish are modest in size, but the deeper pools can hold bigger ones.
Spring and early summer are popular. Midges, small mayflies and Tricos are the key bugs. Dry dropper rigs and small nymphs also work.
The creek is managed as wild trout water with special regulations. Check current California Department of Fish and Wildlife rules before you go.
Gages near Hot Creek
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Other gages nearby
- Deadman Creek at Big Springs near Crestview, CA7.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 10265100
- Middle Fork San Joaquin River near Mammoth Lakes, CA12.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 11224000
- Green Creek near Bridgeport, CA40.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 10289500
- Virginia Creek near Bridgeport, CA41.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 10289000
- Robinson Creek at Twin Lks outlet near Bridgeport, CA43.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 10290500
- Tuolumne River at Grand Canyon of Tuolumne above Hetch Hetchy46.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 11274790
- East Walker River near Bridgeport, CA49.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 10293000
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Tips for fishing Hot Creek
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Watch your footing on the trails
The trails into the canyon are steep and loose. Wear good shoes and take your time on the way back.
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Stay low and quiet
The water is clear and the fish are spooky. Keep a low profile and use long, careful casts.
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Expect company
Hot Creek is popular and the public water is short. An early start helps you get a good spot.
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Check for geothermal areas
Hot Creek has hot springs and unstable ground near the water. Follow posted signs and stay out of closed areas.
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Know the private water
A private ranch sits between the hatchery and the public canyon. Stay on public land and follow posted signs.
Every access point on Hot Creek, in your pocket.
- 9 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- Bite forecast for the days ahead
Rivers near Hot Creek
Hot Creek FAQ
When is the best time to fish Hot Creek near Mammoth Lakes?
Spring and early summer are popular. Midges, small mayflies and Tricos are the main bugs.
Where can I fish Hot Creek in California?
The public water is below the hatchery, with a short meadow stretch and the canyon section downstream. Reach it from Highway 395 on the Hot Creek Hatchery Road near Mammoth Yosemite Airport.
Can you wade Hot Creek?
Yes. Hot Creek is a wading stream. The access trails are steep, so plan for a short but steady hike.
What flies work on Hot Creek?
Small nymphs, midges, Pheasant Tails, Zebra Midges and dry dropper rigs are all common. Tricos matter in late summer. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working today.
What fish are in Hot Creek?
Hot Creek holds brown trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.
Are there special rules on Hot Creek?
Yes. The creek is managed as wild trout water with special regulations. Check current California Department of Fish and Wildlife rules before you go.
