South Branch Tule River is a River located in Tulare County, CA. Starting in Strathmore, CA the South Branch Tule River flows 8 miles through Tipton, CA before ending in Tipton, CA. The South Branch Tule River rises to an elevation of 262 feet and has a surface area of 962,028 square miles. Find maps, fishing guides, weather and recreation information at Guidesly.

About the South Branch Tule River, CA

The South Branch of the Tule River is a 28-mile-long river that is located in Tulare County in California. As the name suggests, this body of water is just a branch of the Tule River system that consists of three branches (or forks) namely, the North, the Middle, and the South branch. The South Branch flows westward, originating from the foothills of Slate Mountain and winding through different terrains across the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges until it finally meets the North and Middle South forks at Lake Success, east of Porterville. Along the stretch of the river, the continuous water flow also gives life to other smaller bodies of water, including Blue Creek, Rocky Creek, Pigeon Creek, and Bond Creek. 

The water flowing through the South Branch of the Tule River is often characterized as crystal clear with moderate currents. While most stretches of the river are shallow and narrow, some areas have a series of cascades, mini waterfalls, and deep pools carved from granite bedrocks. The landscape that surrounds the river is mostly lined with trees, shrubs, and other vegetation, especially the areas that wind across the heavily forested areas of the foothills of Sierra Nevada. Other features that can be seen around the river include steep canyon walls and dramatic rock formations that are made of polished granite.  

Given the natural beauty that surrounds the river, the South Branch is a popular outdoor recreational destination, especially during the summer months. Visitors can engage in different outdoor recreational activities such as camping, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and fishing.            

All About Fishing In The South Branch Tule River, CA

Fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in the South Branch of Tule River. With the river’s constant flow and the vegetation that surrounds the water, it offers just the right conditions for different species of fish to survive. Popular targets here include rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, channel catfish, common carp, black bullhead, crappie, spotted bass, blue catfish, bluegill, and some largemouth bass. The river, however, is one of the smallest in the Sierra so anglers should not expect to land any large ones here. Different species of trout, for instance, grow between seven and ten inches in these waters; although some lucky ones have reported catching a 14-inch rainbow.   

Fishing can be done on the fly, often using a small, lightweight rod. The boulders and other smaller rocks scattered around the river provide anglers with a sort of a platform to cast their lines; although one can always cast his or her line straight off the banks. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, you can also wade through the shallow parts of the river to fly fish. Areas with small pools and wooded covers are where fish are often found and where anglers catch plenty of fish. If you’re planning to fish here, you may need to check the fishing regulations (i.e. bag limits, fish possession, and catch and release methods) that are in effect at a particular time first before booking your trip as regulations often change according to seasons and fish populations.  

Fishing Seasonality

Fishing in the South Branch of Tule River is said to be best from November to March. It’s because even though it can be a bit chilly during this time of the year, the flow of water in the river is relatively stronger and it’s when most fish species are actively feeding. Summers can also be quite productive but anglers often find the summer heat in these areas to be quite harsh. Anglers would also have to contend for a spot with bathers that come in flocks during summers.  

Fishing Seasonality

Fishing in the South Branch of Tule River is said to be best from November to March. It’s because even though it can be a bit chilly during this time of the year, the flow of water in the river is relatively stronger and it’s when most fish species are actively feeding. Summers can also be quite productive but anglers often find the summer heat in these areas to be quite harsh. Anglers would also have to contend for a spot with bathers that come in flocks during summers.  

All About Fishing In The South Branch Tule River, CA

Fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in the South Branch of Tule River. With the river’s constant flow and the vegetation that surrounds the water, it offers just the right conditions for different species of fish to survive. Popular targets here include rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, channel catfish, common carp, black bullhead, crappie, spotted bass, blue catfish, bluegill, and some largemouth bass. The river, however, is one of the smallest in the Sierra so anglers should not expect to land any large ones here. Different species of trout, for instance, grow between seven and ten inches in these waters; although some lucky ones have reported catching a 14-inch rainbow.   

Fishing can be done on the fly, often using a small, lightweight rod. The boulders and other smaller rocks scattered around the river provide anglers with a sort of a platform to cast their lines; although one can always cast his or her line straight off the banks. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, you can also wade through the shallow parts of the river to fly fish. Areas with small pools and wooded covers are where fish are often found and where anglers catch plenty of fish. If you’re planning to fish here, you may need to check the fishing regulations (i.e. bag limits, fish possession, and catch and release methods) that are in effect at a particular time first before booking your trip as regulations often change according to seasons and fish populations.