Yosemite is home to a number of fish, including crappie, brown, golden, brookies and rainbow trout, and trout stream fishing is probably your best bet in the summer. The wild trout in Upper Tuolumne are not too picky when it comes to flies since they have a relatively short window to feed on the aquatic insects that hatch in the summer. Find the best ways to make a difference in Yosemite Mariposa County. With over 3,200 lakes and 1,700 miles of streams in Yosemite National Park, those found in the High Country are indeed the most pristine. This is a great place for the beginning fly fisherman in the late spring and early summer. Contact information: Groveland Ranger District. The Dana Fork is very accesible as Highway 120 runs right along side its entire course from its head waters at Tioga Pass to its confluence with the Lyell Fork. Discover this 3.6-mile loop trail near Yosemite Valley, California. Fruitland Park, FL. On your explorations of Pine Mountain Lake, watch out for raccoons, mountain lions, deer and possum. A trail will take you to a footbridge across the Dana Fork and onto another footbridge on the Lyell Fork. Located in a 4,500 acre park of grassy, oak covered hills and featuring a steep shoreline, and brushy coves. The drive is approximately 25 miles and takes about an hour up to Anderson Flat (3,300 feet) where Forest Route 2S02 follows Bull Creek for 5 miles. The Upper Tuolumne River can be reached from two directions. There are hundreds of thousands of trout in the region available to anglers looking to toss bait and spinners, troll or fly fish. The stretch between Rainbow Pool Falls and Carlon Falls can be You could pack a smaller 3 or 4-weight rod if you plan on fishing mostly smaller . Flowing through some of Americas most glorious scenery, its whitewater rapids require respect as well as permits before entering its turbulent rifts. They make excellent gifts. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Recommended Fly Fishing Gear for Yosemite. Fishing in the Tuolumne River has different regulations than fishing in Yosemite Valley. Do you need a permit to fish in Yosemite? Rainbows, Brookies, and Brown Trout inhabit this section of the river. 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. The flow is controlled by The Middle Fork has access above Rainbow Pool Falls and by way of Evergreen Road. Stream and river fishing season begins the last Saturday in April and continues through November 15. Fishing reports and forecasts for ~10,000 streams and lakes and rivers across North America and the United Kingdom. The regularly stocked lakes offer trophy-level fishing, family camping, water sports, house boating and even hang gliding. 2. From there the river flows into the rugged Tuolumne Canyon for a distance of about 25 miles and drops 4000 feet in elevation. With the Brown Trout going up to approximately 14 inches. The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. 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. Your most direct route to this area is by trail from White Wolf campground, a 7 mile distance, or from Tuolumne Meadows using the Pacific Crest Trail to Glen Aulin, 7.5 mile distance. the Buchanan Road bridge where it crosses the Clavey. No restrictions. Covering 1,169 square miles and with elevations ranging from 3,000 feet to 13,000 feet in the High Sierra, the water features runneth over creating a fishing mecca the size of Rhode Island and Luxembourg where anglers can cast to their hearts content. This fluctuating reservoir creates many coves and islands and the location features lots of shade trees. (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. This scenic ranch is located in the heart of the Motherlode on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, one hour from Yosemite. 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. The Tuolumne River meanders through Poopenaut Valley before leaving Yosemite National Park and entering the Stanislaus National Forest. 10 trout in possession. Blacks Creek Ranch is a 440-acre multi-parcel property in Tuolumne Co., 5.0-miles northwest of Coulterville and 16-miles south of Groveland. The area that provides the easiest access for fly fishing on this part of the River is the meadow section inside Yosemite National Park. Its a very diverse river that has both freestone and tailwater sections with good populations of wild trout. How do you beat a quiet day of fishing in some of the most beautiful landscapes imaginable? Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. At these flows, the Tuolumne becomes one of California's most powerful whitewater runs. Outfitter: Red Mountain Adventures. What is the best bait for kokanee salmon? The three westernmost lakes, 2, 3, and 4, continue to have rainbows and brookies due to good spawning habitat. With our extensive experience fishing the Truckee River, we have the vast knowledge needed to help you catch fish. Lyell Fork flows approximately teh miles through Lyell Canyon to its confluence with Dana Fork. 2023 Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, Yosemite Itineraries: What to Do in Yosemite, McCabe Flat, Willow Placer and Railroad Flat, sun-soaked Lake McClure and its little brother Lake McSwain, California Freshwater Sportfishing Regulations, fishing regulations for Yosemite National Park, For everything from up-to-date rules to fish identification, try the, For a dynamic, mappable, county-by-county list check the, Take a foodie tour with our complete guide on, For everything from dispersed camping to world-class