Getting There

To reach Upper Blue Lake, park at the Grouse Lake Trailhead. The trailhead is located near the dam at Upper Blue Lake, located in the Blue Lakes Recreation Area near Markleeville. There are abundant campsites at Lower Blue Lake, Middle Creek, and Upper Blue Lake Campgrounds. A boat launch area exists for Upper Blue Lake near the dam.

The Hike

There is no hike to Upper Blue Lake as it is a drive-to Lake. You can fish anywhere around the lake as there is ample shore access around the entire perimeter. This year, the water levels are low and bank access is abundant.

The Fishing

Upper Blue Lake is a put-and-take fishery in Alpine County in the Blue Lakes Recreation Area. It receives regular stocking of catchable Rainbow Trout during the summer.

Upper Blue Lake was not giving away any of her secrets on this trip for me. I fished inflated crawlers in three different locations on the south side of the lake and struck out everywhere I went. I did not see the group of anglers to the right of me catch anything and eventually they moved to the west side of the lake to try their luck. The anglers trolling out in the middle did not have anything to report either.

With the poor fishing reports and the witnessing of only 2 or 3 fish rising, I would say the lake needs a plant or the fishing was just exceptionally slow that day.