Merced River, Section ll Fish Stocking
Mariposa County, California · 2024–2026 on record
According to California CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule, Merced River, Section ll was last stocked Week of July 12, 2026 with Trout. Merced River, Section ll has 13 stocking records on file, spanning 2024–2026.
When Merced River, Section ll is stocked
Merced River, Section ll is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Merced River, Section ll
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Mariposa County, California.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Merced River, Section ll, 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 ll was last stocked Week of July 12, 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 ll:
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 ll
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 ll, freshest activity first.
Merced River, Section I
28 miMerced County · 1 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2026
Lake McSwain
26 miMariposa County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked September 2026
Tuolumne River South Fork
12 miTuolumne County · 1 species · 21 records
Last stocked August 2026
Tuolumne River Middle Fork
14 miTuolumne County · 1 species · 21 records
Last stocked August 2026
Cherry Valley Reservoir
24 miTuolumne County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2026
Granite Creek (West Fork)
33 miMadera County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Week of July 12, 2026 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of June 28, 2026 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of June 21, 2026 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of June 7, 2026 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of May 24, 2026 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of May 10, 2026 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of April 12, 2026 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of June 15, 2025 | Trout | California CDFW |
Show 5 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Week of June 1, 2025 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of May 11, 2025 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of April 27, 2025 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of April 13, 2025 | Trout | California CDFW |
| Week of July 14, 2024 | Trout | California CDFW |
The reporting agency did not include fish counts or sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Merced River, Section ll last stocked?
According to California CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule, Merced River, Section ll was last stocked Week of July 12, 2026 with Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Merced River, Section ll?
Merced River, Section ll is stocked with Trout.
What time of year is Merced River, Section ll stocked?
Merced River, Section ll is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Merced River, Section ll stocked?
Merced River, Section ll has been stocked about 4 times a year — 13 recorded stockings between 2024 and 2026.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Merced River, Section ll?
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 ll?
Freshly stocked trout in Merced River, Section ll 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 ll?
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 ll?
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.