The South Fork of the Stanislaus River is currently flowing at 367 CFS near Strawberry and 400 CFS below the diversion dam. While these are considered high flows, they are trending downward—a promising sign as we transition into early summer.

Weather & River Conditions

This week brings sunny and moderate weather, with highs in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-50s. The river is still moving swiftly due to lingering snowmelt, and water temperatures remain cold, impacting insect activity and fish behavior.

Fishing Techniques

Given the elevated flows, anglers should focus on:

• Indicator Nymphing
• Euro Nymphing

With hatches remaining minimal, fish are holding in slower, deeper sections of the river to conserve energy. These spots are often found on bends or in deeper pools. Target water just a few feet off the bank, where trout often shift during high flows to avoid strong mid-channel currents.

Recommended Flies

• Stonefly Patterns
• Fire Orange Perdigons
• T.J. Hookers
• Bright Attractor Nymphs

These patterns provide the visibility and movement needed to attract fish in faster or slightly stained water conditions.

Outlook

Although conditions are still demanding, this section of the South Fork is showing improvement. As flows continue to drop, expect fishing to become more approachable in the coming days. In the meantime, well-prepared anglers can still find success—and enjoy some incredible scenery while they’re at it.

Exercise caution near the water’s edge, as current speeds remain swift. For those who fish smart and stay safe, this stretch offers a rewarding early summer outing.