This section of the San Joaquin River refers to
is the Big Bend Cove on Millerton Lake to about
sixteen miles up the San Joaquin River to Squaw
Leap.
San Joaquin River lies protected from the
wind by steep hillsides. Along the river are
several boat-in campsites, that are ideal if
you are paddling with a companion or if you
happen to get caught in sudden wind
conditions. However, if you begin your
paddle at 6am, there is a good chance
you won’t get caught in strong afternoon
winds. There is a minimal amount of boat
traffic on the river.
The San Joaquin River salmon run was
considered to be one of the best in the
country. Unfortunately, everything changed
after the dam’s completion. Over the years,
with the planting of the Florida strain
largemouth bass, the population has steadily
increased.
The river also used to have a nice
population of smallmouth bass, but a number
of years ago, one of the upper reservoirs
was drained, which took a heavy toll on the
smallmouth. If you want to catch a bass,
you’ll need to fish the headwaters where the
San Joaquin flows into Millerton.
This destination is for the more adventurous
paddlers.