As you pass through the front gate station and meander the roads that wind through the valley floor, you can understand why this park is held in such high regard by both tourists and the Park Service alike. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout here. In 1923 and 1924 both Don Pedro and La Grange dams were fitted for hydroelectric generation. The Hetch Hetchy project, located inside Yosemite National Park, incited national controversy, and has been described as having forged the modern environmental movement in the United States. The sweet sound of Tenaya Creek in Yosemite National Park. Last, but certainly not least, is Illihouette Creek. Fly Fishing The Tuolumne RiverCaliforniaThe Tuolumne River flows for about 150 miles from the Central Sierra Nevada, into the Joaquin River near Modesto, California. Check regulations for gear and seasons. Lets take a look at some of the best fly fishing spots on these rivers and others in the park. [79] The first TID farmers received water in 1900. Melting ice feeds the upper reaches of the Tuolumne River, maintaining water flow in the late summer when many other streams in the region are dry. Share . Tuolumne River California has some great fishing spots with a number of wildlife species haunting its banks. It can also direct you to campsites, trailer parks, and other such facilities for the fishing holidaymaker. While theres plenty of the Merced to fish, the section thats easily the most beautiful is located smack in the middle of Yosemite Valley. The Mountain Whitefish run aggressively in the winter time with their spawning season between October and February. * This email is used only to keep track of your favorites. In November, at the peak of spawning season, hatchery visitors can watch hatchery staff collect eggs. Ken is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to fish. It provides a source of hydroelectric power for Central California as well as popular fishing areas. The decline of native perennial grasses caused invasive annual species to flourish, and also increased the susceptibility of the watershed to wildfires. Signed in 1913 by President Woodrow Wilson, the Act allowed San Francisco to dam the Tuolumne River, as long as the water and power provided would be reserved exclusively for public utility, not private sale. A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs in the rivers and lakes of Yosemite National Park. While you can access Tenaya directly from North Pines Campground, that stretch sees a lot of attention from campers. Estimates of the first human habitation along the Tuolumne River range from 3000 to 7000 BC. We understand what fisherman need to be successful in the pursuit of target species across the United States. . This is where we put in for our popular class IV-V Main Tuolumne rafting trips. Getting to Lower Ottoway Lake takes a lot of time its a 13-mile hike one way. Clear Lake is a n 8 acre lake located in Tuolumne County. 10. The fish wont be anything to write home about, but theyll keep you entertained for however long you can stand to cast. [62], The origin of the Tuolumne River's name is unclear. [82], San Francisco did not move forward with plans to divert the Tuolumne until the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and subsequent fires devastated the city, proving the inadequacy of the existing water system. At the end of the canyon the river widens into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, formed by a dam built in 1923 to provide water to the city of San Francisco, in the scenic Hetch Hetchy Valley. [47] Although only about 68,000 acres (28,000ha) (5.4percent) of the watershed itself are farmed, river water is used to irrigate almost five times that area outside the watershed boundaries. Cherry Creek is a fast water stream that flows out of the Emigrant Wilderness. When it comes to fishing in Leeds, the River Wharfe is a great choice. The Turlock Lake is regulated by the similar but much larger Turlock Lake, which has a capacity of 49,000-acre-foot (60,000,000m3). You can park on the shoulder here near the barns at the edge of Big Meadow. Like most other central California rivers, the Tuolumne is dammed multiple times for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectricity. It's a very diverse river that has both freestone and tailwater sections with good populations of wild trout. If the fish are not spooked they'll readily except most . [61] Depending on water level, approximately 35 miles (56km) of the lower river were navigable, from the mouth to above Waterford. Try this 3.8-mile out-and-back trail near Waterford, California. The confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin is located in the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, about 2 miles (3.2km) north of Grayson in Stanislaus County.