California · Fishing
Fishing in Strawberry, California
Strawberry sits in the Stanislaus River corridor at around 4,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada, and the fishing in this pocket of Tuolumne County runs almost entirely on still water.
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Strawberry sits in the Stanislaus River corridor at around 4,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada, and the fishing in this pocket of Tuolumne County runs almost entirely on still water. The three lakes within reach — Leland Reservoir, Pinecrest Lake, and Donnell Reservoir — each fish differently enough that you can pick one based on how much effort you want to put in. Pinecrest is the most accessible, with a paved road, a resort, and a boat rental operation that makes it a reasonable choice for families or anyone who didn't pack a full kit. Leland Reservoir is smaller and quieter, sitting above Pinecrest and drawing less pressure as a result. Donnell Reservoir is the most dramatic of the three, a deep canyon impoundment on the Middle Fork Stanislaus that requires more legwork to reach the water but tends to hold larger fish. All three are stocked lakes, so expect rainbow trout as the primary target, with some holdover fish in the deeper water of Donnell. The season runs roughly Memorial Day through October before snow access becomes unreliable, though Pinecrest's infrastructure keeps it fishable later into fall than the other two.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I expect to catch at these lakes near Strawberry?
Rainbow trout are the main target at Leland Reservoir, Pinecrest Lake, and Donnell Reservoir, all of which receive stocking from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Donnell Reservoir, being a deeper canyon impoundment, has better conditions for holdover trout to survive between stocking runs, so you have a reasonable shot at larger fish there compared to the other two.
Do I need a boat, or can I fish from shore?
Shore fishing works at all three lakes, but your options vary. Pinecrest Lake has accessible shoreline and a boat rental operation if you want to cover more water. Donnell Reservoir has limited easy shoreline due to its steep canyon walls, so a kayak or small inflatable gives you a real advantage there. Leland Reservoir is small enough that shore fishing covers most of the productive water.
When is the best time of day to fish these lakes?
Early morning, roughly the first two hours after sunrise, is consistently the most productive window for trout in Sierra lakes at this elevation. Evening from about an hour before sunset can also be good, especially on calm days when surface activity picks up. Midday fishing in summer slows down as the sun gets high and water temperatures rise in the shallower areas.
What gear and tackle should I bring?
A light to medium spinning setup in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations across all three lakes. PowerBait and small spinners like a Panther Martin or Kastmaster cover the basics for stocked rainbows. If you're targeting Donnell specifically, bring heavier line and larger lures to account for the possibility of bigger holdover fish and the rougher terrain around the water.
When does the fishing season run, and are there any access considerations?
The practical season around Strawberry runs from Memorial Day weekend through October, when Highway 108 and the forest roads to these lakes are reliably clear of snow. Pinecrest Lake stays accessible the longest due to its paved access road and resort facilities. California fishing regulations apply throughout, so you'll need a valid California fishing license before you wet a line — check the CDFW website for current stocking schedules and any special regulations before your trip.
