Today's Best Fishing & Tide Times for
Modesto, United States 🇺🇸

Solunar
Tides
Weather
7-Day
Spots

How to use our fishing calendar

Planning your next fishing trip in Modesto, United States ? Today is a good day for fishing. Our comprehensive fishing almanac combines our popular solunar tables, moon times, sunrise and sunset times, nearby tide chart, and a 7-day fishing calendar so you always know the best fishing times in your area. We analyse major and minor solunar bite times, rate each day on a five-star scale, and pair it with localized weather forecasts so you can quickly tell whether today is a good day to fish without juggling multiple tabs. Be sure to bookmark this page so you never miss a bite. view bite times...

  • Check our unique Solunar Clock for precise solunar tables and the best moon phases.
  • Use the Tide Clock section to sync bite times with high and low tide chart.
  • Analyze the forecasted weather conditions, such as wind, barometric pressure and rain to plan your fishing session.
  • Jump to the 7-Day Fishing Calendar for an extended fishing forecast, then explore nearby fishing spots on the interactive map.

Fishing in Modesto, California centers around the Stanislaus and Tuolumne River systems, the California Aqueduct, and nearby reservoirs that hold bass, trout, catfish, and panfish. Anglers in the Modesto area can target largemouth bass, striped bass, rainbow trout, and catfish year-round with a mix of river, canal, and still-water tactics. From shore-access spots to small-boat opportunities, Modesto fishing offers diverse options for both local and traveling anglers. read more...

Some of the best fishing spots near Modesto include: Woodward Reservoir, Tuolumne River, San Joaquin River, Stanislaus River, Don Pedro Reservoir, New Melones Lake, San Luis Reservoir, Lake McClure, Modesto Reservoir, etc. see full list

Tide Station:

Sun and Moon Times

The sun will be at it's highest point at . Today we have 14:40 hours of daylight. For shallow water fishing the twilight periods are often the most productive fishing times, especially on days when a major or minor time will coincide with twilight. In low light conditions predators have better cover for their ambush and often hunt in shallow water.
  • Nautical Twilight begins:
    Sunrise:
  • Sunset:
    Nautical Twilight ends:
  • Moonrise:
  • Moonset:
  • Moon over:
  • Moon under:
  • Visibility:
    90%
  • Waning Gibbous - 90% illuminated Waning Gibbous
Next New Moon in ~11 days on 14th June
  • Distance to earth:
    402,134 km
    Proximity:
    8.4 %
We can compare the current moon distance to it's minimum and maximum distance from earth and express that as proximity. A high proximity means the moon is closer to earth. At 50% it would be at it's mean distance. A high proximity causes big tides, currents and has a direct effect on increased bite times. A proximity greater than 90% indicates a super moon.
Moon Phases for Modesto
Full Moon
Sun, 31 May
New Moon
Sun, 14 Jun
Full Moon
Mon, 29 Jun

Solunar Bite Times

Settings
Display Settings:
  • good Day
12 1 2 3 4 5 AM 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
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Best fishing times:
  • major Time:
    02:30 am - 04:30 am
  • minor Time:
    07:11 am - 09:11 am
  • major Time:
    02:50 pm - 04:50 pm
  • minor Time:
    10:30 pm - 12:30 am
All times are displayed in the America/Los_Angeles timezone and are automatically adjusted to daylight savings. The current timezone offset is -7 hours. Green and yellow areas indicate the best fishing times (major and minor). Blue areas indicate high and low tides. The center shows the current moon phase which is a Waning Gibbous at 90% lumination. According to the Solunar Theory, today is a good day for fishing, but you need to cross check this with the current weather forecast for a final decision. Currently we have a minor fishing time. The next best fishing time will be tomorrow. The gray time indicator displays the current local time.
America/Los_Angeles • Wed, 3 Jun 23:50 • 37.639, -120.997

