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California · Fishing
Big Creek, California sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Fresno County, and the fishing here is centered on a handful of river and lake spots that reward anglers willing to do a little planning.
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Big Creek, California sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Fresno County, and the fishing here is centered on a handful of river and lake spots that reward anglers willing to do a little planning. The Billy Creek corridor gives you two distinct access points: Upper Billy Creek Campground puts you right on the water in a more sheltered stretch, while Lower Billy Creek opens up a longer, more exposed run that tends to see less pressure. Badger Flats Group is a larger, group-oriented site along the river that works well if you're coordinating a family or club trip and want a base camp close to the fishing. For still-water fishing, Rancheria offers lake fishing as an alternative when river flows are running high or off-color. The area is not designated gold-medal or wild-trout water, so expect a mix of stocked and holdover fish rather than a trophy-only experience. That said, the access is genuine, the crowds are manageable compared to more famous Sierra destinations, and the combination of river and lake options means you're not locked into one style of fishing for the whole trip.
The primary options are river fishing along Billy Creek, accessible at both the Upper Billy Creek Campground and Lower Billy Creek, and at the Badger Flats Group site. Rancheria provides a lake fishing alternative if you prefer still water or if river conditions aren't cooperating.
Upper Billy Creek Campground is a reasonable starting point since you're camping right next to the water and the setting is more contained. Badger Flats Group is designed for larger parties and has more infrastructure, which can make it easier to manage kids or less experienced anglers.
Catavee
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Kinnikinnick
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Rock Creek (Sierra National Forest, CA)
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Deer Creek
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
College
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Wishon Bass Lake
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Upper Billy Creek Cg
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Rancheria
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Spring Cove
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Lower Billy Creek
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Mammoth Pool
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Cedar Bluff
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Late spring through early fall is the most productive window for the Billy Creek stretches, once snowmelt has settled and flows stabilize. Early morning and evening are generally the most active times of day, especially in summer when midday temperatures push fish into deeper, cooler water.
Yes, a valid California sport fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for current license fees, any applicable stamp requirements, and specific regulations for this region before your trip, as rules can vary by water body and season.
A light to medium spinning or fly rod setup works well for Sierra foothill river fishing. Pack waders if you plan to wade the river, as streamside access can be rocky and uneven. Bring a mix of small spinners, PowerBait, and natural baits to cover both stocked and wild fish, and carry a net with a rubberized mesh if you plan to practice catch-and-release.
