Twin Lakes, located in Mono County, California, is a popular destination for fishing, hiking, and camping enthusiasts. While the exact depth of the lakes is not specified in the provided sources, we do know that Lower Twin Lake is over 140 feet deep, ensuring ample water for various recreational activities.
The Depth of Twin Lakes
According to the information gathered, the depth of the Twin Lakes in California can be summarized as follows:
- Lower Twin Lake: Over 140 feet deep
- Upper Twin Lake: Depth not specified, but likely similar to Lower Twin Lake
The significant depth of Lower Twin Lake, in particular, ensures that the lake maintains a sufficient water level even during low water years, making it an attractive destination for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.
Exploring the Twin Lakes Basin
The Twin Lakes Basin is a picturesque area that offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. The basin consists of two main lakes:
- Upper Twin Lake: Covering nearly 400 acres
- Lower Twin Lake: Spanning over 250 acres
Both lakes are known for their abundant populations of large brown and rainbow trout, as well as kokanee salmon and native Lahontan cutthroat trout, making them a prime destination for anglers.
Camping and Accommodations
The Twin Lakes area offers several camping and accommodation options for visitors:
Campgrounds
- Lower Twin Lakes Campground
- Robinson Creek Campground
These campgrounds can be reserved online or by calling 877-444-6777, with sites available for reservation at least 4 days in advance.
Resorts and Cabins
- Annett’s Mono Village at Upper Twin
- Twin Lakes Resort on Lower Twin
These resorts offer cabin rentals, camping options, general stores, and boat rentals, providing a more comfortable and amenity-rich experience for visitors.
Fishing in Twin Lakes
Fishing is a significant attraction at the Twin Lakes, with both lakes known for their large trout and salmon populations. The state record for the largest brown trout, weighing 26 pounds, 8 ounces, was caught in Upper Twin Lake in 1987.
Some of the key fish species found in the Twin Lakes include:
- Brown trout
- Rainbow trout
- Kokanee salmon
- Lahontan cutthroat trout
The deep waters of the lakes, particularly Lower Twin Lake, provide an ideal habitat for these fish, making the Twin Lakes a popular destination for anglers.
Accessing the Twin Lakes
Accessing the Twin Lakes is relatively straightforward. From Highway 395, visitors can take the Twin Lakes Road for 10 miles to reach the start of the Twin Lakes Basin. An additional 4 miles will lead them to the inlet of the Upper Twin Lake.
Conclusion
The Twin Lakes in Mono County, California, offer a picturesque and diverse outdoor experience for visitors. While the exact depth of the lakes is not specified, the known depth of over 140 feet for Lower Twin Lake ensures ample water for various recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming. With a variety of camping and accommodation options, as well as a rich fishing environment, the Twin Lakes are a must-visit destination for lakes touring enthusiasts.