Tides Times for Fishing: Wed, 3 Jun

The Tideclock displays the tide status and the hours until the next tide. Currently the tide is rising and the next high tide is in 53 minutes.
Tide Graph
12:01 am 04:28 am 09:33 am 05:52 pm AM PM 3.87 ft -0.3 ft height hour: 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12
Times
Tide Time Height
high 12:01 am 2.92 ft
low 04:28 am 1.71 ft
high 09:33 am 3.87 ft
low 05:52 pm -0.3 ft
Tide Coefficient at 12:01 am is 66
Tide Coefficient at 09:33 am is 113
For fishing, stronger tides are often favourable as they cause stronger currents and more motion on the sea bed. The above tidal coefficients give us an indication of how strong the tides are compared to their average. A value over 90 indicates very strong tides, known as spring tides. A low value indicates weak tides, known as neap tides. The tidal coefficient can range from 20 to 120 with a mean value of 70. A higher number usually indicates better fishing.
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Current Fishing Weather

Updating Weather Infos...

7 Day Fishing Weather

The weather plays an important role in fishing. Wind strenght and direction often determine where you can fish and where fish might be holding. Although high pressure is usually good for fishing, steep pressure changes often trigger feeding frenzies and are great times for fishing. Of course temperature has also a strong effect on fishing and comfort on the water. So make sure to cross check the weather forecast with the solunar fishing times to determine the best times to go fishing. The graph below shows you the 3 hourly weather progression over the next 7 days. Scroll the graph left or right to see more.
Selected Weather Station: Modesto, US
Temperature
Wave Height
Swell Height
Wind
Pressure
Humidity
Cloudcover
Rain Precipitation
UV Index
Retrieving Weather...

7 Day Fishing Forecast Calendar
Date Major Bite Times Minor Bite Times Sun Moon Moonphase Tide Times
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waning Gibbous moon phase
Waning Gibbous
low: , 1.71 ft
high: , 3.97 ft , Coeff: 118
low: , -0.3 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waning Gibbous moon phase
Waning Gibbous
high: , 2.92 ft , Coeff: 66
low: , 1.71 ft
high: , 3.87 ft , Coeff: 113
low: , -0.3 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waning Gibbous moon phase
Waning Gibbous
high: , 2.89 ft , Coeff: 64
low: , 1.64 ft
high: , 3.67 ft , Coeff: 104
low: , -0.26 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waning Gibbous moon phase
Waning Gibbous
high: , 2.82 ft , Coeff: 61
low: , 1.51 ft
high: , 3.44 ft , Coeff: 92
low: , -0.26 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Third Quarter Moon moon phase
Third Quarter Moon
high: , 2.82 ft , Coeff: 61
low: , 1.38 ft
high: , 3.12 ft , Coeff: 76
low: , -0.2 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Third Quarter Moon moon phase
Third Quarter Moon
high: , 2.85 ft , Coeff: 63
low: , 1.21 ft
high: , 2.79 ft , Coeff: 59
low: , -0.1 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Third Quarter Moon moon phase
Third Quarter Moon
high: , 2.99 ft , Coeff: 69
low: , 0.98 ft
high: , 2.49 ft , Coeff: 45
low: , 0.1 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Third Quarter Moon moon phase
Third Quarter Moon
high: , 3.18 ft , Coeff: 79
low: , 0.69 ft
high: , 2.3 ft , Coeff: 35
low: , 0.33 ft
*bold times indicate best fishing times around sunrise or sunset

Fishing Overview Modesto

Modesto, California fishing is built around productive Central Valley rivers and man-made reservoirs that hold bass, trout, catfish, and panfish. The Stanislaus and Tuolumne rivers, along with the California Aqueduct, irrigation canals, and nearby lakes like Woodward Reservoir and Modesto Reservoir, give shore and small-boat anglers a range of options within a short drive of town.

