Photo of Middle Fork San Joaquin River, Madera County, California

San Joaquin River Middle Fork Fishing

Reds Meadow - Devils Postpile


San Joaquin River Middle Fork Fishing

Reds Meadow - Devils Postpile

Map

The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River flows past Devils Postpile National Monument and through Reds Meadow in California's Eastern Sierra. The river offers nine miles of superb fishing for anglers of all abilities. Fly fishing is popular on this stretch of the San Joaquin River, especially along the meadow sections. Bait fishermen like to work the pools along the more rugged portions of the river. You'll find rainbows, browns, brook, and even some golden trout in the San Joaquin River.

Even though it feels like the eastern slope of the Sierra, the Devils Postpile National Monument and Reds Meadow are actually on the western drainage of the mountain range and part of Madera County. We have lumped them in with Mono County because through Mono County at Mammoth Lakes is the only way to reach this beautiful valley by car. The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River runs south through the valley and then sweeps around to the west, flowing 25 miles through a virtually trackless canyon to Mammoth Pool Reservoir midway between Yosemite and Kings Canyon National parks.

San Joaquin River, Reds Meadow, Madera County, California

Middle Fork San Joaquin River

Sidetrips

Sotcher Lake makes a quick and easy sidetrip for a little fishing adventure. It's located close to Devils Postpile and only takes two minutes to reach from the shuttle stop. Starkweather Lake is visible from the main road. It's small enough to be called a pond. Both lakes have rainbows, browns, and brook trout as well as Alper trout. They are good place to take children for a morning of fishing.

Many visitors enjoy the short hike to Rainbow Falls near the southern end of Reds Meadow.

Rainbow Falls, Reds Meadow, Madera County, California

Rainbow Falls


Nearby Featured Trips in Mammoth Lakes:

  • Crystal Lake - Enjoy scenic views of Mammoth as you hike to this pretty alpine lake.
  • Emerald Lake - a short hike to a beautiful mountain lake with good fishing.
  • Sherwin Lakes - a series of lakes offering good fishing
  • Skelton Lake - a 2-mile hike brings you to the shores of a great mountain lake with plenty of room to explore the best fishing spots.
  • T. J. Lake - a beautiful, secluded mountain lake

San Joaquin River, Reds Meadow, Madera County, California

Middle Fork San Joaquin River


In My Creel

  • #16 Parachute Adams
  • #14 Elk Hair Caddis
  • #16 Royal Wulff
  • #16 Royal Coachman
  • #16 Black Gnat
  • Dave's Hopper

Since I was fishing late in the season when water levels were low, I brought along some of my most trusted flies. I knew fishing would be challenging and I was right. Mid-summer is probably a better time for fishing.

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Recommended Books, Lures, and Flies for Fishing Reds Meadow



Making Your Way to the Middle Fork

To reach the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and get started fishing, drive on Highway 395 to Highway 203 and follow it west past Mammoth Lakes. Special restrictions govern access to the Devils Postpile/Reds Meadow area. In most cases, you are required to park at the Mammoth Ski Resort near Minaret Summit and take a shuttle the rest of the way. It is best to check the National Park Service's website for up to date information: National Park Service - Devils Postpile.

I like fishing the San Joaquin River after Labor Day weekend when the shuttle has stopped running and cars are allowed to go into the area. You still have to pay an admission fee to the Devils Postpile National Monument, however.

Fishing is good all along the river. You can park at the north end at Agnew Meadow, follow a trail down to the river, and then work your way upstream, fishing as you go. The first 3 miles are fairly easy travel.

One of the most popular sections of the San Joaquin River for fishing is the stretch of river below Minaret Falls. Follow the road down toward Minaret Campground. Another good place to fish, away from most other anglers is downstream from the Devils Postpile. From the main parking lot at Devils Postpile follow the trail past the monument for just over a mile to where it rejoins the river. From there you will have 2 miles of easy access fishing all the way down to Rainbow Falls and even on down below the lower falls.

High Sierra Trails

Thousand Island Lake, California

Thousand Island Lake, John Muir Wilderness

High Sierra Trails website logo


Accommodations and Supplies

Reds Meadow Lodge offers the only lodging in the Devils Postpile - Reds Meadow area. They have housekeeping cabins and motel rooms. Back in Mammoth Lakes there are plenty of accommodations available from condos and motels to resorts and lodges. Snowcreek Resort is an excellent place to stay. They have everything you could need from an athletic club with pools and spas to a golf course and restaurants. Numerous other lodges and resorts are worth investigating, too.

Campgrounds are available in the Devils Postpile - Reds Meadow valley: Agnew Meadow, Pumice, Upper Soda Springs, Minaret Falls, and Reds Meadow campgrounds. None of them can be reserved. The Devils Postpile Campground is currently closed (2020). Many more campgrounds can be found back in the Mammoth Lakes area.

For RV owners, Mammoth Mountain RV Park is located at 2667 Main St. in Mammoth Lakes. Camp High Sierra, operated by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, is located at 869 Lake Mary Road in Mammoth Lakes. They offer cabins and campsites.

California's Best Camping

For complete information about campgrounds at Mammoth Lakes, see

California's Best Camping website logo

Fishing Supplies

Fishing supplies can be purchased locally at the following places:

  • The Trout Fly and Troutfitter, ShellMart Center, Hwy. 203
  • Performance Anglers, 26 Old Mammoth Rd., #L2
  • Kittredge Sports, 3218 Main Street, Mammoth Lakes
  • Vons, 481 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes
  • Reds Meadow General Store, Reds Meadow