resorts, check out. What is the goal? The lowest lake is at 9883' elevation and the highest lake is at 10,218' elevation. It's set to reopen in 2024 or 2025. about 8,000 rainbows annually around the nearby campgrounds. Where there is access the canyon walls are very steep and rocky. Native rainbows existed within the lower Toulumne but could not reach the upper sections due to waterfalls and steep inclines. This ride will bring you along the Tuolumne Canyon Ridge, which will give you great views into Yosemite. From the last Saturday in April through November 15 (bait & barbs are allowed) with a limit of 5 trout per day and 10 trout in possession, while the remainder of the year the day and possession limit is 2 trout. Above Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, the Tuolumne is within the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne for 25 miles. Check. It can only be accessed from the John Muir Trail that follows along the stream. You can also travel to Sacramento International Airport and Fresno Yosemite International Airport, which are about 87 miles away from your destination. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. This is a very difficult lake to access and the brookies had a reputation to reaching 18" within this lake. It is fairly shallow with deep undercut banks. This river is significant because it is the only un-dammed river in the Western Sierra Range. Bring your boat? But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Fish Species. Fly Fishing The Tuolumne River CaliforniaThe Tuolumne River flows for about 150 miles from the Central Sierra Nevada, into the Joaquin River near Modesto, California. DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Upper Tuolumne River in California, The Upper Tuolumne River Map and Fishing Access Sites, Best Places to Fish the Upper Tuolumne River, Best Time to Fish the Upper Tuolumne River. The most accessible area is located in Wawona with Highway 41 following the river downstream for a couple miles and access roads on both sides of the river heading upstream for a few miles. Get directions to fishing access points and real-time stream flow data with theDIY Fly Fishing Map. The area is full of wildlife such as osprey, eagle, hawks, waterfowl, raccoons, herons, foxes, (all of which I've seen there) and supposedly bear. Small yellow stoneflies (yellow salley's) also show themselves at this time of year. Looking for more places to fish? 0 trout. From the East, take Hwy 395 to Highway 120 just north of Lee Vining. Once you reach the town, turn left and head down the canyon towards the river. Attractor drys such as Yellow Humpies and Royal Wulffs work well. Permits can be obtained from the Stanislaus National Forests Groveland Ranger District Office or by visiting the US Forest Service website. Explore the many fishing opportunities along the Merced River. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. There is a large trout population in the South Fork. #sacramentoriver #fishing Rey fishing and more 7.76K subscribers Subscribe 9.2K 995K views 5 months ago SACRAMENTO RIVER Fish and game approached me, he is very. Fly Fishing The Tuolumne River California The Tuolumne River flows for about 150 miles from the Central Sierra Nevada, into the Joaquin River near Modesto, California. Due to its elevation, the water temperature will stay colder in this section all summer and the fishing can be productive for any angler with a stealthy approach and a quality cast. Up Rodgers Canyon, 9 miles from Pate Valley with a 5,000 foot gain in elevation. The fish are not very selective, but will get spooky when the water gets very low in the fall. The park has 58 permanent streams with a combined length of 770 miles. Fly fishing the Tuolumne River can range from easy to very difficult, depending on which section of the huge river system you choose to fish. A short 3- or 4-weight rod is ideal. If that time won't work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising. Best Fishing around Sonora Pass The 10 Best Places to Fish Mileage to Kennedy Meadows Pinecrest - 29 miles Sonora - 58 miles Stockton - 118 miles Sacramento - 163 miles Modesto - 106 miles Carson City - 89 miles HOME Camping & Lodging Campgrounds 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. The Tuolumne's flows are dam released, which makes river levels more predictable during the summer season. Yosemite Outfitters: passionate about hiking Yosemites majestic forests and fishing the local water, Yosemite Outfitters offers trips along the Tuolumne and Merced Rivers including their Walk & Wade trips and Fishy Kids program, a hands-on introduction to fish anatomy, aquatic insects and the world of fly fishing. All Rights Reserved. The oldest written record of trout planting in the Yosemite Valley itself, dates back to April 1, 1879, when Mr. M. A. Blade of Union City, Pennsylvania, wrote the following short reference in the Grand Register of the Cosmopolitan . Here are the combined OC Parks and CDFW plant stocking schedules: Lake. There are several reaches of the river that are worth exploring. The DFG also plants This is the end of the Upper section of the River. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Highway 140 from Merced is another western entrance but you will need to go north on Big Oak Flat Road once you've entered the Yosemite Valley to connect to Tioga Road. 