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South Fork Bishop Creek

Boat Ramps
1
Access Points
5
Species
4

South Fork Bishop Creek flows approximately seven miles from its origin at South Lake down through Bishop Creek Canyon before joining with the Middle Fork, creating one of the Eastern Sierra's premier fishing destinations. This tributary of Bishop Creek offers diverse water types that cater to all angling preferences—from slow meandering stretches perfect for easy wading to fast pocket water and large deep pools that challenge even experienced anglers. The creek drains from high elevation headwaters near the Inyo-Fresno county border, tumbling down through a spectacular canyon setting characterized by moraines, cirques, and sawtooth ridges. The South Fork provides over 20 miles of fishable water when combined with the other Bishop Creek forks, offering crystal-clear freestone conditions in a stunning alpine environment.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at South Fork Bishop Creek and what's needed to catch them.

Fish stocking schedule

All stockings · 5

  • TroutWeek of Oct 4, 2026
  • TroutWeek of Sep 13, 2026
  • TroutWeek of Jun 28, 2026
  • TroutWeek of May 17, 2026
  • TroutWeek of Apr 19, 2026

Source

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on South Fork Bishop Creek. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on South Fork Bishop Creek

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

California licenses and regulations

California Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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California Fishing License Online

In California, anyone under the age of 16 or above is required to get a sport fishing license to take any fish; shell fish, reptile or amphibian in the state.

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California Freshwater Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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California Stream Access Laws

The courts have described the reach of the California public right of navigation as “the right to navigate and to exercise the incidents of navigation in a lawful manner at any point below high water mark” on waters that satisfy California’s small craft test. Thus, property owners cannot interfere with the public’s right to navigate or use shoreline areas below the ordinary high water mark for incidents of navigation. In fact, unauthorized obstruction of the public’s right to access and use a navigable waterway constitutes a public nuisance.

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Take South Fork Bishop Creek with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around South Fork Bishop Creek to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for South Fork Bishop Creek to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish South Fork Bishop Creek and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.


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