The Lower Stanislaus River is currently running at 920cfs, a notable increase from last week that is making this stretch of river difficult to access. Although Dreamflows is reporting Goodwin Dam at 800cfs, Orange Blossom is reporting 920cfs, and several anglers who have recently checked the area have confirmed that the Orange Blossom reading appears to be accurate.

The forecast suggests flows could drop to an ideal fishing level on Tuesday, but unfortunately, that window may be short-lived. For the remainder of the week, flows are expected to climb significantly, potentially reaching 1,500cfs or higher by the weekend. The weather looks fairly mild, with highs in the 70s for most of the week and a chance of precipitation over the weekend.

Fishing Conditions & Tactics

If you can make it out to this stretch of river on Tuesday, conditions could line up for an excellent day of fishing. The anticipated drop in flows should provide a much better opportunity to access productive water and fish comfortably.

However, conditions are expected to change quickly. As flows rise throughout the rest of the week, access will become increasingly difficult, and approaching the river may become extremely dangerous. Be sure to check the latest flow readings before heading out, and do not attempt to wade or approach the water when conditions are unsafe.

Overall Outlook

Tuesday could offer a brief window of favorable fishing conditions on the Lower Stanislaus, but the outlook for the rest of the week is much more challenging. With flows potentially climbing above 1,500cfs by the weekend, we recommend planning your trip carefully and considering alternative waters if you cannot get out early in the week. Stop by the shop, and we’ll be happy to help you find other options and get you set up for the current conditions.