Puffer Lake
Directions: Follow highway 153 east from Beaver for about 22 miles. Lake is a few miles past Elk Meadows ski resort.Description: This is a circular, midsize lake located in the heart of timber country. Ices over in winter, but generally opens up in mid to late May. Heavy stands of pines encircle the lake. Located near the base of Mount Holly at about the 9,600-foot elevation. Paved road leads right to the lake.
Fish: Rainbow
Details:
Lake will take small boats, but most of the fishing is from shore. Try salmon eggs and night crawlers near any of the inlets around the lake, also try salmon eggs and cheeses in deeper water near the dam. Try fly and bubble in the early mornings and late afternoons in the summer. Spinners and spoons a good bet when delivered from shore. Primarily a put-and-take water. Stocked frequently in the summer.
Notes:
There is a lodge near the lake that features boat rentals and some services. Lake is located in the Fishlake National Forest, so very scenic drive to the lake and beautiful mountain country when you arrive. Condominium rentals available at Elk Meadows ski area. Also accommodations and services in nearby Beaver. Typically experiences low water levels in the fall, but fills in the spring. Nice drive east of lake to Junction.
What works:
Good place to try spinners and spoons, traditional baits -- worms, night crawlers, salmon eggs and power baits -- are a natural at this lake. In the summer a bubble and fly, like a renegade and mosquito or hare's ear, should work well. This is mainly a bait-and-lure lake.