Dave's Sierra Fishing

South Fork San Joaquin River Fishing

Fresno County, California

San Joaquin River Overview:

The 11 miles of the South Fork of the San Joaquin River above Florence Lake offer long stretches of excellent fishing for the most part easily reached from trail which parallels the river. It is best done as a backpacking trip although lower portions of the river could be reached as a day outing using Florence Lake as a base.

The lush meadow and spectacular peaks of northern Kings Canyon National Park provide a scenic backdrop. The trail along the upper South Fork of the San Joaquin River is popular with hikers, since it connects with the John Muir Trail, but the river is not heavily fished.

Approach to the San Joaquin River:

Be prepared for a long, twisty drive on a narrow road to reach Florence Lake. I sometimes stay overnight at the Holiday Inn Express in Fresno before starting out into the high country, just so I'm driving the road well rested. From the Fresno area allow yourself three hours to drive east through Prather, past Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake, and on over 9000' Kaiser Pass to Florence Lake. (Fill your gas tank in the foothills or at Shaver Lake. From Prather to Florence Lake is about 60 miles.) The road may be closed by snow in the early summer.

At Florence Lake you will find a small store, boat ramp, and ferry. For $20 round-trip you can ride the ferry to the south end of the lake, saving yourself 4 miles of hiking. A trail up the ridge connects with the main hiking trail after half a mile. You could follow that trail to the right down to the San Joaquin River if you wish to start fishing right away and work your way up the river bank. This would make a great day trip if you are camped near the north end of Florence Lake.

For backpackers, turn left at the trail junction, heading toward Kings Canyon. The trail intertwines with the Muir Trail Ranch 4-wheel-drive road. Stick to the trail whenever you can because the two eventually separate. 2 miles from the ferry you will pass through Double Meadow. There the trail is almost a mile north of the San Joaquin River, bypassing the privately owned Blayney Meadows and Muir Trail Ranch (a guest ranch) between miles 3 and 4.5.

At Alder Creek, just before Blayney Meadow, you could cut down to the San Joaquin River only a quarter mile away at that point. Fish your way downstream from there. Otherwise, continue on the trail parallel to the San Joaquin River, avoiding lateral trails leading up to Seldon Pass. (You might want to stop at the public hot springs by Muir Trail Ranch, however, for a soak.)

Between miles 6 and 7.5 (Piute Creek) the San Joaquin River is out of sight from the trail, but the open forests there allow an easy quarter-mile walk down to its bank. Along the way watch for the John Muir cabin just off the trail. Once the trail passes Piute Creek at mile 7.5 the trail is much closer to the river. Good fishing spots appear almost at once and continue all the way up to the beginning of Goddard Canyon at mile 11.

Recommended Books for the South Fork of the San Joaquin River

• Trout Fishing the John Muir Trail, Charles S. Beck, Steve Beck. This handy guide lists Bear Creek as one of its top 20 trout fishing streams on the John Muir Trail. Includes fly suggestions. A resource well worth reading before you venture out.
• Sierra Trout Guide, Ralph Cutter. Undoubtedly the most thorough book on selecting the best flies for the various conditions in the Sierra. A great book on fishing techniques, equipment, and selecting the best places to fish.
• California's Best Fishing Waters. From Wilderness Adventures Press. 182 detailed maps of the best fishing rivers and streams in California.
• Sight Fishing for Trout. From Wilderness Adventures Press. 182 detailed maps of the best fishing rivers and streams in California.

In My Creel:

Fly fishing is excellent along the San Joaquin River. Bait and lures can also bring good success. Unsure of the conditions I would find, I put a variety of flies, baits, and lures in my backpack:

Accommodations and Supplies:

Lodging is available at nearby Muir Trail Ranch (right on the San Joaquin River), Vermilion Valley Resort (at Lake Edison), and Mono Hot Springs Resort. Plentiful accommodations, including vacation cabin rentals, can also be found at Huntington Lake or Shaver Lake. Several campgrounds are located in the area. Right by Florence Lake is Jackass Meadows campground. Others include nearby Mono Creek, Mono Hot Springs, Ward Lake, and Bolsillo. More can be found along the way back to Huntington Lake.

Backpackers will find good camping sites along the San Joaquin River at the south end of Florence Lake, just beyond Muir Trail Ranch, a quarter mile beyond the Piute Creek bridge, at the first bridge beyond Aspen Meadow, and near the second bridge. Wilderness Permits are required for overnight stays in the wilderness area. Pick them up in Prather or at the High Sierra Ranger Station. During busy times of the year it is advisable to make permit reservations ahead of time.

On your way to Florence Lake you can pick up fishing supplies at the following places:

• Fishermans Warehouse, 4320 W. Shaw Ave, Fresno
• California Bait and Tackle, 4516 E. Belmont Ave, Fresno
• Buz's Fly and Tackle, 110 W. Main St., Visalia (also at 1220 Oak St., Bakersfield)
• Valley Rod and Gun, 2704 Clovis Ave., Clovis
• Friant Trading Post, 17142 N. Friant, Friant
• Sierra Anglers, 700 McHenry Ave., Modesto
• Shaver Lake Marina, Shaver Lake