Photo of South Stanislaus River, Tuolumne County, CA

Stanislaus River Fishing

Tuolumne County


Stanislaus River Fishing

Pinecrest Lake to Strawberry - Tuolumne County

Map

A short stretch of the South Fork of the Stanislaus River links Pinecrest Lake and Strawberry in Tuolumne County, California. There you can find great fishing hidden away under the pines. The stretch of river is only a mile long, but you could make a whole day of fishing it as you pick your way up and down the banks, trying your luck along the riffles and in the quiet pools. At an elevation of 5,500' it is free of snow by early May, but the snow melt can often result in roiling water early in the season.

Sidetrips

Fishing at Pinecrest Lake is always fun. Whether you have a boat or are working the shoreline you are sure to have good luck. The lake is planted frequently with rainbow trout. Around the shore past the beach is a concrete fishing pier with a railing, especially good for children.

South Stanislaus River, Tuolumne County, California

South Fork Fork Stanisalus River

Nearby Featured Trips in Tuolumne County:


South Stanislaus River, Tuolumne County, California

South Fork Stanisalus River


In My Creel

  • #16 tan elk hair Caddis
  • #12 black stonefly
  • #16 gold bead Pheasant Tail
  • #16 Prince Nymph
  • 1/8 oz. Kastmaster (nickel)
  • 1/8 oz. Plain Aglia Mepps (silver)

I didn't expect the larger fish I was catching farther down the Stanislaus River, so I dug out my smaller flies, nymphs, and lures for this outing.



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




South Stanislaus River, Tuolumne County, California

South Fork Stanisalus River

Fishing Supplies

Once you're on the road for your fishing trip to the Stanislaus River below Pinecrest Lake, 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

Making Your Way to the Stanislaus River

The easiest way to reach the South Fork Stanislaus River between Strawberry and Pinecrest Lake is to drive on Highway 108 to Strawberry. Park somewhere near the highway and walk up little Herring Creek Road which passes between the Strawberry Store and the river. After a hundred yards or so you reach the end of the paved road and cross onto a dirt road. There is limited parking there.

The dirt road goes up the canyon near the Stanislaus River, making the first half mile an easy stroll. You can pick your fishing spots as you go. After about a half mile, however, a foot trail veers off to the right, leaving the road. It is not a well-maintained trail and is only followed in places by numerous orange blazes painted on trees. If you stay on the road you will end up climbing to a water tank and heading off in another direction.

The trail leads up the side of the Stanislaus River to Pinecrest Lake dam. If you are so inclined, you can hike up to the dam, cross it, and follow the Pinecrest Lake trail over to the resort area. A summer snack shack near the beach offers everything from hamburgers to ice cream.

High Sierra Trails

Graveyard Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness, California

Graveyard Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness

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Lodging and Camping

The most convenient lodging is across the road at the Strawberry Inn where they have rooms for reasonable rates. Up the road in Pinecrest you'll find the Pinecrest Lodge with motel rooms, condos, and cabins. Another possibility is to rent a cabin in Strawberry for a few days. Many vacation cabin owners rent their cabins for good prices, especially during the off-seasons.

Two large campgrounds are located at Pinecrest. The main one at the lake takes reservations. It is very popular and it is unlikely you will find an empty space during the summer or on weekends unless you make a reservation. Nearby Meadowview Campground does not take reservations. Farther up the pass you can find campgrounds on the Clark Fork, up Niagara Creek, and near Dardanelle.

California's Best Camping

For complete information about more campgrounds along Highway 108, see

California's Best Camping website logo