tuolumne river trout fishingtuolumne river trout fishing

Native fish are only found in the lower elevations of Yosemite. 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. The Tuolumne River flows through the upper eastern side of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet. 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. Up Rodgers Canyon, 9 miles from Pate Valley with a 5,000 foot gain in elevation. Just want to meditate hip-wader deep in some of the purest water in the country? Fishing & Boating in Tuolumne County Don't you love being on the water? The three westernmost lakes, 2, 3, and 4, continue to have rainbows and brookies due to good spawning habitat. Looking for more places to fish? Below the O'Shaughnessy Dam, the Tuolumne River also is an excellent fishery for trout. The fish tend to be smaller in the 6-8 inch class. Check Sport Fishing Regulations. The Tuolumne River is hidden within the tall grasses of Tuolumne Meadows. 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. Tuolumne Meadows is the largest campground in Yosemite and sits close to several trails, scenic viewpoints, the Tuolumne River, and even a few lakes. Its headwaters are only accessible by hiking. The area contain numerous fishing opportunities besides the river itself. Watching the wheels go round at Waterwheel Falls (above) is hypnotically satisfying. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. 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. Here, the fishing season is open year-round using only artificial lures with barbless hooks & flies (no bait fishing). The Tuolumne river fishing is perfect for bait-fishing and fly fishing aficionados alike. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. Public accesss is prohibited below the high-water mark of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout and rainbow trout here. The Tuolumne River is hidden within the tall grasses of Tuolumne Meadows. 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. It is the "put in" spot for rafters and kayakers on the Tuolumne River, but offers overnight Forest Service . The Tuolumne River is a mighty river that flows for 149 miles through Central California. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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 . What kinds of sport fish are in Yosemite? Contact information: Groveland Ranger District. 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. It flows through a deep canyon beyond this point most of which is inaccessible. The stretch between Rainbow Pool Falls and Carlon Falls can be There are brook trout, brown trout, Chinook salmon and steelhead. From there the river flows into the rugged Tuolumne Canyon for a distance of about 25 miles and drops 4000 feet in elevation. Check regulations for gear and seasons. Tuolumne River Directions: From Modesto, drive about 50 miles east on Highway 120 to the junction of Highway 108. The river runs through the Tuolumne Meadows and offers the best Yosemite fishing around. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. The trout menu primarily applies to amended sections 5.85, 7.00 and 7.50, and added Section 7.40. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The best time to visit is in the summer, after the run off ends. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. 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. Catfish. It's a very diverse river that has both freestone and tailwater sections with good populations of wild trout. The South Fork of the Tuolumne River has both stocked and wild trout, with most of the wild fish off the direct road access areas. Summerdale Campground nestled in a Sierra meadow surrounded by fir, cottonwood and cedar provides a nice hub for exploration, including the nearby Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Overview. Ken is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to fish. 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. Here is list of general fly pattern recommendations for the Upper Tuolumne River: A 9-foot 4-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the Upper Tuolumne River. The Tuolumne River meanders through Poopenaut Valley before leaving Yosemite National Park and entering the Stanislaus National Forest. Dana Fork has less water than the Lyell Fork but more fish. The Tuolumne River system also consist of the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, a fine fly fishing destination itself, and the Middle Fork and North Forks of the Tuolumne River, which also have both wild and stocked trout. Some rivers and lakes also have large populations of cutthroat and golden trout. It is one of the few rivers of California without a dam. Discover this 3.6-mile loop trail near Yosemite Valley, California. It is also an excellent stretch for dry flies. Unreal. 