[17]. Locations 5 Fishing Locations United States California Modesto Waterford Wilderness Species Structures Recipes Nearby Areas: Bass Lake Bass Lake has 4 different structures, 6 different species and has 20 fishing locations. Hes the News Editor forMidCurrent, and a regular contributor to Hatch Magazine. Ferry sites grew into lively towns, such as at Waterford, where a crossing had been established in 1866. Tuolumne River Parkway. During the early 1970's, only a few hardy souls tried to float the river, but by 1975, an estimated . The earth-filled New Don Pedro Dam, 585 feet (178m) high, is the 10th tallest dam in the United States and was constructed as a multipurpose project, serving irrigation, municipal water supply, hydropower and flood control. [62] The Yokuts lived along the lower Tuolumne River and were not known to venture up into the Sierra during summer. Your small flies are going to work best here, and Id recommend 7x leader. Yosemite National Park in all its splendor. Fishing in the Tuolumne River can be accessed from Groveland on steep, narrow, dirt roads by way of Lumsden or Cherry Lake Road. Not many hikers stop off to fish, so it is relatively easy to find a stretch of water to yourself throughout the day. The discharges vary greatly and the fishing methods depend on the flows.The Tuolumne River meanders through Poopenaut Valley before leaving Yosemite National Park and entering the Stanislaus National Forest. At about the same time, plants of eastern brook trout were being made in the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. Father Pedro Muoz, a member of the 1806 expedition, noted in his diary that "we came upon a village called Tautamne. (209) 965-4444 Ages: 0 and up Pinecrest Campground and Pinecrest Lake are located 30 miles east of Sonora, California, off of Highway 108. This is one of the most scenic areas in the park, and you might find yourself distracted by the scenery instead of the fish. The fishing regulatory body for California is California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Here are some general fly recommendations for fishing in Yosemite National Park: Bear in mind that you should always check local conditions and hatches upon arriving at Yosemite to choose the best flies for each section of the river, as populations can vary from year to year. North Fork Tuolumne River. Anyone interested in fishing Middle Tuolumne River or waters within the wider area around Sonora should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. The designated reach is the main stem from its source to the Don Pedro Reservoir. The system uses three classifications; Tuolumne has 47 miles (76km) categorized as Wild, 23 miles (37km) categorized as Scenic and 13 miles (21km) categorized as Recreational, for a total of 83 miles (134km) protected from further development.[109]. FAT has flights from more major US cities and on 7 major airlines, so it is usually the best bet for getting a bargain on booking your flight. The Tuolumne River flows through the upper eastern side of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet. Visit our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in California and Nevada. (Check fishing regulations as bait ban typically starts on April 1 st .) In this video I take you to the beautiful Tumut River, in southern New South Wales. Frog Creek by Lake Eleanor is closed for fishing until June 15 each year. Further downstream, the lower river below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir offers an excellent tailwater fishery. No use of live or dead minnows for bait, or other fish or amphibians, Fishing from bridges and docks is prohibited, Sections of the Yosemite Valley are subject to artificial fly-and-lure only tackle restrictions, in addition to harvest limits, Other areas of the park are also subject to similar restrictions. However, it took until 1966 for the Federal Power Commission (now FERC) to greenlight the project. With the Brown Trout going up to approximately 14 inches. Top: California Falls. . [63] [50] The uppermost dam is the O'Shaughnessy, which impounds the 360,000-acre-foot (440,000,000m3) Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, providing water and power to the City of San Francisco. Tuolumne County in California has many fishing options and hot spots to fish. The Tuolumne River is hidden within the tall grasses of Tuolumne Meadows. In 2013, the Rim Fire burned 257,314 acres. Dont forget to check local listings for vacation rentals nearby, too. Several rafting companies serve the main Tuolumne, a Class IV+ (advanced) river with many rapids changing to Class V when the flow exceeds 4,000 cubic feet per second (110m3/s). Up here, you might even run into the odd brook trout, but youre most likely to catch brown and rainbow trout. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. A Glo-bug is a good go-to fly if you need to switch things up. Beaver Creek. [20] The gage was not in place during this time. The South Fork of the Tuolumne joins from the south a few miles downstream, near Groveland-Big Oak Flat, followed by the Clavey River from the north a few miles after that. Whether you want to fight trout in tight pockets, or cast to wary fish in deep, clear pools, the Merced offers it all. Dark . FishingCatching the Big One is a relaxing way to get away from the stress of everyday life, and a picturesque way to get to know Tuolumne County. [94] Today, San Francisco diverts about 33percent of the flow of the Tuolumne at Hetch Hetchy, or 14percent of the river's total flow. The waters of . The Tuolumne is considered a classic California whitewater run, and has been used recreationally since the 1960s. [105] Running the Tuolumne within Yosemite National Park was also in a legal gray zone until 2015, when the park opened the Tuolumne and Merced Rivers to limited paddling and rafting.