High in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Consultation Lake beckons outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This picturesque lake offers a tranquil escape and the perfect setting for fishing, camping, hiking, and adventure.

Geographical Overview

Consultation Lake is a High Sierra alpine lake located in Inyo County, California, at an elevation of 11,686 feet (3,562 meters) above sea level. The lake is part of the Mount Whitney USGS Map Area and is managed by the California Department of Fish and Game 2 6. Geographically, Consultation Lake is located at 36° 33′ 54.91″ N, 118° 16′ 20.34″ W, near Trail Camp and Lone Pine, California 3 4.

The hike to Consultation Lake is a challenging 7.3-mile trek from the trailhead, with an elevation gain of 3,900 feet and a difficulty level rated as 'Strenuous'. The trail passes through diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and granite slopes, offering breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Owens Valley, and White Mountains. Along the way, hikers will encounter other notable geographical features such as Lone Pine Lake, Mirror Lake, Outpost Camp, and Trailside Meadow.

The hike to Consultation Lake can be broken down into two sections:

1. A 3.8-mile section with an elevation gain from 9,000 feet to 10,400 feet.

2. A more challenging 2.3-mile section with an elevation gain from 10,400 feet to 12,000 feet.

Visitors should be mindful of the high elevation, as Consultation Lake is located at approximately 10,500 feet (3,200 meters) above sea level, which can affect acclimatization and overall well-being. The lake itself is approximately 33.138 acres in size and is a popular spot for camping and short detours from the Mount Whitney Trail. The surrounding trail features different zones, including a tree zone and a treeline, where weather conditions can be severe and extreme.

Flora and Fauna Around the Lake

The area surrounding Consultation Lake is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Marmots and chipmunks are common critters found around the lake, providing visitors with opportunities to observe these playful creatures in their natural habitat. The lake is surrounded by a variety of tree species, including Jeffrey pines, white firs, pinyon pines, lodgepole pines, and foxtail pines. These trees create a picturesque backdrop for the lake and offer shade and shelter for the local wildlife.

In addition to the trees, the area features various ground plants and bushes growing along streams 1. These plants contribute to the ecosystem's diversity and provide food and habitat for the local fauna. While the lake is stocked with fish, the specific species are not mentioned in the available content 6.

Visitors to Consultation Lake may also encounter other fascinating wildlife, such as cows and even a Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pig, which have been spotted at high altitudes in the area 9. These unexpected animal sightings add to the unique and memorable experience of exploring this hidden gem in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Fishing at Consultation Lake

Consultation Lake is a popular fishing spot in California, known for its trout species such as rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. The lakes in the area, including Consultation Lake, have trout, including golden trout native to California. Some trout in these lakes are larger, with specimens seen chasing smaller fish close to the shore.

To fish at Consultation Lake, anglers must follow specific regulations:

• A sport fishing license is required for anyone 16 years or older, and a report card is required for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon 10.

• Anglers are allowed to harvest 5 trout per day and have up to 10 trout in possession.

• Anglers may harvest an additional 10 brook trout less than 10 inches total length over and above the 5 fish daily limit, except at Kirman, Roosevelt, and Lane lakes in Northern Mono County.

• Familiarize yourself with statewide regulations, check the Alphabetical List of Waters with Special Regulations, and follow the General District Regulations.

• Unlawful actions include fishing without a valid license, failure to return a report card by the deadline, and taking or possessing fish taken illegally.

Fishing tips for Consultation Lake include using lures and flies and finding the right depth for the fish. The lakes were historically stocked with fish, but it is unclear if they still are. However, the trout in these lakes have adapted to the environment and continue to spawn and thrive.

It is important to note that there are no walk-up permits available for fishing in the area, and all permits must be reserved online. The fishing pressure on these lakes is lower than in other areas of the Eastern Sierra due to their remote location and the popularity of Mount Whitney.