Stanislaus River 9/26 & 10/19

Yep. The gate was closed at 120 with a sign indicating they will be open Jan. 1st. And yes, Im always up for a hike to get to the where the fish are. Give me a shout if you are looking for some company. Thanks again for all the info.

Decided today to do a last minute trip on the Stanislaus. The river flow was great at 500cfm. Soon it increases to near 2000, and then the season is closed November and December. Anyways, put in at Orange Blossom at 1:30 and stopped at a deep pool about 1/2 mile below. Could see salmon swimming around. Cast the trusty #6 Panther Martin in silver and caught a 15lb+ non-chrome fatty. Was going to take picture, but the fish seemed lifeless when pulled up to sandy bank. Thought best to quickly get back into water. She swam away strong. Rest of the day was so-so with 4 other small trout caught. Absolutely beautiful day with nice river flow, fall colors, leaves floating on river, warm 80 degree temp, and only one other person on river.
Pulled out in Oakdale around 6:00pm. Probably my last day until after the season opens in January, but couldn't of had a more beautiful day.   

Right on John. When it comes to river flow, how are you tracking it, and what is considered good flow for fishing?

Steve

I am on the email list from the USBR for upcoming changes in water releases from the Goodwin Dam out of Lake Tulloch. That helps with planning atrip based on what they are releasing. Other than that I use the app "River Flows" on my smartphone. That gives current flows at certain locations. I use it especially on rivers other than the Stanislaus where I do not the dam releases.
I am not sure of the best flow conditions, but most of the summer it runs around 200cfm. That flow is fine for fishing, but can make for a slow day. I have found that 400-500cfm flows makes for a little faster day. When the flows get up to around 1000cfm plus the fishing begins to get more difficult since the flow keeps you constantly moving. Unless you anchor or pull off to shore you cannot stay in good fishing spots for very long. This is what I have found, but by no means am I an expert. Still learning.