San Joaquin River Fly Fishing Guide

Fly Fishing San Joaquin River

Easily one of the most superb fishing spots in the state, the San Joaquin River originates in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California and drains most of the area from the southern border of Yosemite south to Kings Canyon National Park. This makes it the 2nd largest river drainage in the state. Seeing the river as it makes its way out into the San Joaquin Valley does not do it much justice as most of the water has been diverted for agricultural uses.

San Joaquin Fly Fishing Locations

The Middle Fork

The middle fork of the San Joaquin receives most of the notoriety as it is near the very popular Eastern Sierra fly fishing areas around Mammoth Lakes. It's also the most accessible. Rainbow Falls is a waterfall and National Monument located there - it's not directly on the San Joaquin River but is a significant tributary. Rainbow Falls is on the Middle Fork San Joaquin River, a short distance downstream from where Rainbow Creek flows into it, indirectly contributing to the flow of the San Joaquin River.

The North Fork

The North fork of the San Joaquin is the smallest fork. It is a wilderness stream with no road access. The section I do fish is a 3-mile hike down into a canyon. A large population of wild rainbow trout 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

The South fork is the largest arm of the San Joaquin. It's dammed, channeled, and piped for power, but still provides outstanding fishing both below and above the Florence Lake & Edison Lake. In addition to trout, you can still find Fall-run chinook salmon in the lower part of the San Joaquin River.

The Main Fork & River Above Mammoth Pool

The main fork of the San Joaquin River above and below the Mammoth Pool reservoir (Upper San Joaquin River) is where anglers catch many of the larger fish each year. The 8-mile tailwater section below Mammoth Pool is in a deep canyon with little access. Once on the water, the fishing is fantastic. It's one of the best fishing spots 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 are available are long and steep. Far Northwest of here, the San Joaquin River and the Sacramento River converge in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and eventually drain into the San Francisco Bay.

Fly Fishing Tips for San Joaquin

Let's start with the basics, then work our way to specifics. Generally, you always want to match the hatch by observing the insects and other trout delicacies in the area and using fly patterns that mimic them. Approach the water stealthily, present your fly naturally, and vary your retrieves to test and see what the fish want. Explore different depths, pay attention to weather patterns, and be patient and persistent in your efforts. Lastly, practice catch and release to help preserve the fishery for future generations! Now, let's get to some specific patterns.

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. (Are you getting restless waiting for early-season fly fishing? Check out our winter Steelhead and Trout options.) The higher up in elevation, the more opportunistic the fish become. Most attraction patterns will work if properly presented. So grab your fly fishing gear and book a fishing trip! An adventure of a lifetime awaits.

Interested in Yosemite fly fishing? Read our guide here!