Marble Fork Kaweah River, Sequoia National Park, CA


Marble Fork Kaweah River Fishing

Sequoia National Park


Marble Fork Kaweah River Fishing

Sequoia National Park

The Marble Fork Kaweah River extends from Potwisha Campground in the lower elevations of Sequoia National Park up through Lodgepole Campground at 6,800 feet and beyond into the high wilderness country of the park. Fishing is good along its length up to Tokopah Falls, 2 miles upstream from Lodgepole Campground. Those 2 miles of wilderness fishing were my target on this spring outing.

Most casual anglers cast their lines into the river around the campground. I started out there but quickly worked my way upstream. The Kaweah Fork has both brook trout and rainbow trout. State regulations allow fishing year-round in the Marble Fork. Sequoia National Park regulations designate catch and release of rainbows and allow only the use of artificial flies or barbless lures. Luckily I had several crimped flies and lures that worked well. See Fishing Sequoia National Park.

Fisherman on Marble Fork Kaweah River, Sequoia National Park, California

Fishing the Marble Fork

Sidetrips:

The Lower Marble Fork can be reached by car in two other places within Sequoia National Park. The most popular is by Potwisha Campground along the Generals Highway at an elevation of 2,000 feet. Higher up, the road to Crystal Cave crosses the Marble Fork about 1⅔ miles from the Generals Highway at an elevation of 5,000 feet.

Kings Canyon National Park Featured Trips

  • Bubbs Creek - Fish your way up Bubbs Creek from near Cedar Grove into the high country.
  • Evolution Valley - Backpack into northern Kings Canyon to one of the most beautiful valleys in the Sierra.
  • Lake 10315 - remote alpine lake in adjoining Kings Canyon National Park, requires multi-day backpack trip to reach.

Marble Fork Kaweah River, Sequoia National Park, California

Marble Fork Kaweah River


In My Creel


  • #12 Parachute Adams
  • #16 Adams
  • #12 Blue Wing Olive
  • #16 Black Gnat
  • Mepps Little Wolf

I did most of my fishing with flies, but carried my little spinnning rod as backup and had some luck with the Mepps Little Wolf. While I didn't land any keepers either spin csting or fly fishing, I had the best luck with the Parachute Adams. As usual, I enjyed my time along the river.



Recommended Books, Lures, and Flies for Fishing in Sequoia National Park




Lower Tokopah Falls on Marble Fork Kaweah River, Sequoia National Park, California

Lower Tokopah Falls


Following the Trail up the Marble Fork

A popular hiking trail leads from Lodgepole Campground 2 miles up the north side of the Marble Fork to Tokopah Falls. In places the trail is close to the river, providing easy access to attractive fishing locations. Father up the trail a little cross-country travel is needed to explore the more secluded areas. The final half mile of the trail to the falls viewing point is rugged in places.

I found many nice spots where I could approach the river unseen, lob (I couldn't really call it casting) my fly into the current above a likely pool, and let it drift down to settle in the eddies.


Lodging and Camping

Accommodations are available in a number of excellent lodges in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Close to the Marble Fork is Wuksachi Lodge. A little farther away find John Muir Lodge, Grant Grove Cabins, Kings Canyon Lodge, and Cedar Grove Lodge.

Excellent campsites are found throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Lodgepole Campground is the closest, but only a short drive away are several other nice campgrounds.

California's Best Camping

For complete information about campgrounds in Kings Canyon and Sequoia, see

California's Best Camping website logo

Fishing Supplies

On your way to the Marble Fork, you can pick up fishing supplies at the following places:

  • Fisherman's Warehouse, 4320 W. Shaw Ave, Fresno
  • California Bait and Tackle, 4516 E. Belmont Ave, Fresno
  • Sportsman's Warehouse, 1650 W Visalia Pkwy., Visalia
  • Three Rivers Mercantile, 41152 Sierra Dr., Three Rivers
  • Village Market, 40869 Sierra Dr., Three Rivers
  • Lodgepole Village store
  • Grant Grove store

High Sierra Trails

sign to Mt. Whitney, Sequoia National Park, California

High Sierra Trail, Sequoia National Park

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