San Joaquin River
The San Joaquin River in California is a huge river system with smallmouth bass, carp, brown trout and steelhead.
- 441 miRiver length
- 4Game fish
- 56Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout the San Joaquin
The San Joaquin River runs about 441 miles through California, from the Sierra Nevada down through the Central Valley. It is a big, varied river with a wide mix of fish.
In the Valley the river slows down. Smallmouth bass hold in the rocky stretches and common carp cruise the slower pools. Sierra water in the upper reaches is a different world, with cold water and brown trout.
Easy places to start include the Lost Lake Recreation Area near Fresno and Dos Reis Park near Lathrop. Nearby rivers like the Merced, Stanislaus and Tuolumne offer more options in the same trip.
Because the river is so large, access and water conditions change a lot from place to place. Check the current California regulations for seasons and limits before you fish.
San Joaquin River at Fremont Ford Bridge, CA
Is the San Joaquin fishing today?
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Nearby gages
- Mud Slough near Gustine, CA22.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 11262900
- Tuolumne River below Lagrange Dam near Lagrange, CA24.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 11289650
- Modesto Canal near La Grange, CA24.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 11289000
- Orestimba Creek near Newman, CA33.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 11274500
- Stanislaus River at Ripon, CA43.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 11303000
- Black Creek near Copperopolis, CA45.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 11299600
- Tuolumne River below Early Intake near Mather, CA49.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 11276900
- Cherry Creek below Dion River Holm Ph near Mather, CA49.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 11278400
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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1 other species
Tips for fishing the San Joaquin
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Pick your reach first
The upper river and the Valley fish very differently. Decide on trout or warmwater fish before you pick a spot.
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Fish the rocky stretches for smallmouth
Smallmouth hold around rocks and current seams. Streamers and crayfish patterns work well.
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Try the parks
Lost Lake Recreation Area and Dos Reis Park give easy bank access and a good starting point.
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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 the San Joaquin, in your pocket.
- 56 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the San Joaquin
San Joaquin River FAQ
When is the best time to fly fish San Joaquin River?
Spring through fall is the usual window for warmwater fishing on the San Joaquin. Trout water higher up is a summer and early fall option.
Where can I fish San Joaquin River in California?
Lost Lake Recreation Area near Fresno and Dos Reis Park near Lathrop are popular spots. The upper river in the Sierra is the choice for brown trout.
Can you wade San Joaquin River?
In some places. Rocky stretches can be waded at moderate flows, while the slower Valley pools are often fished from the bank or a boat.
What flies work on San Joaquin River?
Woolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows and crayfish patterns work for smallmouth. For trout, think classic nymphs like Pheasant Tail and Elk Hair Caddis on the surface. For what is hatching and working today, check the FlyFishFinder app.
What fish are in San Joaquin River?
San Joaquin River holds Brown Trout, Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass, Common Carp and Tule Perch.
Are there special rules on San Joaquin River?
Rules vary a lot by reach and by species. Steelhead rules in particular can be strict. Check the current California regulations before you fish.
