Merced River, Section I Fish Stocking
Merced County, California · 2024–2026 on record
According to California CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule, Merced River, Section I was last stocked Week of September 20, 2026 with Trout. Merced River, Section I has 15 stocking records on file, spanning 2024–2026.
When Merced River, Section I is stocked
Merced River, Section I is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Merced River, Section I
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Merced County, California.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Merced River, Section I, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Merced River, Section I was last stocked Week of September 20, 2026, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid California freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase California license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by California fish & wildlife agency.Official California regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Merced River, Section I:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Recommended Tackle for Merced River, Section I
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Merced River, Section I, freshest activity first.
Tulloch Lake
29 miCalaveras, Tuolumne County · 1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 2026
Powerhouse Stream
35 miTuolumne County · 1 species · 43 records
Last stocked September 2026
Lyons Canal (Columbia Ditch)
37 miTuolumne County · 1 species · 45 records
Last stocked September 2026
Lake McSwain
2 miMariposa County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked September 2026
Tuolumne River Middle Fork
27 miTuolumne County · 1 species · 21 records
Last stocked August 2026
Tuolumne River South Fork
29 miTuolumne County · 1 species · 21 records
Last stocked August 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Week of September 20, 2026 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of September 6, 2026 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of August 23, 2026 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of November 16, 2025 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of October 26, 2025 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of October 5, 2025 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of September 21, 2025 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of September 7, 2025 | Trout | California CDFW |
Show 7 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Week of August 24, 2025 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of August 3, 2025 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of October 6, 2024 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of September 22, 2024 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of September 8, 2024 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of August 25, 2024 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of August 11, 2024 | Trout | California CDFW |
The reporting agency did not include fish counts or sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Merced River, Section I last stocked?
According to California CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule, Merced River, Section I was last stocked Week of September 20, 2026 with Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Merced River, Section I?
Merced River, Section I is stocked with Trout.
What time of year is Merced River, Section I stocked?
Merced River, Section I is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Merced River, Section I stocked?
Merced River, Section I has been stocked about 5 times a year — 15 recorded stockings between 2024 and 2026.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Merced River, Section I?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid California freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from California fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Merced River, Section I?
Freshly stocked trout in Merced River, Section I typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.
What are sterile triploid trout, and why are they stocked in Merced River, Section I?
Triploid trout are sterile hatchery fish bred with three sets of chromosomes instead of two. Because they do not expend energy developing eggs or milt, they grow significantly faster, live longer to reach trophy sizes, and can be stocked without risking the genetic integrity of native wild trout populations.
Why do fish stocking dates or plant schedules change for Merced River, Section I?
Stocking schedules published by California CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule are planned targets, not exact guarantees. Plants are frequently delayed or rescheduled due to elevated water temperatures (trout experience mortality stress above 68°F), seasonal runoff, severe weather, poor road access, or hatchery trucking logistics.