Stanislaus River - Middle Fork - Tuolumne County, CA

The Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River, located in Tuolumne County, offers high-quality trout fishing in a scenic alpine setting. Flowing through Stanislaus National Forest, it supports strong populations of rainbow trout along with occasional brown and brook trout. Its upper sections feature a variety of water types—from fast riffles and deep pools to meadow bends—making it ideal for both fly and light-tackle anglers.

Dry fly fishing is particularly productive during summer hatches, with patterns such as Elk Hair Caddis and Parachute Adams performing well from June through August. Nymphing and streamer fishing with small woolly buggers are effective year-round. Spin anglers do well with small spinners and spoons, especially in the more turbulent sections.

Accessible areas include Kennedy Meadows, Spring Gap, and Sand Bar Flat, with several forest roads and trails leading to excellent fishing spots. The river is best fished from late May through October, depending on snowmelt and runoff conditions. Special regulations may apply to certain stretches, including barbless hook use and catch-and-release only rules.

The Middle Fork Stanislaus is a pristine mountain fishery that delivers both accessibility and solitude, offering consistent wild trout fishing in one of the Central Sierra’s most beautiful river settings.