Seasonal patterns are key around Modesto. In late winter and early spring, rising water and warming temps trigger prespawn movements for largemouth and spotted bass in local reservoirs. Focus on north-facing coves, flooded brush, and secondary points with lipless crankbaits, jerkbaits, and compact jigs. By late spring, bass move shallow to spawn; finesse plastics such as wacky-rigged worms, Ned rigs, and small creature baits excel in clear pockets and along rocky banks. Summer pushes fish deeper on points and humps; Carolina rigs, deep-diving crankbaits, and drop-shot rigs with 4–6 inch worms are reliable. Fall brings baitfish movement to the backs of creeks and canal mouths, where squarebills, spinnerbaits, and small swimbaits shine.

River fishing around Modesto centers on the Tuolumne and Stanislaus. In spring and fall, flows often attract striped bass, shad, and migratory trout or salmon. For stripers, work current seams, eddies below riffles, and deep outside bends with 4–6 inch soft swimbaits, bucktail jigs, or live minnows where allowed. Shad respond well to small flutter spoons and shad darts in pink, chartreuse, and silver, cast slightly upstream and drifted through the current. Resident rainbow trout hold near riffle tails, undercut banks, and behind boulders; small inline spinners, salmon eggs, and 1/16–1/8 oz marabou jigs under a float are consistent producers.

Local reservoirs such as Modesto Reservoir and Woodward Reservoir offer multi-species opportunities. Trout are typically stocked in cooler months; target them in the top 10–20 feet of the water column with trolling rigs, small spoons, and dough baits off long, light leaders. Panfish like bluegill, redear, and crappie relate to submerged timber, docks, and weed edges. Drop small jigs (1/32–1/16 oz) tipped with worms or soft plastics under a slip float and adjust depth until you find suspended schools. Catfish bite best from late afternoon into night along mud flats, channel edges, and inflow areas; cut bait, chicken liver, and prepared stink baits on slip-sinker rigs excel.

Still-water and canal tactics around Modesto are highly effective for bank anglers. The California Aqueduct and local canals often hold striped bass, catfish, carp, and panfish. Work transition areas where aqueduct turns, control gates, and bridges disrupt the current. For stripers and larger bass, cast parallel to the bank with 3–5 inch soft swimbaits, jerkbaits, or topwater walking baits during low-light periods. Carp are abundant and can be targeted with simple hair rigs, corn, or dough balls on light carp rods; feed a small area with handfuls of bait before casting for better consistency.

Tactical tips for Modesto fishing include watching water clarity and flow first. After storms and snowmelt, rivers can run high and off-color; use darker, bulkier baits and focus on inside bends and flooded cover. In clear, calm reservoir conditions, downsize line to 6–8 lb fluorocarbon for finesse presentations and keep boat noise to a minimum. Early and late in the day are prime feeding windows in summer heat, while mid-day can shine in winter once the sun warms shallow rock and riprap. Cover water efficiently, but slow down once you get a bite—fish often group tightly on the best pieces of structure in Modesto-area waters.

The Best Fishing Spots around Modesto

Woodward Reservoir

North of Oakdale, Woodward Reservoir provides convenient fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish; look for bass around submerged structure and wind-blown banks in spring, then shift to deeper breaks and shaded areas as temperatures climb.

Tuolumne River

Flowing right through Modesto, the Tuolumne River offers seasonal runs of salmon in the lower stretches and year-round opportunities for bass, catfish, and sunfish; target current seams, undercut banks, and deeper pools, especially during spring and fall transitions.

San Joaquin River

Skirting the west side of Modesto, the San Joaquin River is known for migratory striped bass in spring and fall, along with catfish and black bass; work tidal-influenced current breaks, eddies, and confluences, and watch for bait activity along riprapped bends.

Stanislaus River

Accessible near Ripon and Knights Ferry, the Stanislaus River features cool flows with trout in upper and middle reaches and bass, catfish, and seasonal salmon in the lower river; prime holding water includes riffle tails, deeper runs, and shaded banks.

