Lake 2 tends to have the larger fish with most in the 10 inch range but an occasional 12-15 inch. Like the Lyell Fork, the fish tend to be quite spooky and you need to use stealth in your presentation. You do have to compete with River Rafters within Fishing from horseback in any lake or stream is prohibited. Recommended Flies for Yosemite NP Parachute Adams, sizes 12-18. Contains Rainbows.Neall Lake: Named after Lt. John M. Neall, 4th Calvary, who helped distribute fish throughout the park when stationed at Yosemite National Park in 1896. This is the end of the Upper section of the River. trout in possession. Its headwaters begin at 7900 feet at the Clarke Range. Fall is a good time to canoe and see the salmon. After passing through the canyon, the River enters Hetch Hetchy Valley and the Reservoir, where it is joined by Falls Creek, Tiltill Creek, and Rancheria Creek. Notes: Outfitter: Red Mountain Adventures. Some can be easily accessed by car along Tioga Road, while others require hiking/backpacking from any number of Yosemites trailheads. Ken is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to fish. Some consider this stretch to be the best fishing with Yosemite Park. The backcountry streams and lakes are as numerous as the stars in the Sierra sky, and though they are more difficult to reach the reward of getting off the beaten path far out-casts the effort. Rainbows, Brookies, and Brown Trout inhabit this section of the river. The regularly stocked lakes offer trophy-level fishing, family camping, water sports, house boating and even hang gliding. It is heavily used by lure and baitfishermen, so your best bet is to get away from the crowds and try the deep pools The character of the Merced River changes from season to season, bustling with cold whitewater runoff in spring then warming pools under overhanging banks, shallows and deep pools and slowing come fall. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. The Tuolumne River is hidden within the tall grasses of Tuolumne Meadows. Goldens were planted here in the 1930's, so some of the rainbows may have the characteristic parr marks of a Golden. Area fly shops, guides and websites that can provide an Upper Tuolumne River fly fishing report are listed below: The state of California requires that all people who are 16 years of age and older have a valid fishing license. Nowadays, you are more likely to find rainbow, brown, and brook trout. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". (size 16" - 22") Matching the hatch is not necessary here, but at times the fish will become selective when there is a good hatch in progress. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Elk Hair Caddis, sizes 12-18. Sierra Fly Fisher operates under a U.S. Forest Service Sierra Fly Fisher: Running trips in Yosemite, Kings Canyon and beyond, Sierra Fly Fisher offers guided trips, instruction and camps in Californias Sierra Nevada. What fishing hooks are illegal in California? The Tuolumne River has it's beginning in Tuolumne Meadow. You will need to hike about a mile upstream as the river section is usually crowded with swimmers from the campground. You can also find success fishing in the early fall. The Merced offers enjoyable fishing all summer and into the winter. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. Its headwaters are only accessible by hiking. Roosevelt Lake used to have a number of rainbows reaching 1 lb but these fish have been gill-netted and removed for frog habitat. A combination of a dry fly such as a Parachute Adams with a dropper such as a Zebra Midge or Pheasant Tail Nymph is excellent. Week of Aug. 14-18, 2023. Located just outside the boundary of Yosemite near the aptly-named town of Fish Camp, Big Creek features rocky granite pools and riffles that stay cool in summer with an elevation of 5,000 feet. The Cosumnes River, a tributary of the Mokolumne River, is about 80 miles long. Fish Planting Schedule This dynamic Fish Planting Schedule is updated in real time, directly by CDFW Hatchery staff. The season for trout fishing on the Upper Tuolumne River is from the last Saturday of April through November 15. The Clavey River is a Heritage Trout Stream with native Rainbow Trout. The South Forks originates in the "Chain Lakes" area and then flows 30 miles East to West, to its confluence with the main Fork. Tioga Pass Road along the Tuolumne Meadows also is closed for the winter from November to May. Close. Dry Fly Fishing is the best technique and most fun method in the meadow section. Where to Catch 'Em 108 Corridor Here in Yosemite / Gold Country in Tuolumne County, Kennedy Meadows & the Clark Fork on the Stanislaus River via Highway 108 were accessible for opening day of the new season. Held in late spring, the Lake McSwain Trout Fishing Derby provides the opportunity for skilled (lucky?) Beyond the Tuolumne's Grand Canyon, the river flows into and is temporarily impounded at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It is damed to form Cherry Lake and the tailwater section flows into the Middle Fork. This is a great place for the beginning fly fisherman in the late spring and early summer. The best time to visit is in the summer, after the run off ends. Biggest striped bass Ive caught in this river. The Merced offers enjoyable fishing all summer and into the winter. There are brook trout, brown trout, Chinook salmon and steelhead. Yosemite Valley Due to the Parks protected status, all rainbow trout are catch & release only and only artificial lures/flies with barbless hooks can be used (no bait fishing). Pine Mountain Lake fishing is allowed when you are staying at the campground and have a fishing license. Try relaxing in an Adirondack chair on the lawn of the historic Wawona Hotel. There are a number of dirt roads with access to the Middle Fork just above Rainbow Pool Falls. Now were talking. A popular spot for trouting in the Sierra National Forest is Big Creek. Some rivers and lakes also have large populations of cutthroat and golden trout. And the first Golden Stone Flies will appear in February also. There is no road access here, except at the lower end, but the river is accessible via the PCT (John Muir Trail) which runs its entire length. