Topaz Lake

 

At the northern end of the Antelope Valley, where California greets Nevada, you can find “Topaz Lake … Home of the Trophy Trout.” 

It’s easy to feel like a winner at Topaz Lake simply by spending a day fishing, sailing or exploring the lake and its 25 miles of shoreline. Or you can hit the Topaz Lodge Resort and Casino overlooking the lake and try your luck there.

Besides the option for gambling, there are a couple other things that make Topaz Lake unique. The man-made lake is in both California and Nevada, making a fishing license from either state valid. The other is that Topaz Lake is actually at its best in the winter and early spring, when most bodies of water in the Eastern Sierra are frozen or buried under snow. Topaz Lodge even runs an annual winter fishing derby, offering anglers a nice outdoor fix in the midst of the chilly winter months.

For those who prefer drier activities, Northern Mono County is also known for offering some of the best ATV riding in the Golden State. The hiking and horseback riding near Topaz Lake are also terrific.

Directions: Topaz Lake is located along Highway 395 at the California/Nevada border. It is located about halfway between Reno and Mammoth Lakes.