North Fork Stanislaus River - Below Diversion - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
North Fork Stanislaus River – Below Diversion - Water Flow Chart
North Fork Stanislaus River – Below Diversion - Weather report & radar
North Fork Stanislaus River – Below Diversion - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Morning/Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midges |
| Blue Wing Olives | Some Cloudy and Cool Evenings | 16-18 | Rusty Spinner | |
| February | Midges | Morning/Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midges |
| Blue Wing Olives | Some Cloudy and Cool Evenings | 16-18 | Rusty Spinner | |
| March | Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | 16-18 | Rusty Spinner |
| April | Caddis | Afternoon/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Blue Wing Olives | Cloudy Days | 16-18 | Rusty Spinner | |
| May | Stoneflies | All Day | 6-10 | Golden Stonefly |
| Caddis | Afternoon/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| June | Stoneflies | All Day | 6-10 | Golden Stonefly |
| Caddis | Afternoon/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| July | Hoppers | Mid-morning/Mid-afternoon | 6-10 | Dave’s Hopper |
| Caddis | Afternoon/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| August | Hoppers | Mid-morning/Mid-afternoon | 6-10 | Dave’s Hopper |
| Caddis | Afternoon/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| September | Caddis | Afternoon/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Rusty Spinner |
| November | Midges | Morning/Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midges |
| Blue Wing Olives | Some Cloudy and Cool Evenings | 16-18 | Rusty Spinner | |
| December | Midges | Morning/Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midges |
| Blue Wing Olives | Some Cloudy and Cool Evenings | 16-18 | Rusty Spinner |
North Fork Stanislaus River – Below Diversion Access Points
The North Fork Stanislaus River – Below Diversion is a renowned fly fishing location with several prime access points:
- McKay’s Point: This region offers wide spaces well-suited for casting. Carry your gear through the forest trail to reach the spot.
- Camp Nine Road: From Highway 4, this road leads straight to numerous points along the river. Ensure you have a reliable vehicle as the road can be rough.
- Sourgrass Recreation Area: Besides fishing, this area is perfect for camping, hiking, and picnicking. Access the river by following the trail from the parking lot.
- Board’s Crossing: Tucked in Stanislaus National Forest, this location is secluded and serene. A bridge over the river provides a striking view and easy access.
- Mt. Reba Turnoff: An alternate route off of Highway 4, this turnoff leads to lesser-known but highly productive sections of the river.
North Fork Stanislaus River – Below Diversion Fishing Spots
The North Fork Stanislaus River, Below Diversion, offers great spots for fly fishing, attracting fishers from all over the country. Some of the best fishing spots in this area are:
- McKay’s Point: This fishing point is known for its abundant trout population. It offers a deep pocket under the bridge, which is perfect for catching big fish.
- Board’s Crossing: This stretch of the river is in a steep canyon. It’s a favorite of experienced fly fishers due to the variety of fish species – rainbow trout, brown trout, and Pacific Lamprey.
- Calaveras Big Trees State Park: The park is home to some extraordinary fishing spots along the banks of the river. The deep pools of the riverbed hold fish all year round.
- Sourgrass Day Use Area: During the summer, the water level reduces, making it easy to wade and fly fish.
North Fork Stanislaus River – Below Diversion Local Fish Species
- Trout: One of the most targeted in fly-fishing at North Fork Stanislaus River.
- Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
- Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
- Salmon: These are also popular during specific migrating seasons.
- Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
- Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
- Catfish: Although not as common as trout, they provide an interesting fight for fly fishers.
- Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
- Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)
About the North Fork Stanislaus River – Below Diversion
The river’s history is steeped in the 1849 Gold Rush, where it was panned by prospectors. Even today, you can discover charming little nuggets that hark back to this fascinating era. It became a major lifeline for local communities, stimulating economic development.
Fast forward to the present day, the river now serves as an incredible spot for fishing, white-water rafting and camping. Its pristine waters, dense forests, and a dizzying array of wildlife, including rainbow trout and bears, attract nature lovers from far and wide. Let’s not forget the river’s role in providing water for hydroelectric power generation too.
- Gold-mining history
- Popular outdoor spot
- Pristine wildlife habitat
Hard to imagine all these facets, right? But that’s exactly what makes the North Fork Stanislaus River – Below Diversion so special and worth exploring.
Community Contributions
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