San Joaquin River-Middle Fork - Mammoth Lakes, CA

The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, accessible from the Mammoth Lakes region of California, is a premier high-Sierra freestone trout fishery. This fluvial system, characterized by diverse hydrogeomorphic features including riffles, runs, and granite-boulder pocket water, sustains robust populations of stocked Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), naturally reproducing Brown Trout (Salmo trutta), and Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in its higher reaches. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) strategically stocks Rainbow Trout to support a consistent put-and-take fishery in accessible areas.

Fly fishing is the dominant and most efficacious angling methodology. Nymphing with imitative patterns (e.g., Prince Nymph, Copper John, caddis, mayfly) is consistently productive across varying current speeds. Opportunistic dry fly presentations during active entomological hatches (e.g., Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, terrestrials) demand precise, drag-free drifts. Spin anglers can achieve success with diminutive spinners and spoons. Optimal fishing periods span from late spring through autumn, post-snowmelt. Accessibility varies from roadside to wilderness sections, with seasonal shuttle requirements for some areas. Anglers are unequivocally mandated to consult current CDFW regulations concerning bag limits and any area-specific gear restrictions, ensuring adherence to established conservation protocols for this significant Sierra Nevada trout resource.