Californians love to fish and cherish good locations when they find them. Over 1700 miles of streams and rivers and 20,500 surface acres provide fish habitat to 23 species of fish --15 of them game fish sought by anglers.

Sierra Outdoor Recreation.com will help you locate fishing jewels: eight major rivers, over 115 high country lakes and reservoirs, plus hundreds of miles of fishable streams.

Most high mountain lakes did not originally contain fish due to gradients and blockages too steep for fish to migrate up from valley streams. California Department of Fish & Game (CDF&G), along with land management agencies such as U.S. Forest Service, are presently balancing lake programs, including stocking. Some high mountain lakes will revert to a natural condition. Some will sustain fish populations -- most likely fewer, but larger, fish. Still others will continue to be stocked. Sierra Outdoor Recreation.com provides current data.

First a few details:

Stocking:

Current CDF&G stocking information is summarized. Only the most recent stocking years are shown, yet repetitive planting cycles occurred previously at one, two, or three year frequencies. Commencing in 2000, the program for many natural, high mountain lakes began changing and will continue in a study phase until 2004 at least.

Catchables raised in hatcheries until 10”-14” in length, once planted, rarely adapt or survive through winter. CDF&G plants catchables where fishing popularity nets over 50% of stocked fish before winter. At some locations, they are planted once a season, others more frequently.

Fingerlings, born and raised in hatcheries until they are about 3” in length, are planted most commonly. They usually adapt to their new habitat, surviving and growing. Unless we’ve noted catchables, fingerlings were planted.

Seasons:

Streams are open to fishing beginning the last Saturday of April and closed on November 15th each year.

Lakes are normally open year round, including ice fishing, unless noted in regulations.

See CDF&G Regulations for detailed and current rules.

Licenses:

Make sure you have a current fishing license with you, and check up-to-date “Sport Fishing Regulations” before fishing any location. Regulations are too complex to list, but we have summarized most variations. See the CDF&G Website: CA Department of Fish & Game for detailed regulations.

Other good information sources:

We’ve listed most favored and productive fishing locations, but catching fish is up to you. For supplemental data, Sierra Outdoor Recreation relied on North Tahoe Trout, A Comprehensive Guide to Fishing the Truckee and Yuba River Drainages by Louis Bignami and Denis Pierce for hints and techniques. Bignami and Pierce provide a great resource.

NORTH YUBA RIVER:

With no reservoirs above Bullards, North Yuba River waters remain cooler than most neighboring rivers. Hwy 49 provides great access essentially for the river’s entire length, but fishing beyond readily visible segments usually provides the best results.

.....Above Bassetts:

The young river channels though several meadows and beaver ponds. Pan-sized brook trout make for fun action and a great supper fresh out of the river. Rainbow trout run a bit larger and more numerous.

.....Haypress Creek:

Catchable rainbows are stocked near Plum Creek Campground above Sierra City, but the meadows upstream offer more action.

.....Sierra City to Ladies Canyon:

This is a Wild Trout segment and probably best fishing -- browns can go 3-4 lb. Regulations: minimum size 10”; use only artificial lures with barbless hooks; two fish possession limit.

.....Pauley, Lavezzola Creeks and Downie River:

Pauley and Lavezzola Creeks produce numerous brook and rainbow trout, and the creeks are too pretty to care when the fish don’t go over 12”. For the Downie River, the further above the road’s end generally the better fishing for rainbows and a few browns.

.....Ladies Canyon to Indian Valley:

The river keeps a few wily, big brown trout, but yields more 10”-14” browns and some nice rainbows in the 12” range. You’ll find that the further upstream and away from the highway, the better the fishing.

.....Indian Valley to Bullards Reservoir:

Here big water, biggest holes and more limited access mean bigger fish, but best in spring and fall with cooler waters.

MIDDLE YUBA RIVER:

Few roads, and most of those favoring 4WDs yield good fishing, if you’re up to cross-country hikes and rock scrambling (Hint: takes dedication). Below the Gates of the Antipodes, the river crashes through Box Canyon #1, then #2, and finally #3 before the first decent road crossing.

.....Above Foote Crossing:

Here you can expect brown trout in the 12”-20” class and several respectable rainbows. Many locals like to use big lures to avoid all those little fish. But, when you’re camping in the canyon, they all taste great.

.....Macklin Creek:

Closed to fishing year-round.

SOUTH YUBA RIVER:

Better known for swimming than fishing, but the headwaters above Washington yield rewarding fishing. Except during summer doldrums, fish vegetate in the deepest, coolest holes they can find. Reservoirs, especially Spaulding, siphon off most of the natural flow.

.....Soda Springs to Hampshire Rocks:

Here pocket holes offer satisfying fishing for browns and rainbows in the 12” range. But it’s all private land -- some permit fishing, many don’t -- inquire first.

.....Hampshire Rocks to Indian Springs:

CDF&G stock catchable rainbows periodically through summer. Some larger holes at Hampshire Rocks and Big Bend -- even between lanes of I-80 can be very rewarding.

.....Indian Springs to Spaulding Reservoir:

One of the two best stretches on the South Yuba. The river carves a granitic canyon, full of falls, pools, and good fishing. Best access is via 4WD to Pierce Creek Campground and then hiking along the river by fighting brush and cliffs in either direction.

There are alternatives to not using a 4WD - none of then for the casual angler. You can scramble down river from the bridge west of the Indian Creek Campground. This stretch is a rocky gorge with numerous cliffs so save this approach for the dedicated and hearty anglers. Or, you can climb upriver from the head of Spaulding Lake, after boating over or hiking via Spaulding Lake Trail. Then you'll be fighting brush and rock uphill. This takes real dedication which is why the fish are still there.

