The San Joaquin River drains most of the area from the southern border of Yosemite, south to Kings Canyon National Park, making it the second largest river drainage in the state. Seeing the river as it makes it's way out into the San Joaquin Valley really doesn't do it much justice as most of the water has been diverted for agricultural uses.
The middle fork of the San Joaquin receives most of the notoriety as it is near to the very popular Eastern Sierra fly fishing areas around Mammoth Lakes. It is also the most accessible.
The North fork of the San Joaquin is the smallest fork. It is a wilderness stream with no road access. The section fished is a three-mile hike down into a canyon. A large population of wild rainbows inhabit the lower and middle sections with more brook trout the higher you travel into the headwaters. There are even a couple of lakes that have golden trout.
The south fork is the largest arm of the San Joaquin. It also has been dammed, channeled and piped for power purposes, but still provides great fishing, both below and above, Florence and Edison Lakes.
The main fork of the San Joaquin, above and below Mammoth Pool reservoir, are where many of the larger fish are caught each year. The eight-mile tailwater section below Mammoth Pool is in a very deep canyon with very little access. Once on the water, the fishing is fantastic. It is an excellent place for the beginning fly fisher.
The main river above Mammoth Pool is rarely fishable before September due to high flows. Again, no road access here and what trails there are are long and steep.
Hatches on the San Joaquin are as diversified as its many different kinds of waters. Early season Golden Stone Flies (#12 - 14) along with Blue-winged Olives (BWO - #18 - 20) will give way to caddis hatches after the runoff recedes. The higher up in elevation, the more opportunistic the fish become. Most attraction patterns will work if properly presented.
Trip Details
Duration
4 - 8 Hours
Location
San Joaquin River
Season
Year Round
Trip Type
Freshwater Fly Fishing
Nearest City
North Fork
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
California, United States
Years of Experience
25
Guest Capacity
4
Species of Fish Caught
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout
Dining
A packed lunch is provided for full-day outings
Rates
$130.00 - $320.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
Full Day (8 hours): $320.00 for 1 or 2 persons - $90.00 each additional person. Half Day (4 hours): $130.00 per person.
Sierra Fly Fisher requires a deposit on any trip booked. You must cancel any booked trip at least one full month before original date booked, or Sierra Fly Fisher will retain your deposit with no type of refund issued. If canceled before that time, you will be issued a gift certificate for the full price of your deposit. Any trip canceled with less than a 72-hour notice will be charged the full price of the outing.
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