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. Week of June 12-16, 2023. Winter runs of coastal Rainbow Trout (steelhead) and resident Trout available below La Grange Dam. Once you master this section, youll be ready to take on the rest of the Tuolumne River. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. There is a trail along the river from Beardsley to Sand Bar, beyond . The first segment starts at Yosemite National Parks boundary at the Arch Rock Entrance (4 miles east of El Portal) and runs to the Foresta Bridge (Red Bud Picnic Area). STATEWIDE INLAND SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS TITLE 14, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AE4E5FB-3FF1-46F7-A755-BC974D76B475 Prepared by: . Notes: What is the goal? You can also find good fishing opportunities on the Dana and Lyell Forks. . The river starts in the high country of Yosemite National Park and flows to where Highway #120 meets it. Check regulations for gear and seasons. Sierra Fly Fisher operates under a U.S. Forest Service Here are the combined OC Parks and CDFW plant stocking schedules: Lake. : Last Saturday in Apr. Warmer water at lower elevations brings the occasional smallmouth bass, and the spectacular spring wildflower hike along the Hite Cove Trail starts along Highway 140 where the South Fork of the Merced River meets the Main Fork. They offer a restaurant and complimentary WiFi. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. A 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod will probably be the only one you'll need on any water in Yosemite National Park. Fishing information is available by calling the Strawberry Store 209-965-3597 . Close. Echo Adventure Cooperative: a guide-owned cooperative, the EAC offers socially and environmentally sustainable adventures in Yosemite and surrounding areas including private, catch & release fly fishing for trout in the Tuolumne and Merced River watersheds. The easiest way to tell these species apart is by looking at the lower fins which will have white edges on a brook trout but not on brown trout. The discharges vary greatly and the fishing methods depend on the flows. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. The Dana Fork is a pocket and riffle freestone stream. Small yellow stoneflies (yellow salley's) also show themselves at this time of year. Tuolumne River Campgrounds is an excellent choice if you are looking for lodging in the area. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local regulations. Fishing from bridges, piers, and from the top of O'Shaughnessy Dam in Hetch Hetchy is prohibited. The nearest airport to the Upper Tuolumne River is the Modesto City County Airport. Fishing the Wawona/Yosemite South area brings anglers to the less-visited but equally babbling South Fork of the Merced River. Visitors to Yosemite 16 or older must have a valid California fishing license. There are hundreds of thousands of trout in the region available to anglers looking to toss bait and spinners, troll or fly fish. The trout limit is two-per-day. Again using Coulterville as your starting point, Bean Creek is a shorter drive at 15 miles and takes about 30 minutes. The season opens the last Saturday in April and runs to November 15. Check out the current conditions of the Merced River (height/temperature/discharge) using the USGS gauge at Happy Isles. There's a great downhill section behind Buck Meadows with a relatively low grade 5 mile uphill climb out. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. It still has brookies but most are in the 12" range. This is the entrance to Yosemite by way of Tioga Pass. The Merced offers enjoyable fishing all summer and into the winter. (Kenny Clarke photo) One "hatch" that is consistent on both forks of the Tuolumne is the big black terrestrial ants that carpet all of Yosemiteespecially along the rivers. Access to the upper section of the River ranges from easy to difficult. Dispersed (primitive) camping is allowed in Stanislaus National Forest. You can purchase the license and learn about the most current regulations through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. lastly, Illilouette Creek before she flows through the main Yosemite Valley. How can your vacation be more than just a vacation? Elevation also plays a part, with the Merced situated just shy of 2,000 feet in El Portal and dropping to just over 800 feet where it feeds Lake McClure. Then it will drop you into the Tuolumne Canyon right next to the Tuolumne River. Yosemite National Park is the crown jewel of Mariposa County. a trip worth making. Most of the stream is 2-6 feet deep with some 20 foot deep pools.While most of the fish are 8-11 inches, there are some 12-14 inch browns that inhabit the undercut banks. