Big Virginia Lake - Bridgeport, CA

Lake Information

Fish Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout
Big Virginia Lake is a premier alpine trout fishery located within the Virginia Lakes basin of Mono County, California. At an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet, the lake provides an ideal cold-water habitat for rainbow trout, brook trout, and Lahontan cutthroat trout. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, it receives regular stockings throughout the fishing season, typically spanning from late May to early November depending on snow conditions.

The lake is best accessed via Virginia Lakes Road off Highway 395, approximately six miles west of Conway Summit. Its relatively easy access, combined with high catch rates and stunning Sierra Nevada scenery, makes it a favored destination for both fly and spin anglers. Shoreline fishing is excellent, especially near drop-offs and inlet points. Bait anglers rely on PowerBait, salmon eggs, and inflated nightcrawlers, while fly anglers use dry flies, nymphs, and streamers effectively throughout the water column.

Boating is limited to non-motorized vessels, enhancing the lake’s peaceful atmosphere. Float tubers often gain an advantage by reaching deeper pockets that hold larger fish during warmer months. Weather can be unpredictable due to the high elevation, and anglers should be prepared for rapid changes. Big Virginia Lake is not just a fishery—it’s a full alpine experience offering accessibility, consistent trout action, and a serene, high-country setting that typifies the Eastern Sierra's fishing appe



Latest Photos

6 lbs. 3 oz.
Michael McCarron
6-26-2025
2 lbs. 6 oz.
Diana Bronson
8-18-2024
3 lbs. 12 oz.
Victor Moreno
6-24-2024
3 lbs. 6 oz.
Bruce Norman
6-14-2024

Big Virginia Lake Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Rainbow Trout 10 lbs. 11 oz. 9-15-2020 View Report
Rainbow Trout 6 lbs. 3 oz. 6-26-2025 View Report
Rainbow Trout 6 lbs. 7-25-2023 View Report
Rainbow Trout 5 lbs. 8 oz. 10-11-2023 View Report
Rainbow Trout 4 lbs. 2 oz. 8-19-2022 View Report
Rainbow Trout 3 lbs. 12 oz. 6-24-2024 View Report
Rainbow Trout 3 lbs. 9 oz. 4-30-2022 View Report
Rainbow Trout 3 lbs. 8 oz. 8-17-2022 View Report
Rainbow Trout 3 lbs. 6 oz. 6-14-2024 View Report
Rainbow Trout 2 lbs. 9 oz. 6-15-2022 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSourceTotal Pounds
7-11-2025Rainbow TroutBFEF 
6-17-2025Rainbow TroutBFEF 
5-19-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
5-05-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
7-16-2024Rainbow TroutBFEF 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
6-26-2025 Big Virginia Lake Rainbow
                *Big Virginia Lake*   BFEF welcomes Michael McCarron from Thousand... more »
Ken Hoffman
8-18-2024 2.4 lb. Rainbow
Yay for Diana Bronson from Surprise AZ! She caught... more »
Beaver's Sporting Goods Staff
6-24-2024 3.76 lb. Rainbow
14 yr old Victor Moreno from Rialto, got... more »
Beaver's Sporting Goods Staff
6-14-2024 *Virginia Lakes*
  BFEF welcomes Bruce Norman from Santa Clarita, Ca... more »
Ken Hoffman - BFEF
6-12-2024 Ice free and open!!!
Views from Big Virginia, Little Virginia and Virginia... more »
Mono County

Detailed Map