About The Tule River
Tule River, otherwise known as Rio de San Pedro which is located in Tulare County, streams 71.4 miles (114.9 km). Originating from the Sierra Nevada, the river is composed of three forks: North, Middle, and South. The North and Middle Fork meet above Springville; whereas the South Fork connects to the rest of the river at Lake Success. The water from this river used to empty in Tulare Lake before it was diverted for irrigation. Although when floods arise, Tule River’s waters still end up reaching Tulare Lake.
Tule River is named after a common cattail called “tule.” After Moraga’s expedition that took place in 1806, the river was given the name Rio de San Pedro. But according to Derby’s map in 1850, the river would commonly be referred to as Tule River or Rio San Pedro.
Tule River Fishing Description
All three forks of the river are frequently visited by anglers for a fishing trip. With these forks positioned close by Porterville, the most popular fish species to catch in the area would be brown trout. Other fishing spots to check out near the area would be Bear Creek, Hossack Creek, North Fork Middle Fork Tule River, Soda Spring, Hedrick Mill Pond, Carl lake, Graham-Osborn Ditch, and Pleasant Valley Ditch.
Besides the abundance of brown trout in these forks, especially in Middle Fork, several fish species can also be found in the South Fork of Tule River such as largemouth bass, channel catfish, and black crappie. As for the north fork, anglers usually get to reel in bass and bluegill species. Fly fishing is a known fishing technique in Tule River that is best utilized for wild trout species in the location.
Tule River Seasonal & Other Description
Tule River is open to fishing activities all year round. However, only artificial lure and flies can be used and only two trout species can be caught by anglers, generally. Although this is the case, some months allow a higher number of catches. For instance, from the last Saturday of April through November 15, the daily bag limit would be five trout fish and ten trout in possession since this season is referred to as the Bona fide trout fishing season. However anglers need to remember that from November 16 until the last Friday of April, the daily bag limit for trout catching is non-existent since these months do not allow anglers to take fish species that are from the river with them. Another thing to be reminded of is that those who wish to fish in Tule River must note that trout fishing in the lower areas of North Fork Tule River is not advisable in the summer since the water during this time gets thin and warm.
The best fishing times recorded in the river would be from 12:19 AM to 2:19 AM. For anglers who cannot commit to this time, another suggested peak time would be from 7:22 to 9:22 AM. Although there are recommended months and seasons for anglers to use as a guide for their fishing trip, another factor to consider would be the weather forecast for anglers’ next fishing day. It would be practical to keep score of the weather in order to avoid untoward incidents.
Temperature and Optimal Seasons
Tule River is open to fishing activities all year round. However, only artificial lure and flies can be used and only two trout species can be caught by anglers, generally. Although this is the case, some months allow a higher number of catches. For instance, from the last Saturday of April through November 15, the daily bag limit would be five trout fish and ten trout in possession since this season is referred to as the Bona fide trout fishing season. However anglers need to remember that from November 16 until the last Friday of April, the daily bag limit for trout catching is non-existent since these months do not allow anglers to take fish species that are from the river with them. Another thing to be reminded of is that those who wish to fish in Tule River must note that trout fishing in the lower areas of North Fork Tule River is not advisable in the summer since the water during this time gets thin and warm.
The best fishing times recorded in the river would be from 12:19 AM to 2:19 AM. For anglers who cannot commit to this time, another suggested peak time would be from 7:22 to 9:22 AM. Although there are recommended months and seasons for anglers to use as a guide for their fishing trip, another factor to consider would be the weather forecast for anglers’ next fishing day. It would be practical to keep score of the weather in order to avoid untoward incidents.
Tule River Fish Species
All three forks of the river are frequently visited by anglers for a fishing trip. With these forks positioned close by Porterville, the most popular fish species to catch in the area would be brown trout. Other fishing spots to check out near the area would be Bear Creek, Hossack Creek, North Fork Middle Fork Tule River, Soda Spring, Hedrick Mill Pond, Carl lake, Graham-Osborn Ditch, and Pleasant Valley Ditch.
Besides the abundance of brown trout in these forks, especially in Middle Fork, several fish species can also be found in the South Fork of Tule River such as largemouth bass, channel catfish, and black crappie. As for the north fork, anglers usually get to reel in bass and bluegill species. Fly fishing is a known fishing technique in Tule River that is best utilized for wild trout species in the location.