[106]. With those restrictions in mind, your best bet for getting into great fishing in Yosemite is in late June through July. Rainbows, Brookies, and Brown Trout inhabit this section of the river. From its source at 8,589 feet (2,618m) above sea level in Tuolumne Meadows, the river drops nearly a mile (1.6km) to the Hetch Hetchy reservoir at 3,800 feet (1,200m). Bull Creek. [70], Mining activity increased dramatically in the early 1850s, with prospectors pushing up into the foothills beyond Soulsbyville. The higher up you go, however, the more and more the creek turns into a tumbling bit of water, making for less-than-desirable fishing. Not all of the flow used by the power plants is returned to the river. Although the irrigation districts had the primary rights to the Tuolumne under the doctrine of prior appropriation, those rights could be relinquished under the "use it or lose it" rule, so storage had to be developed to enable the full beneficial use of river water. Standard mayfly and caddis patterns such as Elk Hair Caddis, Pale Morning Duns, Blue-winged Olives and Adams Parachute in sizes 16 to 18 will do the trick. A well-presented dry is typically all that is needed. The dam diverted the river into canals that water most of the lower valley. Youll get your pick of pools, pocket water, glides, and riffles to fish. Cold Canyon and Conness Creeks join in on the flow below the meadows and the river flows through beautiful Glen Aulin Valley. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters Everywhere that you can see, theres likely fish in this creek. [88] Named for the Gold Rush mining camp its reservoir submerged, the Don Pedro dam was completed in 1923, holding back 289,000 acre-feet (0.356km3) of water. However, there is a connecting aqueduct that allows Cherry Lake to be tapped to supply the Hetch Hetchy system during severe droughts. Dana Fork is accessible from Highway #120, which runs nearby from its head waters at Tioga Pass all the way to the streams confluence with the Lyell Fork. Whether you're a boater, an angler or both, you'll find the waters of Tuolumne County are just fine. Hares Ear in sizes 14-18. Anglers who are familiar with Middle Tuolumne River and want to make a suggestion to the information provided are asked to use the suggest changes button below on this page. [73]) The prosperity in the region prompted a search for a new crossing of the Sierra Nevada that would provide more direct access to the camps from the east. After exploring fourteen sites throughout Central California, San Francisco had settled on the Tuolumne's Hetch Hetchy Valley as the ideal location to develop storage and hydroelectric power. Pm me if interested. A 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod will probably be the only one youll need on any water in Yosemite National Park. In addition, introduced species such as striped bass prey on juvenile salmon, consuming as much as 93percent of smolt before they can migrate to the sea. Its a great way to score a bargain on your stay. Following Highway 120, go 25 miles to the confluence of the South and Middle Fork at Rainbow Pool Falls. Yosemite Fly Fishing Guides and surrounding area, The Tuolumne River flows for about 150 miles from the Central Sierra Nevada, into the Joaquin River near Modesto, California. Lake Amador. Find your nearest place to fish on our waterways. [5] As the mid-20th century progressed, demands on the Tuolumne continued to increase, culminating in the completion of New Don Pedro Dam in the early 1970s. Maximum discharge along the river is . [2] The natural flow of the Tuolumne at the mouth is greatly reduced by diversions to both San Francisco's Hetch Hetchy municipal water system and the canals of the Modesto and Turlock irrigation districts. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) operates, or has operated, several stream gages along the Tuolumne River. One of them just so happens to be fly fishing. Discover where and when you can fish on our waters across England and Wales, and what permissions you need. Cherry Lake. One of the lesser known benefits of visiting Yosemite though is its exceptional fly fishing in the many rivers, creeks, and streams that run throughout the park. Crane Creek flows low and clear, so stealth is a must when approaching these fish. Often, Ive had a day saved from being a skunk thanks to a trout snacking on a black or olive leech. Just because Tenaya is smaller, though, shouldnt disqualify it from your list of must-fish waters. The largest project in the nation, or something like that. The view of Big Meadow and the trout population more than compensate for the sooty stretches. [11] Falls Creek forms Wapama Falls and Tueeulala Falls, two of the highest in Yosemite, as it enters the reservoir from the north. The best fishing is in early summer as soon as the spring runoff has subsided. Call Marty or Tom to start planning your adventure at 209-591-8027. Floating lines, long leaders, and plenty of fly floatant are going to round out the gear you need to fly fish in Yosemite. