Mosquito Lakes at Pacific Grade Summit
Mosquito Lakes are a pair of picturesque mountain lakes which attract anglers from around the area. As soon as the highway opens - usually in mid-May - fishermen can be seen perched along the shores of the lakes. It's a relaxed kind of fishing. Many people bring folding chairs and sit patiently waiting the trout to strike.
A campground is located next to the lakes and another is found only a short drive away to the east in Pacific Valley. Several hiking trails head out from near the lakes, making great day trips.
Many of the visitors to the lakes are not aware of the history of the area. Mountain men, explorers, emigrants, miners, and even Snowshoe Thompson all passed over Pacific Grade Summit during the 19th century.
Photographers and artists find plenty of scenes on which to focus their attention, from the cool reflections in the lakes to the broad vistas to the east.
Mosquito Lakes
Fishing
Fishing is almost always rewarding at Mosquito Lakes. Everyone fishes from shore, often from the highway side of the lakes. A few more adventurous anglers work their way around to the rocks by the cabins.
Popular Baits and Lures
- Spin Casting: Daredevle Skeeter, Panther Martins, Kastmasters, and Mepp's Lightnin'
- Bait Fishing: PowerBait, Nightcrawlers, Salmon Eggs, Gulp Eggs
- Fly Fishing: Adams, California Mosquito, Blue Wing Olive, Gnats, Woolly Bugger
On your way up to the lake a stop at Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods in Arnold is a good way to get the latest information on fishing conditions at Mosquito Lakes. While you're there you can pick up all the best lures and baits you will need to land that trophy trout.
Hiking
Several good Day Hikes originate at Mosquito Lakes.
1. Heiser Lake: This 2-mile hike climbs less than 500 feet. Pick up the trail at the
western end of Mosquito Lakes and head south. At the trail junction stay left.
2. Bull Run Lake: The hike to Bull Run Lake is little over 3-miles and involves some up
and down hiking. Begin at the same trailhead as Heiser Lake and follow that trail, but at the junction turn right.
3. Emigrant Trail: Although not shown on maps, there is a trail that leads west from
the lakes parallel to the highway. Rust marks from emigrant and later wagons can be seen on the sides of the rocks
along the trail.
See the Map below.
Picnicking
Although there are no designated picnicking sites at Mosquito Lakes, they make an excellent location for a day outing. Bring your own water since there is no potable water available there. Restrooms are found in the campground.
Good sites for picnicking are found all around the shores of the lake. Also consider scrambling up to a vantage point on the rocks near the summit where you have views of the mountains and valleys to the east.
Camping
The Mosquito Lakes - Pacific Grade Summit Area has two campgrounds:
- Mosquito Lakes Campground: Across the road from the lakes, 11 campsites for tents and small RVs
- Pacific Valley Campground: One mile east of Mosquito Lakes in Pacific Valley, 15 sites
For complete information about camping at Mosquito Lakes, see
Mosquito Lakes Campgrounds.
