Southern California’s Convict Lake

Sportsmen state the fish do not bite when the ghosts are near. . .

A mile and a half up in the High Sierra Mountains in California sits a Lake named after escaped convicts.

Nevada State Penitentiary at Carson City

Convict Lake was named after a group of six convicts that escaped from the Nevada State Penitentiary in September of 1871. 

Twenty-nine men convicted of stagecoach and train robberies escaped this prison in the Nevada desert and headed west. They crossed the border into California.

This group of convicts split up and headed into the High Sierras, which was not a wise decision, for the first snowfalls in late September were already hitting these mountains.

Convict Lake

Six men from this group headed south toward the lake that is now named after them. They found themselves without shelter or supplies.

Along the trail, they encountered a local mailman, William Poor. Poor immediately recognized them from the wanted posters in his office. The convicts seeing the fear in his eyes killed him in cold blood.

When word about this murder reached the locals, they became enraged and formed a posse. 

On September 24^th they found the convicts’ hideout near the lake. A bloody gun battle ensued. Deputy Sheriff Robert Morrison was killed. 

When the fight was over three men were taken into custody, the other three escaped further into the mountains and died of exposure. 

Two of the men captured were hanged. The third man who testified against the other two convicts was returned to prison. He was stabbed and killed by fellow prisoners for being a snitch.

Ever since three ghosts have been seen near this lake. Two wear nooses around their necks, the third has a knife sticking out of his back. It is believed he was the one who was the informer.

All three ghosts are seen covered in snow with icicles hanging from their eyebrows. Witnesses state these men have “lifeless” eyes.

These three ghosts are seen near Convict Lake year-round, but they are seen more often in the fall months. 

The locals and fishermen state that the trout in this lake do not bite when these ghosts are seen.

Witnesses state they present a gruesome sight.