Tuolumne County Fishing | Dave's Sierra Fishing

Fishing Tuolumne County

Tuolumne County is home to low-elevation reservoirs such as New Melones and Don Pedro Lake, while in the higher elevations you will find Pinecrest Lake, Beardsley Reservoir, and Lyons Lake. Various forks of the Stanislaus and Tuolumne Rivers flow through Tuolumne County, providing miles of fabulous fishing. The portion of Tuolumne County that is inside the boundaries of Yosemite National Park are listed separately as Yosemite in this guide.

For complete information about camping and fishing in Tuolumne County,
see Sonora Pass Vacations.

Fishing Near Pinecrest

Pinecrest Lake

Pinecrest Lake makes a great base for launching a variety of day fishing outings. The South Fork of the Stanislaus River and the North Fork of the Tuolumne River converge there, providing enjoyable fishing. Farther out in the surrounding country is Herring Creek to the northeast and Bell Meadow and the Birth Rock country to the southeast. Nearby Strawberry draws a good number of anglers who enjoy testing their luck there in the South Fork of the Stanislaus River.

Fishing on the Clark Fork

Every summer flocks of anglers head to the Clark Fork to try its waters. Most people tend to stick close to the road, but if you wander a little distance off the beaten path will soon feel as if you are in the wilderness. See the Clark Fork destination among my Featured Trips.

You can also head out into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness from the Clark Fork and discover rewarding fishing along Arnot Creek and Disaster Creek.

Books and for Tuolumne County

Sierra North, Kathy Morey, et. al. Updated version of long time standard backpacking guide.
High Sierra Fly Fishing, Billy Van Loek. Best High Sierra fishing techniques.
Sierra Trout Guide, Ralph Cutter. Best CA fly fishing resource.

Fishing Near Kennedy Meadows

Relief Reservoir

Kennedy Meadows is a very popular fishing location in the summer. Like many other places, with a little bit of hiking you can escape the crowds and find some solitude. Heading up the main trail out of Kennedy Meadows can lead you to wonderful fishing country, such as Relief Creek and Relief Reservoir, Kennedy Lake, Sharon Lake, and the entire Emigrant Wilderness. A pack station there at Kennedy Meadows can make your journey into the back country a lot less strenuous.

Fishing Southern Tuolumne County

You have to know your way around the backcountry Forest Service roads of Tuolumne County if you want to fish the maze of creeks and rivers in the southern part of the county. Among the more popular places at lower elevations are Hull Creek, and the Clavey River. Cherry Reservoir snuggles against the Yosemite boundary and great fishing can be found up Cherry Creek and throughout its headwaters in the Emigrant Wilderness. Destinations such as Huckleberry Lake, Emigrant Lake, and Buck Lakes have been attracting anglers since the 19th century.