Hi,
If we are just talking about Convict Lake then I don't think you need 2lb to fish the lake. If Convict had Gin clear water then 2lb would be used but the lake water is clear but not Gin clear. In a lake like Mamie in Mammoth I use a 2lb leader while bait fishing and using a fly and bubble rig.
That water is very clear and by the way is very good for bait and lures.

Oh man, you got me missing the Sierras... : ))