Don Pedro Reservoir

A sprawling foothill impoundment east of Modesto, Don Pedro Reservoir is famed for trophy largemouth bass, steady smallmouth and spotted bass bites, and deep-water kokanee and rainbow trout; spring pre-spawn bass and fall trout/kokanee trolling are prime, while summer nights produce quality catfish along rocky points and coves.

New Melones Lake

Set on the Stanislaus River above Sonora, New Melones Lake offers excellent year-round action for spotted and largemouth bass, plus seasonal kokanee and rainbow trout; work points and submerged timber in spring, then target deep structure and main-lake channels through summer and into fall.

San Luis Reservoir

West of Los Banos, wind-swept San Luis Reservoir is renowned for hard-fighting striped bass, with additional opportunities for largemouth, trout, and panfish; spring and fall see roaming schools pushing bait on windblown shores, while summer and winter favor deeper humps and breaks near the main basin.

Lake McClure

In the Sierra Nevada foothills near Snelling, Lake McClure produces consistent spotted and largemouth bass along with rainbow trout and kokanee; spring brings strong bass action on flats and creek arms, while summer and early fall reward deeper presentations around ledges and island tops.

Modesto Reservoir

A close-to-town favorite northeast of Modesto, Modesto Reservoir offers accessible bank and boat fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish; spring brings bass to shoreline cover, while summer evenings and nights see steady catfish action around coves and riprap.

Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Modesto area

Beaches and Bays are ideal places for land-based fishing. If the beach is shallow and the water is clear then twilight times are usually the best times, especially when they coincide with a major or minor fishing time. Often the points on either side of a beach are the best spots. Or if the beach is large then look for irregularities in the breaking waves, indicating sandbanks and holes. We found 1 beaches and bays in this area.

Cocklebur Beach - 27.63548398821km

Harbours and Marinas can often times be productive fishing spots for land based fishing as their sheltered environment attracts a wide variety of bait fish. Similar to river mouths, harbour entrances are also great places to fish as lots of fish will move in and out with the rising and falling tides. There are 1 main harbours in this area.

Mossdale Marina - 31.93576639837km

We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Modesto. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.

Del Puerto Creek - 15.08351895343km , Richie Slough - 15.24469491744km , Boscha Lake (historical) - 15.52603437069km , Laird Slough - 15.94156025635km , Tuolumne River - 16.02953836207km , Upper White Lake (historical) - 18.69150530106km , Lower White Lake (historical) - 18.87444741867km , Pear Slough - 19.36124053215km , Stony Creek - 19.40005666409km , Salado Creek - 19.97528320882km , Riley Slough - 21.15023737323km , Stanislaus River - 21.71237989802km , Rodden Creek - 23.50594040296km , Red Bridge Slough - 23.66835102489km , Orestimba Creek - 24.11532339644km , Lesnini Creek - 24.42760350742km , Little Salado Creek - 24.66659639073km , T Island - 25.53646677464km , Cashman Creek - 25.94127083312km , Dan Casey Slough - 26.19031047664km , Woodward 66 Dam - 26.83506412107km , Whale Island - 27.61115283751km , Cocklebur Beach - 27.63548398821km , Erickson Slough - 27.81335129359km , Modesto Reservoir 59-000 Dam - 28.37885779928km , Rodden Lake 62-003 Dam - 28.50464311712km , Simmons Creek - 28.51921959009km , Cashman Dam - 29.41737614893km , Weatherbee Lake - 29.81341008595km , Farmington Dam - 30.17393971845km , Paradise Dam - 30.64988364076km , Walthall Slough - 30.67404174469km , Ketcham Slough - 31.13759677198km , Martells Creek - 31.46941296735km , Mossdale Marina - 31.93576639837km , Merced River - 32.24179560208km , Garden Canyon Creek - 32.40312007557km , Hoods Creek - 32.45553550927km , Grummett Creek - 33.03856837065km , North Fork Duck Creek - 33.10863893411km

Harbours and Marinas Beaches Bays Wharfs Points,Reefs,etc
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