Photo of South Stanislaus River, Tuolumne County, CA

South Fork Stanislaus River Fishing

Tuolumne County


South Fork Stanislaus River Fishing

Tuolumne County

Map

Fishing is excellent all along the Stanislaus River. Sometimes a steep bank or dense trees limit access for fishing, but there are plenty of places where a simple scoot down a little embankment and a wind through a couple of trees will put you right on the bank of the Stanislaus River.

This stretch of the Stanislaus River begins at Strawberry at an elevation of 5,600' and over the course of 4 miles drops to 4,850' at the bridge near Fraser Flat. It is a good early season fishing area since it is often free of snow by early May.

Sidetrips

Good fishing on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River continues downstream from Fraser Flat. By walking up the road toward Highway 108 just a third of a mile you find a connection to the railroad grade going downstream 8½ miles to Lyons Reservoir.

South Stanislaus River, Tuolumne County, California

South Fork Stanislaus River

Nearby Featured Trips in Tuolumne County:


South Stanislaus River, Tuolumne County, California

South Fork Stanislaus River


In My Creel

  • Berkley Power Bait
  • salmon eggs
  • # 16 Royal Coachman
  • #16 Adams
  • #14 light Cahill
  • #14 Royal Wulff

I knew that trees were going to make for difficult casting in places on the Stanislaus River, so I brought along a little bait to give that a try along with my most trusted flies. They would give me a chance to work on my roll casts and side casts.

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Recommended Books, Lures, and Flies for Fishing the Stanislaus River




South Stanislaus River, Tuolumne County, California

South Fork Stanislaus River

Making Your Way to the Stanislaus River

Arrive at the South Fork Stanislaus River by driving east on Highway 108 six miles past Long Barn and turning left onto the Spring Gap Road. Follow the paved road 2½ miles down to the bridge across the South Fork Stanislaus River. Park on the south side of the river. The old Sugar Pine Railroad grade hiking trail begins there. (Ignore Road Closed sign. It refers to vehicles. Hikers and bicyclists are allowed.) You can begin fishing right there and work your way upstream.

The railroad grade follows the Stanislaus River for about 2 miles before veering up to intersect the Old Strawberry Road. You could walk down the road to rejoin the Stanislaus River at Strawberry to continue fishing. There are also some old roads along the north side of the river but the lower one ends soon and the upper one is some distance above the river.

You can also drive up Highway 108 to Strawberry and work your way downstream on the south side of the Stanislaus River from there. Private property limits access in some places.


High Sierra Trails

Graveyard Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness, California

Graveyard Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness

High Sierra Trails website logo


Lodging and Camping

You'll find lodging at nearby Long Barn, Strawberry or Pinecrest. A little farther down the road in Twain Harte you'll find several good motels and restaurants. Sonora isn't all that far away, either.

Across the Stanislaus River and just a mile down the road is Fraser Flat Campground, a park-like setting with spacious campsites close to the river or tucked back among the trees. It's popular with RV-ers who like to set up for long stays in the mountains. There is even a small riverside fishing platform near the campground.

Up the road at Pinecrest Lake, you can find good camping, but make reservations ahead of time. Farther up Highway 108 campgrounds are located on the Eagle Meadow Road, up on the Clark Fork, and all the way up the highway near Dardanelle.

California's Best Camping

For complete information about more campgrounds along Highway 108, see

California's Best Camping website logo



Fishing Supplies

Once you're on the road for your fishing trip to the Stanislaus River, you can stop for supplies in a number of places:

  • Rich and Sal's Sport shop, Pinecrest
  • The Sportsman, 90 S. Washington, Sonora
  • Mountain Liquors, 18711 Tiffeni Dr., Twain Harte
  • Strawberry Store, Strawberry
  • Dardanelle Store, Dardanelle (as soon as it re-opens)
  • Ken's Sporting Goods, Bridgeport