Fishing the Clark Fork

Tuolumne County

The Clark Fork of California's Stanislaus River has attracted anglers for nearly 150 years because of its excellent fishing and its seemingly never-ending succession of scenic falls, pools, and rapids. Although it is popular, with a little traipsing through the woods you can always find a secluded section of river of your own to fish.

For those seeking solitude, one suggestion is to park at the end of the road at Iceberg Meadow and work your way upstream where few people venture. An excellent trail parallels the Clark Fork for miles, providing easy access to numerous deep holes and swirling bends along the way.

Clark Fork

Sidetrips

I was always intrigued by little Boulder Lake on my map, so finally I took a hike up to see what it was like. From the Clark Fork it was a long 1½ miles and about 1300 feet elevation gain on a poorly maintained trail. I had great views of Saint Mary's Pass from the trail. Boulder Lake is at 8200 feet elevation. It was early in the season when I visited and some snow was still around. I didn't have any luck fishing there. The water is fairly shallow, but others have reported landing brookies from the lake.

If you enjoy fishing small streams, you could try your luck on a couple of the tributaries to the Clark Fork. A good trail follows Disaster Creek up to its headwaters, and another trail parallels Arnot Creek. The two trails meet about 5 miles up from the Clark Fork.

In My Creel

#16 Elk Hair Caddis
#18 deer hair emerger
Royal Trude
salmon eggs
Kaufmann's Chironomid Pupa
1/16 oz gold Panther Martin

For fishing the Clark Fork I carried a variety of flies and baits. For Boulder Lake I brought along a couple of lures.

Other Nearby Featured Trips in Tuolumne County

Beardsley Reservoir Afterbay - easy access fishing
Relief Reservoir and Creek - a 1½-hour hike from Kennedy Meadows. Set out early and arrive in time for a full morning of fishing.
Sharon Lake a remote mountain lake. This is best done as an overnight trip which includes fishing along Kennedy Creek.
South Fork Stanislaus River - Fraser Flat - good early season, easy access, camping available nearby.
South Fork Stanislaus River - From Strawberry upstream to Pinecrest Lake.

Upper Clark Fork

Recommended Lures and Books for Fishing Sierra Lakes and Streams

High Sierra Fishing , Basics to Advanced Tactics, Billy Van Loek. This is the book I go back to again and again to improve my fishing technique in the high Sierra.
Panther Martin Pro Guide Anywhere 6 Pack Great trout lures almost guaranteed to catch fish.
Fly Fishing Trout Flies | Essential Flies for Trout | Hand-Tied Dry Flies, Nymphs, Streamers 32 of the most proven Trout flies, well-known for their timeless fish-catching effectiveness.
The Definitive Guide to Fishing Central California Chris Shaffer. The book details more than 380 lakes, rivers and streams around Central California. The full color guide has more than 500 color photos.

Lower Clark Fork

Sierra Fishing Destinations

HOME

Getting to the Clark Fork

To reach the Clark Fork from California's central valley, drive east from Sonora about 50 miles on Highway 108. Watch for the Clark Fork turnoff at the base of the descent from Donnell Vista. Beginning as soon as you cross the bridge over the Clark Fork, you will find good fishing almost anywhere you stop.

If you prefer a little more off-the-beaten-path fishing, set out up the trail from Iceberg Meadow. Ready your pole with fly or bait because you will find plenty of tempting spots to fish along the upper Clark Fork leading toward Saint Mary's Pass. Soon after leaving the parking area you reach a short, steep climb. Once over this hill the trail rejoins the river (about 1 mile). That's where I found my best fishing.

I noticed that the far side of the Clark Fork has much less brush, so if you see a safe log on which to cross, you may wish to try that side. Fishing should be easier from that side. In any case, continue to work your way up the Clark Fork until you come to the junction of Boulder Creek (about 2.5 miles and 400 feet elevation gain). Beyond that the flow is so diminished that it probably isn't worth continuing.

On my way out I spotted two large trout lounging in a small pool. I promised myself I would return another day to try my luck. It's been several years now, and I still haven't made it back. I bet those two are still there.

Accommodations

Lodging near the Clark Fork is available back on Highway 108 up at Kennedy Meadows. There is more lodging and vacation cabin rentals in Strawberry, Pinecrest, and Twain Harte. Several National Forest Campgrounds are situated along the Clark Fork and many more along Highway 108. In the summer they are usually busy. On the east side of Sonora Pass you will find a campground at Leavitt Meadow and along the Walker River and Highway 395.

California's Best Camping

For complete information about campgrounds along the Clark Fork and Highway 108, see

For complete information about camping and fishing around the Clark Fork and all up and down Sonora Pass, see Sonora Pass Vacations.

High Sierra Trails

Buck Lakes, Emigrant Wilderness

Fishing Supplies

On your way to the Clark Fork you can get fishing supplies at the following places:

Bass Pro Shop, Manteca.
Oakdale Bait and Tackle, Oakdale, on Highway 108/120.
Mother Lode Fly Shop, Sonora
Big 5 Sporting Goods, Sonora
Twain Harte Market
Pinecrest Sports Shop, Pinecrest
Dardanelle Resort
Kennedy Meadows Resort
Ken's Sporting Goods, Bridgeport