Took a little trip this past weekend for a few days and fished the north fork stanislaus at the sourgrass recreation area, And I must say I'm dissapointed I hadn't fished this area before. Its a great stretch of river with just endless pockets and great pools, the kinda river were you don't cover more then a mile 0r 2 in a days fishing because theres so many "fishy" spots. The one thing that made this river a bit tough was the fact it has alot of conflicting currents so getting a drift can be tough sometimes, and since it isn't really a wading freindly river do to depth and big big boulders getting the correct angle for a perfect drift is sometimes impossible. It was typical sierra fast action dry fly fishing, maybe 15 or so fish a day 6 to 12 inchers, with 3 other very nice fish hooked and lost. Was match the hatch in the mornings and evenings and stimulators and hoppers during the midday. Walk about 50 yards from the campground and i had complete solitude execpt for some guys 4 wheelin in jeeps up this most gnarly 4wd trail, was a bit impressed they could do it. This is maybe one of the most scenic west slope riversI have had the oppurtunity to fish.
I have fished it maybe a half dozen times and it seems to be always just 'OK'. The depth is a problem like you say. Did you hike down the gorge below the bridge?
I usually just pass by that area and hit Beaver Creek, but I'm guessing that the temp is too warm by now.