The Kings River is a 132-mile-long river flowing through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. Known for its stunning scenery and excellent fishing opportunities, the river begins at the Sierra Crest in Kings Canyon National Park and flows westward through the San Joaquin Valley southwest of Fresno. With its deep canyons and diverse ecosystems, the Kings River has three distinct sections: the lower section below Pine Flat Dam, the upper section between Pine Flat Reservoir and the confluence of the Middle and South Forks, and the higher drainage areas including tributaries. The river's designation as a Wild & Scenic River in 1987 has helped preserve its natural beauty and productive fishery. Once a premier trout fishery that declined in the early 1990s due to drought and irrigation, the Kings River has made a significant comeback and now offers excellent fishing throughout its various sections.