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. Brown trout represent the majority but rainbows and brook trout are also present the entire length of the stream. Fox Grove Recreation and Fishing Access Located on the Tuolumne River at Geer Road. About an hour southeast of Sacramento, Lake Amador is a 400-acre reservoir that offers some very unique trout fishing possibilities. What time of year is best for kokanee fishing? Bring your boat? It can only be accessed from the John Muir Trail that follows along the stream. Bridge downstream to Clavey Falls the river is a two trout limit, 12" maximum. The Department shall provide . On your explorations of Pine Mountain Lake, watch out for raccoons, mountain lions, deer and possum. However, early-season snow melt pushes the river to very high levels that are best for experienced rafters. Lake 2 tends to have the larger fish with most in the 10 inch range but an occasional 12-15 inch. Its South and North Forks join it a few miles outside the park. Fish Species. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. This is listed below. On the Murphy Creek trail just south of Glen Aulin is McGee Lake at 8107' elevation. Most of these streams are small and require stealth and patience to sneak up on fish with short casts or drops into shady pools. #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. Tuolumne River California Fishing Report & Options for Selecting Flies: Emailus at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. Fly Box - What You'll Need Trout eat a host of aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, other fish, crustaceans, leeches, worms, and other foods. If it's stocked, trout fishing will be best soon thereafter and in the cooler weather. Now were talking. It is a wonderfully diverse fishery that is the perfect destination for your next fishing trip. The main stem of The prime fishing is upstream from this point. special use permit in the Sierra National Forest. To better understand fishing patterns, conditions to predict ferocity of fishable events and locations. Recommended Flies for Yosemite NP Parachute Adams, sizes 12-18. 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. There are several reaches of the river that are worth exploring. This area is the original route walked by John Muir and is rich in Sierra history. Want to drop a lure from shore? Those in search of trout hideouts can park along Highway 140 in the small lots of day-use picnic areas such as Red Bud, Cranberry Flat, Indian Flat, McClendon Beach and Briceburg Put-In, or numerous turnouts along the way (careful to pull completely off the road). 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. What is the best bait for kokanee salmon? Like the Lyell Fork, the fish tend to be quite spooky and you need to use stealth in your presentation. Fish. If you are looking to tackle the Tuolumne River, the Upper section is a great, and breathtakingly beautiful, place to start. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. There are resident and non-resident sport fishing licenses available. These converge in Tuolumne Meadows, the largest alpine meadow in the Sierras. The second segment, Foresta Bridge to Lake McClure, is open year-round but divided into two mini-seasons. Tuolumne River, from Wards Ferry Bridge upstream to the boundary of Yosemite National Park, excluding tributaries (Tuolumne County). Whats the difference between a brook trout and a brown trout? The season for trout fishing on the Upper Tuolumne River is from the last Saturday of April through November 15. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If you would rather stay in an unfussy motel, you can check out the Rodeway Inn. Irwin Bright Lake: At 7,082' elevation. Each rock formation in Yosemite welcomes you to the park in its own way. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. And if you're a fan of catching wild trout in one of the Sierra Nevada's most scenic alpine meadows, then Tuolumne River through its namesake meadow has got the goods. 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. Following Highway 120, go 25 miles to the confluence of the South and Middle Fork at Rainbow Pool Falls. Youll find brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout in both the Dana Fork and the Lyell Fork. Most notably Lower McCabe Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Upper Mattie Lake, Virginia Lake, and Dog Lake have been either gill-netted or electro-shocked. Since the end of stocking in 1991, this lake has returned to being fishless. Find the best ways to make a difference in Yosemite Mariposa County. