Trout Source

Introduction

The North Fork of the Stanislaus is an underfished Sierra freestone three hours east of San Francisco.  Small and medium-sized rainbows inhabit "the Stan" as it courses through an extended canyon parallel to highway 4.  From its origins in the Lake Alpine and Spicer Reservoir area at 7500 feet in elevation, it runs 22 miles to the New Melones Reservoir near the towns of Vallecito and Angels Camp, at 1000 feet in elevation.  The scenery is impressive, with long, tree-covered mountains forming the canyon.

River Character and Access

Because of its location in a deep canyon, access is somewhat sparse for a 22-mile stretch, despite the proximity to Highway 4.  However, short hikes from these points often yields solitude.  Access points as you go upstream include: Camp Nine Road on highway 4 just out of Vallecito (east of Angels Camp), Calaveras Big Trees State Park (3 miles east of Arnold), Sourgrass Crossing (via Board's Crossing Road in Dorrington -- a jeep road and trails can take you away from any crowds here), Board's Crossing, a rough jeep road at Ramsey / Cottage Springs, Ganns Meadow (a 2-mile hike), Big Meadow Campground (4WD advised), and Spicer Reservoir Road, which takes you to just below the dam.   Keep in mind that many of the drives and hikes down to the river are steep since it is a canyon fishery.  Towns along highway 4, going upstream, include Angels Camp, Vallecito, Murphys, Hathaway Pines, Avery, Arnold, Dorrington, Camp Connel, Cottage Springs, Ganns, Big Meadow, Tamarack, Sherman Acres, and the ski resort of Bear Valley.  See below for a map of Arnold, which is the largest of these towns (along with Dorrington).

 

Troutsource highly recommends the services of a local fly fishing guide.  We've listed the best ones below, and you can contact all of them at once using our e-mail form.  A guide can be the difference between getting skunked and catching 20 fish.   Remember, getting the right fly is only half the battle.  You need to know exactly where to put it, and how -- and this is where guides earn their money.   A customary tip is 15%.

When and How to Fish

Because of its high elevations, it can get cold fast on the Stanislaus.  But as is typical in California, summers provide clear blue skies almost every day, with any rain a rarity.  Technically, the Stanislaus is a tailwater, since New Spicer Reservoir controls flows, especially in the spring.  The benefit is that the river stays cold and has sufficient flow to remain fishable all summer.  Like most Sierra streams, there is not an abundance of hatches.  Consequently, you should bring a supply of attractor patterns such as Humpies and Royal Wulff's.  Other standard flies work well, such as Elk Hair Caddis, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Zug Bugs and Hare's Ear's.   Insect activity may vary quite a bit over the course of the river, as it passes through several climate zones while dropping from 7500 feet down to 1000 feet.