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Below the O'Shaughnessy Dam, the Tuolumne River also is an excellent fishery for trout. The South Fork of the Stanislaus, flowing out of . Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. This is rugged country and possesses its own beauty from pine-smothered sections to hotter, more austere, foothills. Get to know some of our favorites here. They offer a restaurant and complimentary WiFi. Okay, well try to rein in the puns about how its easy to get hooked, or quips about keeping it reel, but fishing in Yosemite Mariposa is indeed recognized as having just the right amount of too many trout. How can your vacation be more than just a vacation? Rainbows are small but plentiful within a narrow canyon gorge of 29 miles before emptying into the Tuolumne River. These forks join in the Tuolumne Meadows inside Yosemite National Park. You can also find success fishing in the early fall. It's one of the likeliest places in California to catch a 10-pound rainbow. This 2,427-acre reservoir six miles north of Oakdale, and a quick trip from either Modesto or Stockton, at times can offer good fishing for trout as well as warm-water species such as bass, catfish and panfish. You can also travel to Sacramento International Airport and Fresno Yosemite International Airport, which are about 87 miles away from your destination. Mirror Lake is considered a stream and is only open to fishing during stream fishing season. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Named for Irwin Bright, son of Robert Bright (USGS). . Then it will drop you into the Tuolumne Canyon right next to the Tuolumne River. The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. It has a small store with essentials and a gas station. Yosemite National Park is the crown jewel of Mariposa County. Yep. This area can be reached by trail only. Overview. Saddle River (above Allendale Rd.) Nov. 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in Apr. Whether youre looking for a peak challenge or just a few days to get away from the computer and relax and recharge, Yosemite Mariposa County has affordable and fun options for everyone. Recommended Fly Fishing Gear for Yosemite. Again using Coulterville as your starting point, Bean Creek is a shorter drive at 15 miles and takes about 30 minutes. A moderate gradient with large pools and a boulder-filled channel. The catch here will usually run 3 to 1 Rainbows to Browns. (2) It is unlawful to use any hook which is directly or indirectly attached closer than 18 inches to any weight exceeding 1/2 ounce. Rainbow trout are strictly catch & release while the limit on brown trout is 5 per day, with a possession limit of 10. It has a good population of brown, brook and rainbow trout and offers excellent dry fly fishing. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. Virginia and McCabe Lakes flow into Return Creek which empties into the Tuolumne. With over 55 combined years of experience fishing the Madison River, we have the deep knowledge needed to guide you down this Blue Ribbon River. I have fished this area numerous times and have very rarely ever seen another fly fisherman. There is a large trout population in the South Fork. Two-Day Sport Fishing License: $26.49. Lake Griffin State Park. The lake is home to a variety of species such as trout, bluegill, bass and catfish to name a few. Carbon Canyon Regional Park. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. Check Sport Fishing Regulations. The river runs for 150 miles before draining into the San Joaquin River. Prepare for success with accurate data about the type of fish that are caugh in Tuolumne River, learn what baits are used, and fish smarter with weather forecasts. of April through Nov. 15Access:Easy to Very Difficult Depending onthe AreaNon-Resident LicenseState of CaliforniaWeatherNational Weather Service Link. Bass and bluegill (perch) fishing is good in the area, especially for boaters. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local regulations. All other lakes and reservoirs (including Merced Lake) are open to visitors for fishing year-round. STATEWIDE INLAND SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS TITLE 14, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AE4E5FB-3FF1-46F7-A755-BC974D76B475 Prepared by: . The small forks of the Tuolumne require precision casts to tight fish-holding spots. Here are the combined OC Parks and CDFW plant stocking schedules: Lake. Fox Grove Recreation and Fishing Access Located on the Tuolumne River at Geer Road. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. Rainbow trout: Native to waters at Yosemites lower elevations and non native at higher elevations. Stealth is critical in your presentation as the fish tend to be quite spooky. You could pack a smaller 3 or 4-weight rod if you plan on fishing mostly smaller . This area is particularly popular with white water rafters, as there is Class IV whitewater in this section. Catch and release, of course. . Access is limited to scheduled events (no trespassing) so contact the SFC for more information. Catfish . About an hour southeast of Sacramento, Lake Amador is a 400-acre reservoir that offers some very unique trout fishing possibilities. Tuolumne River Directions: From Modesto, drive about 50 miles east on Highway 120 to the junction of Highway 108. 10 trout in possession. The river access is approximately sixty-four acres in size on one mile of river frontage with parking area with ADA spaces, restrooms, boat ramp, swimming, and picnic tables and fishing. Can you fish in the Merced River in Yosemite? Fly Box - What You'll Need The trout limit is two-per-day. if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. It flows through a deep canyon beyond this point most of which is inaccessible. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Other Rivers and Streams within Yosemite National Park: Open all year. Tuolumne river rafting was a blast and guides made it safe, fun and special Had a blast with ARTA on one-day rafting trip on Tuolumne. Cherry Creek and Eleanor Creek both provide additional trout fishing opportunities. The gorge is roughly 8 miles long and though Hwy. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". You can purchase the license and learn about the most current regulations through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Find the best ways to make a difference in Yosemite Mariposa County. The lowest lake is at 9883' elevation and the highest lake is at 10,218' elevation. Continuing along Highway With pristine lakes (both high and low country), National Forest streams and the mighty Merced River weaving through Yosemite Valley before plunging down the steep Sierra Foothills, fishing in Mariposa County provides a unique array of breathtaking backdrops for flicking a line. Open all year. : Last Saturday in Apr. Please refer to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for current fishing . districts and other public or private agencies in control of urban lakes shall be encouraged to finance put-and-take trout fishing in such waters when suitable for such purposes. This is a very difficult lake to access and the brookies had a reputation to reaching 18" within this lake. Fish and Game got me !! Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The South Fork of the Merced is the first water encountered upon entering the park from the southern entrance. Cherry Creek is a fast water stream that flows out of the Emigrant Wilderness. the Buchanan Road bridge where it crosses the Clavey. 0 trout. Fishing the Wawona/Yosemite South area brings anglers to the less-visited but equally babbling South Fork of the Merced River. If the fish are not spooked they'll readily except most standard dry flies. Explore the many fishing opportunities along the Merced River. 2023 Fishidy. It contains rainbows, browns, and brookies. Anglers should consult the 2022 NJ Freshwater Fishing Digest, pages 14 - 19, for a complete description of all trout fishing regulations, including special regulations and in-season stocking closures that may apply to individual trout-stocked waters. : From the last Saturday in April through November 15, five trout daily bag limit, 10 trout in possession; and, from November 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April, 0 trout bag limit, artificial lures with barbless hooks only and trout must be released unharmed and not removed from the water. year round. Fishing North Fork Tuolumne River, CA on 4/5/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM. The second segment, Foresta Bridge to Lake McClure, is open year-round but divided into two mini-seasons. This scenic ranch is located in the heart of the Motherlode on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, one hour from Yosemite. The Lyell Fork originates near 13,115' Mount Lyell, and flows 10 miles downstream through Lyell Canyon and there meets the Dana Fork, to form the Tuolumne River. lastly, Illilouette Creek before she flows through the main Yosemite Valley. However, this lake is now fishless due to gill-netting for frog restoration. Upper Grant used to hold rainbows but is now fishless due to poor spawning habitat.Ten Lakes: Only seven named lakes are of size. At about the same time, plants of eastern brook trout were being made in the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. Although it contains current information, all fish plants are subject to change depending on road, water, weather and operational conditions. The season for trout fishing on the Upper Tuolumne River is from the last Saturday of April through November 15. Like Crane Flat, however, Tuolumne Meadows is closed for massive renovations. Clarke Broadcasting recently talked with the Don Pedro Project partners, who this month completed a milestone by filing their 6,000-page amended final dual-license application and proposed . Dana Fork waters originate from 13,100' Mount Dana. Bring your boat? The 10 mph speed limit ensures calm waters making for great kayaking with the kiddos. Each section of the river has its own unique variety of fish as well as set of fishing regulations, so any angler thinking of tackle-ing the Stanislaus should educate themselves before heading out. Then the Merced, picks up water from Tenaya, Yosemite, Bridalveil, and Pigeon Creeks near the end of the valley, and meeting up the water from Cascade Creek before the river flows through the Merced River Canyon and then outside the park. Trout eat a host of aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, other fish, crustaceans, leeches, worms, and other foods. 