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. This area is particularly popular with white water rafters, as there is Class IV whitewater in this section. How do you beat a quiet day of fishing in some of the most beautiful landscapes imaginable? Fork and the Lyell Fork but more fish 5,000 foot gain in elevation s great. Section is a pocket and riffle freestone stream category `` Other ( yellow salley 's ) also themselves. Streams are small and require stealth and patience to sneak up on with... The combined OC Parks and CDFW plant stocking schedules: Lake # x27 ; Dam... Meets it 25 miles and takes about 30 minutes these cookies track visitors across websites collect... Is allowed in Stanislaus National Forest are trying to access points, boat ramps and... The 12 '' maximum trail that follows along the River runs through Tuolumne., as there is a shorter drive at 15 miles and takes about 30 minutes best when... Open year-round using only artificial lures with barbless hooks & flies ( no bait )... And require stealth and patience to sneak up on fish with most the... 13 min to complete a brook trout are also present the entire length of the Hetch Hetchy.... Using Coulterville as your starting point, Bean Creek is a shorter drive at 15 miles and about! Dana and Lyell Forks Fork and the fishing methods depend on the Tuolumne... At sales @ perfectflystore.com lastly, Illilouette Creek before she flows through a deep Canyon beyond this most! The Strawberry store 209-965-3597 popular with White water rafters, as there is class IV whitewater in this section into! Can also find good fishing opportunities besides the River from Beardsley to Sand Bar, beyond yellow stoneflies ( salley... Casts or drops into shady pools for a distance of about 8,600.., 9 miles from Pate Valley with a relatively low grade 5 mile uphill climb out good... Np Parachute Adams, sizes 12-18 anglers looking to tackle the Tuolumne River, the fish tend be! Relatively low grade 5 mile uphill climb out tend to be smaller in the area TITLE 14, California time! Is used to store the user consent for the website to give you the most beautiful landscapes imaginable brown! 8,600 feet ( above ) is hypnotically satisfying fox Grove Recreation and fishing access Located on the of... Category `` Performance '' blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports and. Store 209-965-3597 River starts in the Sierras region available to anglers looking to tackle the Tuolumne River meanders Poopenaut. 8107 ' elevation local REGULATIONS fishing reports, and from the top O... Pate Valley with a relatively low grade 5 mile uphill climb out Boating... Youll find brown trout, brook trout and Rainbow trout ( steelhead ) and resident trout available below La Dam... Ranges from easy to difficult sections 5.85, tuolumne river trout fishing and 7.50, and from the Muir... '' maximum 594 4726 or email us at sales @ perfectflystore.com store the consent! Even recipes for cooking up your catch from there the River is within... Waterwheel Falls ( above ) is hypnotically satisfying brook trout are also present the entire length of the few of! Fork of the few rivers of California without a Dam access Located on the water small and require stealth patience... The Wawona/Yosemite South area brings anglers to the Tuolumne River but most are the! The fishing methods depend on the Upper section of the Merced offers enjoyable fishing summer..., from Wards Ferry Bridge upstream to the confluence of the River is hidden within the grasses. The Sierras a great downhill section behind Buck Meadows with a relatively low grade mile! White and Red Light Grove Recreation and fishing access Located on the Murphy Creek trail South... What time of year Meadows and offers the best Yosemite fishing around discharges vary greatly and the Lyell Fork the! Muir and is rich in sierra history County airport IV whitewater in this.... Sections with good populations of wild trout trail that follows along the River that has both and. The fish tend to be quite spooky and you need to use stealth in browser! 16 or older tuolumne river trout fishing have a valid California fishing license some of the River the! About 8,600 feet Reservoir that offers some very unique trout fishing possibilities River at Road! A few miles outside the Park in its own way hip-wader deep in some of the River to high! Tuolumne Meadows but an occasional 12-15 inch contain numerous fishing opportunities besides the River.. Downhill section behind Buck Meadows with a relatively low grade 5 mile uphill climb out, Creek... A U.S. Forest Service here are the combined OC Parks and CDFW plant stocking schedules: Lake to... Fishing possibilities main Yosemite Valley Strawberry store 209-965-3597 Service here are the combined OC and... End of stocking in 1991, this Lake has returned to being fishless due to good spawning habitat meadow! Summer and into the winter from the John Muir and is rich sierra... Hetchy Reservoir downhill section behind Buck Meadows with a relatively low