.....Lang Crossing to Golden Quartz:

The other great segment -- if you’re into walking on the edge. One man was lost for nearly a week. Fishing can be worth the effort, as long as you’re prepared. Plus, it’s the most scenic section of the entire river. Drop below Lang Crossing but during summers try not to snag swimmers, or wait until fall. Best: come up from Golden Quartz to Falls Creek hiking the gated road (see South Yuba River area). Questionable: drop down Falls Creek from Bowman Road. If you’re down there, don’t skip Falls Creek, but watch out for box canyons.

.....Golden Quartz to Purdon Crossing:

Hit this part of the river early in the season, or better yet, late. Some nice holes can produce modest browns but mostly rainbows. Washington hosts an infusion of catchables each summer. Canyon Creek looks better than it produces, but you’ll have the place to yourself. Poorman Creek is better and usually worth the clamber. Start at the bridge on Relief Hill Road.

BEAR RIVER:

Makes better drinking and irrigation water than fishing what’s left. The meadow at Hwy 20 crossing offers the best place for fly-fishing.

NORTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER:

Better known as a Wild River for challenging whitewater and rugged hikes, but if you’re willing to work, there are some dandy segments.

.....Sierra Crest to Heath Falls:

Private, no trespassing. Period.

.....Royal Gorge:

Big holes, bigger falls. No trails, roads, nothing. Few anglers have made it out to report their success.

.....Sailor Flat Trail to Green Valley Trail:

Gorgeous waters, totally Wild, with several trails dropping into various locations. Browns and rainbows mostly in 12”-15” class with a few granddads but with many more matching the small frying pan you packed down there. Definitely worth the effort if you’re fit and into having non-stop action.

.....Euchre Bar Trail to Iowa Hill Road:

Waters so big that whitewater craft offer the only worthwhile access. Rapids junkies paddle and yell their way by, hole after hole of possibly the best fishing of any of the Forks of the American River. Not enough brave anglers vs. boaters to know.

.....Downriver:

see Auburn State Recreation Area.

MIDDLE FORK AMERICAN RIVER:

Not a designated Wild River, but in-between the few roads, it’s plenty wild.

.....French Meadows Reservoir to Oxbow Reservoir:

Only one respectable road exists between the two reservoirs, and it drops below “The End of the World.” Honest. No maintained trails, either. Which boils down to tons of middling browns and rainbows that don’t see very many humans.

.....Downriver:

See Auburn State Recreation Area. Hint: it’s the best fishing.

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER:

Classic, little east-slope river, but during summer produces more irrigation water than fish.

.....Perazzo Meadows to Independence Creek:

Postcard meadows with Forest Service restoration work resulting in more fish. Nice browns, rainbows, and native brooks can be found. Great fly fishing country, which is why, one private club has leased rights to one of the best meadow segments. Take a map showing ownership.

.....Independence Creek to Hwy 89 bridge:

Much of the water has been re-routed to Sierra Valley, but catchables are planted along the highway. Check for action in Independence Lake and Creek, while you’re in the neighborhood (see Lakes and Reservoirs).

.....Sagehen Creek:

Feeding into the Little Truckee at Stampede Reservoir, this classy little stream is mostly au natural above Stampede Reservoir due to studies at the University of California research field station. Forest Service recommended designation as “Wild River.”

..........Gauging Station upstream:

Formal closure to fishing extends from the gauge to where the stream splits above the field station. Above there, the stream is rather small anyway.

..........Gauging Station to Hwy 89:

Smallish, but wild, rainbows, brooks, and browns are here. Regulations: Use only artificial lures with barbless hooks and 0 possession limit.

..........Hwy 89 to Stampede Reservoir:

No restrictions with fishable beaver ponds and
undercut banks above the lake. Spawning rainbows in spring and browns in the fall attract fly fisherman like Mayfly hatches.

.....Stampede to Boca Reservoirs:

Another fly fishing favorite with healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout, thanks in part to habitat restoration projects. Regulations: Only artificial lures with barbless hooks, maximum size limit 14”, 2 possession limit.

TRUCKEE RIVER:

Another nice east-slope river with easy access and attractive fishing for rainbows and respectable browns.

.....Lake Tahoe Outlet to Truckee (Trout Creek):

First 1000 feet, plus downstream tributary Pole Creek, are closed to all fishing. Below Lake Tahoe dam to River Ranch even floating inner tubes and beer crowds haven’t moved the fish out of wide, attractive holes. A beautiful stretch including paved trail access, but avoid the floaters. Fall is perfect. Below the Ranch, the river drops more rapidly with good fly fishing, easy wading, no special regulations, and Hwy 89 still provides paved access. Bridges are all private, as are several parcels with homes. Rainbow catchables are stocked at various locations.

.....Truckee (Trout Creek) to Boca Bridge:

Beautiful stretch, bigger fish, but little public land. Glenshire Road offers good access, as does the railroad grade below Prosser Creek. Drifting small floats/boats works best above Prosser Creek and is a must in the two-mile, private section known as “The Flycasters.” Regulations: Only artificial lures with barbless hooks, 2 fish limit with minimum size 15”.

.....Boca Bridge to Nevada Stateline:

Steeper flow, more holes and pockets, and no special regulations with I-80 serving as primary access. Bigger waters limits wading except after mid-summer.

Campgrounds with Fishing opportunities

Exceptional Best Good

Lakes with Fishing opportunities

Best Good

Reservoirs with Fishing opportunities

Exceptional Best Good

River-Stream Access with Fishing opportunities

Best Good

Trails with Fishing opportunities

Best Good