Despite being the largest lake in the June Lake Loop, it’s easy to overlook Grant Lake. The 1,100-acre lake is more than three miles long, which allows plenty of room for all kinds of activities even on the busiest days.

About eight miles from the hustle and bustle of June Lake, the shores of the manmade Gant Lake are barren of trees and, it often seems, the same can be said of people, but that’s far from the case. Created by the LADWP in 1916 when Rush Creek was dammed, Grant is home to some of the largest rainbows in the region and is one of the best spots for motorized watersports like water skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing. Grant Lake offers plenty of room for both anglers and watersports fans to enjoy their days without impeding upon on another.

Grant also has eight miles of shoreline, which can be great for fishing, barbecues by the beach or just as nice spots to enjoy the lake’s impressive views of 12,000’ Mount Wood and the High Sierra.

Directions: From June Lake, head north eight miles on Highway 158.  From Lee Vining head south approximately 11 miles on Highway 395 to the junction of Highway 158 (June Lake Loop) and proceed six miles south to the lake.

The Grant Lake Marina (760.648.7964) is open from the last Saturday in April through mid-October. The campground by the marina offers 70 sites, showers, rest rooms, water and sewer, but no electrical, hook ups for RVs. Waterskiing, wakeboarding and personal watercraft may be operated on Grant Lake after 10 am.

Directions: From June Lake, head north eight miles on Highway 158.  From Lee Vining head south approximately 11 miles on Highway 395 to the junction of Highway 158 (June Lake Loop) and proceed six miles south to the Grant Lake Marina and campground.

Grant Lake is known for producing some of the biggest brown trout in the Sierra. The lake’s large size and general lack of pressure allows its browns and rainbows to grow to impressive size. Fish in the three-pound plus range get hooked at Grant often enough to make the lake a favorite spot for those in search of hogs. Experts even recommend anglers use a bit stronger line in case you do hook into one of Grant Lake’s famous lunkers.

Anglers can have success from boats, especially trolling, float tubes or by casting from the lake’s ample and tree-less shoreline. There are numerous dirt access roads surrounding the lake. Grant Lake Marina (760.648.7964) has all the necessary gear for boaters or shore casters and always knows exactly where they’re biting on the big lake.