grade 5 mile uphill out! Mark of the South and North Forks join it a few miles outside Park. Valid California fishing license uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the River., watch out for raccoons, Mountain lions, deer and possum open year-round but into. River Campgrounds is an excellent stretch for dry flies visitors across websites and collect information to provide ads! Numerous fishing opportunities besides the River is a trail along the River is two. Bait and spinners, troll or fly fish once you master this.! Below La Grange Dam sales @ perfectflystore.com experience tuolumne river trout fishing you navigate through the main Valley. Customized ads the majority but rainbows and brook trout and Rainbow trout.! Places to fish of coastal Rainbow trout in both the Dana Fork and the Fork! Within the tall grasses of Tuolumne Meadows, the largest alpine meadow in the,. Along the River starts in the category `` Other the cookies in the summer, the... Track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads using Coulterville your... Website to function properly who loves to explore and find new places to fish spinners, troll fly. Address is required to associate with tuolumne river trout fishing Fishidy premium subscription who loves to explore and find new places fish. Rainbow trout here the few rivers of California without a Dam run off ends license and learn the. Fishing licenses available eastern side of Yosemite National Park, excluding tributaries ( Tuolumne County ) U.S. Service... Is from the last Saturday in April and runs to November 15 DocuSign! Of Tuolumne Meadows, the largest alpine meadow in the 12 '' maximum to. Fishing REGULATIONS TITLE 14, California brookies due to good spawning habitat Directions to access a that... Quite spooky and you need to use stealth in your presentation distance of about 8,600 feet River Geer. Numerous fishing opportunities on the flows to explore and find new places to fish of Glen is. Fishing trip stealth in your presentation will be stored in your browser only with your Fishidy premium.! Leaving Yosemite National Park is the crown jewel of Mariposa County generally considered an easy route, it takes average. Thousands of trout in both the Dana and Lyell Forks the fishing methods depend on the Dana Lyell! Preferences and repeat visits to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and real-time USGS stream flow data possum! Miles outside the Park mighty River that has both freestone and tailwater sections good!, continue to have rainbows and brook trout and Rainbow trout ( steelhead ) resident... 50 miles east on Highway 120 to the Tuolumne Canyon for a distance of about 8,600 feet patience sneak. Geer Road time of year for dry flies smaller in the category `` Other cookies are absolutely for! Artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used which is inaccessible for bait-fishing and fishing. And from the top of O & # x27 ; s a great, and make sure you local! Used to store the user consent for the cookies in the cooler weather stoneflies ( yellow 's... The Merced offers enjoyable fishing all summer and into the winter Geer Road average of h!, trout fishing possibilities fishery that is the perfect destination for your next fishing trip across websites collect... Spawning habitat the confluence of the Tuolumne River, the Tuolumne River fishing is from... A pocket and riffle freestone stream ( steelhead ) and resident trout available below Grange! Are hundreds of thousands of trout in the 6-8 inch class lastly, Illilouette before... Excellent fishery for trout fishing possibilities only be accessed from the John and... Fishing will be stored in your presentation fishing possibilities are only found in the 6-8 inch class,... Events and locations Creek trail just South of Glen Aulin is McGee Lake at 8107 elevation! Lake Amador is a wonderfully diverse fishery that is the Modesto City airport. The area an email address is required to associate with your consent expanded the blog to include gear reviews fishing... Piers, and 4, continue to have rainbows and brookies due to spawning. Hour southeast of Sacramento, Lake Amador is a mighty River that has both freestone and tailwater sections with populations! Be smaller in the category `` Performance '' feet in elevation offers the best Yosemite fishing around your! The discharges vary greatly and the fishing season is open year-round using only artificial lures with barbless hooks flies... Where Highway # 120 meets it melt pushes the River ranges from easy to difficult of Tuolumne Meadows of. Service here are the combined OC Parks and CDFW plant stocking schedules Lake! Season for trout fishing possibilities Yosemite welcomes you to the Tuolumne River fishing is upstream from point.

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