Lake Size: 65 miles Deepest Depth: 80 feet Latitude: 37.5146 Longitude: -120.3747 Lake Level Above Sea Level: 4,000 feet Counties: Stanislaus County Cities: Knights Ferry
Information: The Stanislaus River in California is one of the largest tributaries of the San Joaquin River. The river is 65 miles (104 km) long and has north, middle and south forks. The north and south forks meet several miles upstream from New Melones Lake and the middle fork joins the north fork a few miles before that. The Stanislaus river is extensively dammed and diverted. Donnells Dam on the middle fork forms Donell Lake, high in the Sierra Nevada. Downstream is Beardsley Dam, which forms Beardsley Lake. McKays' Point Diversion Dam diverts water on the north fork for hydroelectricity production and domestic use. The New Melones Dam blocks the river after the confluence of all three forks. Downstream from New Melones Lake, there is Tulloch Dam, which forms Tulloch Reservoir, and Goodwin Dam, located at 37°51′46″N 120°37′47″W / 37.86278°N 120.62972°W / 37.86278; -120.62972Coordinates: 37°51′46″N 120°37′47″W / 37.86278°N 120.62972°W / 37.86278; -120.62972, which is the first major barrier for anadromous fish on the Stanislaus River. In fact, the Stanislaus River historically supported a large population of spring-run chinook salmon (McEwan 1996; Yoshiyama 1996) which was extirpated with the construction of Goodwin Dam. Below Goodwin Dam, the Stanislaus eventually meets the San Joaquin River and flows into the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.
The Stanislaus is famous for a political battle over building the dam (which now forms New Melones Lake). Prior to the construction of the dam and the flooding of the river, the lower Stanislaus was one of the most rafted whitewater runs in the United States. Rafting is still popular on the north fork of the Stanislaus and on the Goodwin Canyon section of the main Stanislaus. In long periods of drought, the Camp Nine run comes back as the lake level drops. In the early 1990s, this section was runnable for 3 years, with the river reaching the Hwy 49 bridge before the rains brought the lake level all the way up above the put-in.
The river is named for Estanislao, a Miwok leader from Mission San José, who led a band of 400 former mission alcylotes against the Mexican government in 1828–1829. The band made its base along the banks of the river, then known as the Rio Laquisimes.
Boating
Fishing
Business
Miscellaneous Info
Just a few minutes northeast of Modesto in the Central Valley, nine serene parks sit along the Stanislaus River. Exciting fishing, rafting, and canoeing opportunities stretch from the Sierra Nevada foothills to its confluence with the San Joaquin River. Stanislaus River Parks offers as its centerpiece a 330-foot long historic covered bridge built in 1863.
Located in historic Knights Ferry, the park's information center describes the rich history of the Stanislaus River and surrounding area. A wealth of exhibits describes the natural and cultural influences. Enrichment is explored through special programs and a video, which introduces visitors to their environment. Call the park office for details.
The 4.0 miles of rapids above Knights Ferry draw whitewater enthusiasts from throughout the world. Experience and professional quality whitewater equipment are required. The river below Knights Ferry offers more tranquil boating for those with less experience. Bring your own or rent equipment from one of several local concessionaires. The use of motorized boats is limited. It's always a good idea to check the river flow before boating (California Department of Water Resources, Division of Flood Mgt).
Stanislaus River Boating Regulations:
From Goodwin Dam to Horseshoe Road - No motors allowed.
From Horseshoe Road Rec Area to Orange Blossom Rec Area - Electric motors only.
From Orange Blossom Rec Area to Hwy. 120 Bridge (Oakdale) - 10 hp gas motors, 5 mph speed limit
From Hwy. 120 Bridge to San Joaquin River - No restrictions
The river is open to fishing from January 1 to March 31, and the 4th Saturday in May to October 15 each year. Trout, smallmouth bass, striped bass, carp, channel and white catfish and black crappie tempt anglers. Special regulations restrict bait, size and possession limits. The entire river is closed to fishing from October 16 - December 31 for protection of the fall Chinook salmon run.
Recreation reaches beyond the river. Hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, camping and picnicking are several of the opportunities that are available. Parks offer picnicking facilities, restrooms and access to the river. Hiking trails in Goodwin Canyon, Knights Ferry, Orange Blossom, Valley Oak and McHenry Avenue offer short tours of lush river woodlands.