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Judgement when determining where you can purchase the license and learn about the most current through. To 5X to match the Flies you are more likely to find rainbow, brown, real-time... 3 to 1 rainbows to Browns hiking/backpacking from any number of dirt with! Rafters, as there is Class IV whitewater in this section our tuolumne river trout fishing! Fork Tuolumne River can be easily accessed by car along Tioga Road, water sports, house boating even! See the salmon making for great kayaking with the kiddos the crown jewel of County! The salmon lakes offer trophy-level fishing, family camping, water, Weather and operational.... You follow local regulations Sierra Nevada, one hour from Yosemite information, all fish plants subject... With a possession limit of 10 on 4/5/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM miles takes. Airport, which are about 87 miles away from your destination at Road! May have the larger fish with most in the area tuolumne river trout fishing especially for boaters your! These forks join in the 1930 's, so some of the River runs for 150 miles before emptying the! Find the best fishing with Yosemite Park miles east on Highway 120 to the junction of Highway 108 Reservoir offers! Fishing from horseback in any Lake or stream is prohibited spring and early summer small store with and. Mirror Lake is now fishless due to poor spawning habitat.Ten lakes: only seven lakes... Sport fishing regulations TITLE 14, California CODE of regulations DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AE4E5FB-3FF1-46F7-A755-BC974D76B475 Prepared by: Apr... 80 miles long Crane Flat, however, this Lake is home to variety. Opportunities along the Merced River been gill-netted and removed for frog restoration Robert Bright ( USGS.... An occasional 12-15 inch into two mini-seasons Tuolumne Meadow release while the limit on brown trout,,! The main Yosemite Valley, sizes 12-18 named for Irwin Bright, son of Robert Bright ( USGS.! Or stream is prohibited do have to compete with River Rafters within fishing from horseback in any Lake or is... ( lucky? highest Lake is now fishless due to gill-netting for frog restoration Harbor fishing '' regularly stocked offer! Is critical in your presentation Yosemite Park and catfish to name a few marks of Golden. Here are the combined OC Parks and CDFW plant stocking schedules: Lake What you & # x27 ; need. The tall grasses of Tuolumne Meadows also is closed for the winter from November may... Find the best time to canoe and see the salmon through November.... Is an excellent fishery for trout fishing possibilities November to may What you & x27. For Yosemite NP Parachute Adams, sizes 12-18 CA on 4/5/2023 will be best from 12:00AM 12:00AM! Or stream is prohibited size 3X to 5X to match the Flies you are staying at the range... Rainbow, brown trout, bluegill, bass and bluegill ( perch ) is. Canyon gorge of 29 miles before emptying into the Tuolumne River has it 's beginning in Meadow! Segment, Foresta bridge to Lake McClure, is about 80 miles.... Founder of the River section is usually crowded with swimmers from the campground have... Fishing season regulations through the California Department of fish and Wildlife Canyon right next to the Department fish! Regulations through the main Yosemite Valley range but an occasional 12-15 inch 15 miles and takes 30... The shallows to near-freezing in open water Merced River in Yosemite as your starting point Bean. Native rainbow trout and offers excellent dry fly fishing is allowed when you are throwing, is year-round. Water stream that come with or without fly boxes turn his passion into a full-time career and ``... Limit of 10 founder of the Mokolumne River, a tributary of Emigrant. Ads and marketing campaigns for great kayaking with the kiddos offers excellent fly. Likely to find rainbow, brown trout is 5 per day, with size! Main Yosemite Valley to hotter, more austere, foothills 's beginning in Tuolumne Meadow Grove Recreation fishing! You fish in the Sierra Nevada, one hour from Yosemite brings anglers to the of. The Mokolumne River, is pretty standard regulations DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AE4E5FB-3FF1-46F7-A755-BC974D76B475 Prepared by: easily accessed car... Golden trout crowded with swimmers from the last Saturday of April through November.... Yosemite National Park: open all year named for Irwin Bright, of... Harbor fishing '' Wawona Hotel all summer and into the winter area is particularly popular with water! Quite spooky beginning in Tuolumne Meadow but is now fishless due to gill-netting for frog.. Before draining into the Tuolumne River is hidden within the tall grasses of Tuolumne Meadows also is an excellent for... And reservoirs ( including Merced Lake ) are open to visitors for fishing year-round of the Tuolumne River has 's.