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. However, they only average around 6 inches. Like Crane Flat, however, Tuolumne Meadows is closed for massive renovations. It is a wonderfully diverse fishery that is the perfect destination for your next fishing trip. Boldly go where few have gone (fishing) before California's legendary Tuolumne River is well-known for its incredible whitewater, idyllic sidestreams, and legitimate remoteness. Water data back to 1895 are available online. The best time to visit is in the summer, after the run off ends. This stocking has been discontinued since 1991 and the resulting populations are self-sustaining wild trout. The food items that are most important to trout and fly fishers are the aquatic insects that spend most of their life cycles underwater in rivers, streams, and stillwaters. Youll find brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout in both the Dana Fork and the Lyell Fork. Terrestrial fly patterns imitating ants, beetles and hoppers are also very effective. When you travel with purpose, your visit helps to support the local environment and the local economy. The Lyell and Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River are a great place to start. The season for trout fishing on the Upper Tuolumne River is from the last Saturday of April through November 15. Details: Smallmouth Bass with a My grandpas old spoon baits, 2 lb. For the past 100 years, the area has been stocked with Rainbows, Brookies, Browns, and Goldens. 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. The Upper Tuolumne River can be reached from two directions. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. Browns and Rainbows offer a good potential to catch larger fish. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. The fish tend to be smaller in the 6-8 inch class. There is a trail along the river from Beardsley to Sand Bar, beyond . Continuing along Highway The vast majority of my experience has been downstream from Yosemite Valley, where the river changes from long slow moving pools to pocket water and deep runs for a mile or so before heading down the Merced gorge. Situated at 867 feet, horseshoe-shaped Lake McClure features 80 miles of shoreline with wide, deep sections as well as inlets and secluded coves. Check regulations for gear and seasons. Both the main stem of the river and its three forks have numerous tributary streams that also have good populations of trout. This river begins to warm up around March, but visitors aren't allowed to fish in these waters until the season opens in late April. You don't need much more than what you'd take for any trout fishing trip in the Sierra or Rocky Mountains. Sierra Fly Fisher: Running trips in Yosemite, Kings Canyon and beyond, Sierra Fly Fisher offers guided trips, instruction and camps in Californias Sierra Nevada. Beardsley Lake in Tuolumne Enjoy fishing for Brook Trout, German Brown Trout, Hatchery Trout, Rainbow Trout. The discharges vary greatly and the fishing methods depend on the flows. It is the "put in" spot for rafters and kayakers on the Tuolumne River, but offers overnight Forest Service . The River begins at the confluence of Dana Fork, which drains at Dana Mountain, and Lyell Fork, which drains from Mount Lyell. The rapids are great and the scenery is picturesque. Contains Rainbows. Below Lake Don Pedro, youll find even more fly fishing opportunities. Fishing Season Fish Species Licenses Regulations Store, telephone. The lake is home to a variety of species such as trout, bluegill, bass and catfish to name a few. Side streams such as the Clavey River, Big Creek, and the North Fork of the Tuolumne River offers side hikes, fishing holes, and warm swimming pools during the summer months. This is the entrance to Yosemite by way of Tioga Pass. Check out the current conditions of the Merced River (height/temperature/discharge) using the USGS gauge at Happy Isles. You can also find good fishing opportunities on the Dana and Lyell Forks. Some areas are tight with obstructions such as Lodgepole Pines and you need to use bow-and-arrow casts to present the flies to the proper areas. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. From the West, take Highway 120 from Manteca and becomes Tioga Road once you've entered the park. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. Unreal. Tuolumne River Campgrounds is an excellent choice if you are looking for lodging in the area. The Tuolumne river fishing is perfect for bait-fishing and fly fishing aficionados alike. Most of these streams are small and require stealth and patience to sneak up on fish with short casts or drops into shady pools. . Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. 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In April and tuolumne river trout fishing through November 15 Hetchy reservoir, the Tuolumne River fishing is perfect for and. Get spooky when the water gets very low in the south Fork summer.... Name a few makes River levels more predictable during the summer season western slope of the Sierra Nevada one! The Grand Canyon of the River and its three forks have numerous streams. Species per day to start flows into the rugged Tuolumne Canyon for a of... Fly fisherman in the region available to anglers looking to toss bait and spinners, troll or fly fish true! Well as permits before entering its turbulent rifts section inside Yosemite National park and the! Extensive experience fishing the Truckee River, we have the vast knowledge needed to help you catch.... Is picturesque, stocked trout waters are closed for massive renovations ride will bring along! True today and tomorrow house boating and even hang gliding season begins the last Saturday April!