Sonora Pass

Suggested Flies :
Western Sierra Hatch Selection

Dry Flies:
Small Western Green Drake #14-16
BWO #16-18
Parachute Adams #12
Elk Hair Caddis #14-16
St. Vrain Caddis
Kings River Caddis #12-16

Nymph Flies:
Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-16
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear #14-18
Bird's Nest #14-18
Prince Nymph #14-16
Kaufmann Stone #8-10
Little Yellow Stone Nymph #12-14

Directions:

From Modesto, drive east on Hwy 120 approximately 50 miles to the junction of Hwy 108. Veer left on Hwy 108 and continue 9 miles to Sonora. Continue east to Kennedy Meadows in 60 miles.

Notes:
The Upper Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River contains both rainbows and browns. It is heavily stocked by DFG with about 30,000 rainbows annually. Most of these plants occur around the campground areas. The outlying portions of the stream contain wild trout in the 9-12 inch class. The river consists of deep pools, riffles, and runs. The Spring runoff makes it difficult to fish until mid June.
Deadman Creek contains Rainbows and Browns. It is planted during the Spring and early Summer while the water levels are sufficient. From Kennedy Meadows is a 7 mile trail to Kennedy Lake. One day pack trips are available at the Kennedy Meadows for quicker access and the option of bringing a float tube. The lake is at 8000 feet and contains both rainbows and browns.
The Clark Fork of the Stanislaus River is a small stream with runs and riffles. It is heavily used by campers and is stocked by DFG with about 13,000 rainbows annually. For wild trout, hike in at the end of the road at Iceberg Meadows into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. The trail follows the stream with a gradual elevation of only 500 feet for the next 2.5 miles to the confluence of Boulder Creek. Beyond Boulder Creek, the stream is quite diminished.

Fishing Regulations (Effective March 1st, 2021)

MF Stanislaus River:

From the last Saturday in April through November 15, 5 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.

Wolf Creek Lake (Mono County) :

Closed all year.

EF Carson:

Closed to all fishing all year.

All other Streams:

From the last Saturday in April through November 15, 5 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.