Getting There

To reach Greenstone Lake, get to Highway 120 at the east end of the park, either from Yosemite or from Lee Vining, California. Take Saddlebag Road, which is signed, and follow it uphill over a road that is partly paved and partly improved dirt road. Once you arrive at Saddlebag Lake, you have the luxury of a store, bait shop, restaurant, and keeper of the t-shirt that becomes yours if you get the Sierra slam in the 20 Lakes Loop.

The Hike

If only staying for a day hike or overnight for backpacking trips, park in the trailhead parking lot which affords a great deal of parking spaces. If you plan on going to Greenstone Lake, park in the trailhead parking area. Basically, the hike is minimal if you take the water taxi. If the taxi is not running, add 1.2 miles to your hiking. Greenstone Lake is only a quarter mile from the water taxi drop off so it is a popular spot. A good campsite can be found on the north side near a lakelet.

The Fishing

We fished Greenstone Lake quickly on our way around the loop. I landed one fish on a Brass Copper John and while fishing, overheard other anglers complain of getting broke off on a large fish. My son had multiple strikes while fishing a Yellow Panther Martin but could not bring anything to shore at Greenstone Lake.

We only fished the east shore where the trail meets the lake and landed 2 small Brookies. Later in the day, a rain storm drove us off the mountain. On my way out I saw two anglers take advantage of the break in the storm to fish the north side where there were many fish rising. All in all, I think Greenstone Lake deserves more attention as I think there may be a lunker in there.