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Notes:
The South Fork of the Stanislaus above Lyons Reservoir contain some good sized browns. It has good fishable waters up to
Pinecrest Lake with trail access along the river. Most of the access points are planted but a sizeable population of wild trout exists
not far from each access point. The DFG puts in about 8,000 rainbows annually from Fraser Flat to Strawberry but the stream is so heavily fished that many of these
stockers are caught and kept within 4-5 days. Fortunately, there are many 10-14" wild trout which aren't caught easily by bait and help keep the
stream a viable fishery. The Spring run-off makes the stream difficult to fish until late June and, since the South Fork is smaller
than the Middle Fork, it is considered to be a better "early-season" trout stream to the end of July. A caddis hatch occurs in June and July. Below Lyons Reservoir, the water is diverted to a flume and ditch (Columbia Ditch) that brings water to the town of Twain Harte. Very little water remains within this section of the South Fork Stanislaus. In fact, CDFW plants the ditch with rainbows throughout the fishing season. More flow is picked up downstream by Deer Creek but you will find fishable waters quite restricted due to narrow canyons and numerous mining claims as this section down through Italian Bar is popular for gold panning.
Rose Creek and Knight Creek: Both of these tributary creeks to the MF Stanislaus are seasonal intermittent streams and are active mining areas. Fishing is quite limited.
Lyons Reservoir: A narrow impoundment lake at 4200' elevation formed by Lyons Dam that was constructed by PG&E in 1930. It is the municipal water supply for Twain Harte and no boating or swimming is allowed. They lake is stocked with Rainbows through the fishing season and it is heavily fished. The lake also has resident Browns, and some Bass, both Largemouth and Smallmouth. Access to the lake is open only from May 1 to Nov 1.
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| Fishing Regulations (Effective March 1st, 2021)
South Fork Stanislaus River:
From the last Saturday in April through November 15, five trout daily bag limit, 10 trout in possession; and, from November 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April, 0 trout bag limit, artificial lures with barbless hooks only and trout must be released unharmed and not removed from the water.
Lyons Reservoir:
Open all year. No restrictions. 5 trout per day. 10 trout in possession.
Other Lakes and Reservoirs:
Open all year. No restrictions. 5 trout per day. 10 trout in possession.
Other creeks and tributaries:
From the last Saturday in April through November 15, five trout daily bag limit, 10 trout in possession; and, from November 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April, 0 trout bag limit, artificial lures with barbless hooks only and trout must be released unharmed and not removed from the water.
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