Big Creek
Big Creek in the California Sierra near the South Fork Merced River holds rainbow and brown trout.
- 21 miRiver length
- 2Game fish
- 7Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout Big Creek
Big Creek is a small stream in the Sierra Nevada of California. It runs about 21 miles near the South Fork Merced River and Yosemite country.
Rainbows around 10 to 12 inches are common near the South Fork Merced. Above the confluence with Laurel Creek, brown trout in the 12 to 16 inch range are possible.
Chilnualna Creek, Alder Creek and the Tuolumne River are nearby. Summer is the favorite season.
Check the current California regulations before you fish.
Gages near Big Creek
Is Big Creek fishing today?
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Other gages nearby
- Tuolumne River at Grand Canyon of Tuolumne above Hetch Hetchy30.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 11274790
- Middle Fork San Joaquin River near Mammoth Lakes, CA30.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 11224000
- Tuolumne River above Early Intake near Mather, CA32.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 11276600
- Tuolumne River near Hetch Hetchy, CA33.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 11276500
- Tuolumne River below Early Intake near Mather, CA33.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 11276900
- Cherry Creek near Early Intake, CA34.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 11278300
- Cherry Creek below Dion River Holm Ph near Mather, CA34.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 11278400
- San Joaquin River below Friant, CA35.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 11251000
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
Fish you'll catch
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Brown Trout
Tips for fishing Big Creek
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Fish in summer
Summer is the best window in Sierra creeks.
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Move upstream for browns
Brown trout show up above the Laurel Creek confluence.
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Use mapped access
The FlyFishFinder app maps the access points on Big Creek.
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Check the rules for your section
Regulations can change by section and by year. Read the current California rules before you rig up.
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Bring the right gear for the water
Pack polarized glasses, a wading staff if you wade, and a plan for getting back before dark.
Every access point on Big Creek, in your pocket.
- 7 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- Bite forecast for the days ahead
Rivers near Big Creek
Big Creek FAQ
When is the best time to fly fish Big Creek?
Summer is the favorite on Big Creek.
Where can I fish Big Creek in California?
Fish near the South Fork Merced River and upstream toward Laurel Creek.
Can you wade Big Creek?
Yes. It is a small creek and wading is the way to fish it.
What flies work on Big Creek?
Classic Sierra patterns like Elk Hair Caddis and Parachute Adams work well, along with Pheasant Tail nymphs. For what is hatching and working today, check the FlyFishFinder app.
What fish are in Big Creek?
Big Creek holds Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.
Are there special rules on Big Creek?
California has special regulations for some Sierra waters. Check the current rules before you fish.