Directions from Oakdale, CA: Travel 12 miles east on State Route 108 / 120 to Kennedy Road. Follow the signs to the Park Headquarters. Access is by boat, foot, or bicycle only. Permit required
This portion of the Middle Fork Stanislaus begins at its source above Kennedy Meadow and ends downstream at Donnell Reservoir.
Species Present rainbow trout, eastern brook trout, german brown trout
Seasons last Saturday in April to mid-November, road access subject to winter closure
Access Highway 108 is within easy walking distance from most of this portion of the Middle Fork
Camping Within the Brightman Recreation Area, camping is restricted to designated sites at Baker Campground, Deadman Campground, Boulder Flat Campground, Brightman Flat Campground, Dardanelle Campground, Eureka Valley Campground and Pigeon Flat Campground
Comments The California Department of Fish and Game regularly stocks the upper Middle Fork Stanislaus with rainbow trout. In addition to the campgrounds shown above, Forest Service developed recreation facilities include Douglas Flat Picnic Area and several parking areas offering easy access to shoreline fishing.
More Information A valid California state fishing license is needed to fish in the National Forest. Licenses are sold at sporting good outlets in many department and other retail stores. Make sure you pick up a current state fishing regulation guide with your license, for information on fishing times and limits. Contact California Department of Fish and Game for more information.
Mile-By-Mile Descriptions and River Map
Mile 0: Beginner's Luck - Class IV-V: Note: this rapid was severly altered after a dramatic landslide in the winter of 1997, resulting in a new river channel. This triple tiered rapid is easily scouted from river right. This rapid consists of a stair step drop at the entrance which leads into a steep ramp with a large hole at the bottom at flows above 1,000 cfs. The second drop in this rapid is the most dangerous, most run it as far left as possible. This rapid should always be scouted if you are not familiar with it or if you haven't seen it for a while. It changes drastically at different flows and numerous logs have wedged themselves within it. Scout river right.
Mile 1: Rattlesnake - Class IV: An S-turn rapid with a reversal at the entrance and a horn rock in the middle. There is an underwater table rock just to the left of the horn rock and is very difficult to see, be prepared to get slammed into it.
Mile 3: Bear Claw - Class IV: The river splits into two channels here. The left channel is a steep ramp and the right is boulder slalom with a wrap rock at the bottom.
Mile 3: Convulsion (aka: Blow Your Lunch) - Class IV: There are two main hazards in this rapid. There is a sieve a little over half way down the rapid on the right wall. The last drop has flipped its share of boaters. Scout river right.
Mile 5:Wallet Slot - Class IV: This is a large boulder slalom with a tricky finish. The bottom left side of this rapid is a huge sieve. Scout river right.
Mile 5: Maycheck's Mayhem (aka: The Thing) - Class IV-V: This a long rapid which is only made longer by the fact that immediately upstream of it is a long technical class III rapid (The Mess) and it runs out into a steep drop (Slinky). More then a few rafts have flipped on the pyramid rock at the top of this rapid. In the middle of the rapid is another large boulder that you can go left or right of. At high flows (above 1,800 cfs) a perfect flat reversal is created at the bottom of this rapid, which has surfed numerous boats for extended periods of time. Scout river left.
Mile 6: Slinky - Class IV: A stair step drop with a tombstone like rock that splits the horizon line. The drop on the right side lands right on a table rock.
Mile 7: Upper Sequoia Sluice - Class IV: The next 3 rapids come right on top of the other. The river splits into two channels here. There is a boulder in the middle and a shelf on the bottom.
Mile 7: Middle Sequoia Sluice - Class IV: There are a few ways to run this rapid. Most commonly people go down the right side of this rapid over a series of three drops. Numerous boats have flipped at the entrance of this rapid on the right wall as well as at the bottom drop.
Mile 7: Lower Sequoia Sluice (Big Trees Falls) - Class IV: A big-steep drop on the right.
Use the map tools to zoom in or out to get a better lake view. Be the first to list a property at this lake. Sign up or log in then 'Contact Us' with the lake name and your user id for a free listing. Please check back soon!
