Trout love the clear cold water of Florence Lake. Fishermen have been pulling large German browns out of the water for years. Rainbow and brook trout are also found there. Fishing boats can be rented at the Florence Lake store.

Those seeking the deepest part of the lake work around the face of the dam, especially near Arch 53 where the water is 142 feet deep. (The dam is composed of 58 concrete arches.) Other anglers head out along the shoreline, working their way toward the inlet from the South Fork of the San Joaquin River on the southern end of the lake. Float tubes are seen at times on the lake, but afternoon winds can pose a danger.

As the water levels drop in the fall, granite islands begin to appear around the southeastern bay around Mackenzie Island. Working among those islands and fishing near underwater ledges can produce some good results.

Which Baits and Lures Are Catching Fish at Florence Lake?

For fly fishing Wooly Buggers are always a good bet, along with the reliable Adams. A Blue Wing Olive sometimes is exactly the right fly on high mountain lakes.

There's nothing like the excitement of using Mepps Ultra Lites on a light outfit for Sierra trout. For casters and trollers, you will also do well with Panther Martins, Colorado spinners, rainbow trout pattern Thomas Bouyant, pink or orange Gulp! trout worms, small minnow plugs.

Many anglers swear by Acme's 1/8 ounce Kastmaster Brook Trout for Sierra lakes. You can't go wrong with reliable salmon eggs or nightcrawlers dropped in a likely spot.