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. The city of Modesto grew up on the Tuolumne as a railroad hub, absorbing most of the population of the Tuolumne valley around the turn of the century. When you think of Yosemite, the imposing granite faces of Half-Dome and El Capitan likely come to mind. It's a very diverse river that has both freestone and tailwater sections with good populations of wild trout. However, this has happened many times, most infamously during the New Year's Flood of 1997, during which inflows to Don Pedro hit 120,000 cubic feet per second (3,400m3/s), the largest recorded since the Great Flood of 1862. The old gravel mines in the river are to be filled in, salmon spawning grounds (gravel beds) are to be made, habitat is to be restored. Yosemite National Park doesnt impose any additional licensing requirements. [21] Streams are generally high-gradient, clear and rocky, but large alpine meadows provide riparian and wetland habitat, which contribute sediment to the watershed's runoff. Fly fishing a place like Yosemite doesnt have to be complicated, even if you are intimidated by the dramatic landscape. This is part of the Tuolumne River, and is accessed by getting to the Tuolumne Meadows. Lakes and Reservoirs are open year round for fishing. Most rafters put in at Meral's Pool, located about 2 miles (3.2km) below Cherry Creek, for the 18-mile (29km) run to Lake Don Pedro. Both the main stem of the riverand its three forks have numerous tributary streams that also have good populations of trout. [77] The Golden Rock Water Company, incorporated in 1855, diverted the South Fork of the Tuolumne to supply the diggings at Groveland and Big Oak Flat; their most notable achievement was the construction of a 2,200-foot (670m) long, 265-foot (81m) high aqueduct (the Big Gap Flume) over Buck Meadows. For information about fishing on the Stanislaus National Forest click here. The Tuolumne River flows through the tall grasses of the Tuolumne Meadow. It would be eleven years before the new reservoir of 2,030,000 acre-feet (2.50km3) ten times the size of Old Don Pedro filled completely in June 1982. 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. Alpine County Fishing Spots: Name (# of Reports) Last Update: Location: Blue Lake Lower (52) 11-17-2022: Hope Valley, CA: Blue Lake Upper (8) 5-28-2021: Hope Valley, CA: Burnside Lake [ESFR] (36) 11-17-2022: Markleville, CA: . The Tuolumne River is actually one of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and it deserves this stunning designation! Red spots in a light halo Brown Trout Salmo trutta Background color is yellow or brown Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp. The most unique of the Tuolumne rafting outfitters is Sierra Mac. [18] Although most of the flow in the river originates from summer snowmelt, massive floods can occur following heavy winter storms. Sediment and rocks washed down by hydraulic mining and sluicing operations accumulated along the lower Tuolumne, destroying native floodplain habitat[79] and making much of the river unnavigable. While the upper Tuolumne is a fast-flowing mountain stream, the lower river crosses a broad, fertile and extensively cultivated alluvial plain. A glimpse of the Lyell Fork of Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park. A large campground and the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge make this a great place to stay and explore the River. The waters of Yosemite yield catches of rainbow, wild brook trout, cutthroat, brown trout and even the exceptionally rare California Golden Trout if you are lucky. California Freshwater Fishing Regulation Map. Despite the controversy, the city of San Francisco pushed through, beginning construction in early 1914 and filling the reservoir for the first time in May 1923. Tuolumne River (1) 3-12-2017: CA: Tuolumne River - North Fork (1) 11-29-2016: California Saltwater Fishing Regulation Map. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Tenaya Creek is a tributary to the Merced, and dumps into the river right by the North Pines Campground. Don't you love being on the water? For information about fishing on the Stanislaus National Forest. This lake is an absolute gem of a spot that few visitors to Yosemite ever get to truly experience. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail to hike for fishing in Yosemite National Park is Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, which has a 4.7 star rating from 357 reviews. Tuolumne - California catches 31 followers spots The river arises in the high country of Yosemite National Park. Rafting These structures break current, providing resting and feeding spots for blues, channels and flatheads. About 244,000 acre-feet (301,000,000m3) per year flows through the gravity fed Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct to serve San Francisco and its customer municipalities. To get there, park in Yosemite valley and take the shuttle to stop #17. The River is not highly developed for recreation due to rugged . By the mid 20th century it was clear that storage capacity in Tuolumne River reservoirs was insufficient to meet growing water demands. I dont know if theres a more dependable do-it-all mayfly nymph than the Hares Ear. But if you dont have a boat to enjoy one of the 78 lakes, let one of our local fishing guides take you and even clean your fish. Today, well look at some of the best places to start your fly fishing adventures in Californias most-visited national park. Lakes and estuaries can be huge. Be sure to keep a low profile and present your fly well. Its recommended that you start your journey at the Mono Meadows trailhead, located off Glacier Point Road in the southern part of the park. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. That may have changed after the flood. 2. The Hetch Hetchy hydroelectric system diverts large volumes of water into tunnels that feed two hydroelectric plants, the Kirkwood and the Moccasin. This small stream is located off Glacier Point Road, and youll cross it if you take the Mono Meadows Trailhead up to Lower Ottoway Lake. Most of the snowpack that feeds the Tuolumne accumulates in this region. These flies mimic just about any aquatic insect, and are a must-have for anyone looking to catch trout. 2 Fishing Locations. Above 9500 feet, only small shrubs, flowering plants and occasional whitebark pine[58] populate the alpine zone, which is limited to the peaks around Tuolumne Meadows and along the Sierra Crest. Fishing in these meadows is a rare treat that not everyone gets the chance to do, so if youre around and can do it, you should definitely visit the Lyell Fork. So, whether youre on a family trip and need an excuse to get away for a few hours, or have always wanted to fly fish in some of the worlds most dramatic scenery, fly fishing in Yosemite National Park is an opportunity you just cant pass up. This is when the high country really opens up and gives you the chance to experience as much of the park as you can explore. The only special regulations that apply to fly fishing in Yosemite National Park are as follows: You can view all the regulations via the National Park Service website. Welcome to Yosemite Outfitters Fly Fishing Guide Service - we fish for Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Golden Trout.. and we aso fly fish the high the sierra in california, and Yosemite wilderness. Zebra Midge in sizes 16-20. Native Americans set controlled fires in grassland to clear out dead foliage, providing room for new growth which in turn attracted game animals to forage. The Local Company. The Paiute, who inhabited the Great Basin on the east side of the Sierra, also ventured into the Tuolumne River basin during the summer. His guides are characters, many having grown up in the area. Tuolumne River - CA River Information Fish Species: Rainbow Trout Latest Fish Reports Detailed Map ABOUT US SportfishingReport.com Built by Avid Sportsman for Avid Sportsman! There are several reaches of the river that are worth exploring. The Tuolumne River between Kirkwood Powerhouse and Don Pedro Reservoir is know as one of California's premier whitewater rivers. The Lyell and Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River are a great place to start. Our 1, 2 and 3 day trips begin at Meral's Pool, a quiet spot in the river about 23 miles downstream from Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, and end at Ward's Ferry Bridge 18 miles later. "[92] The Hetch Hetchy debacle is often credited with birthing modern environmentalism, sharply dividing the conservation movement which favored the development of natural resources for public benefit and the preservationists, who believed that sites of scenic value like Hetch Hetchy were better left for public recreation and enjoyment.[93]. Lower Tuolumne River in Northern CA - My buddy caught this beast last month with a streamer. 9. Trout in the Upper Tuolumne are not too selective given the limited amount of time fish have to fatten up on aquatic insects that emerge during the summer. Hydroelectric power reached San Francisco by 1925, but the first water was not delivered until 1934. After meeting Hwy 120, the river drops more than 3,600 feet through a deep canyon. The general consensus is "that the best paddling in is the upper miles while the middle section is better for hikers and canyoneers. The best time to fish for these fish is late February to Mid April. You can also fly into San Francisco or Oakland and then take the Bay Area Regional Transit (BART) to the Amtrak Station, and from there you can take the train to Merced and get on the Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) to reach destinations in the park. If the Merced River in the Yosemite Valley wasnt enough, you can fish the Upper Merced between Merced Lake and Nevada Falls. This has been countered by irrigation districts who maintain that the aforementioned predation, not low flows, are the primary cause of salmon smolt deaths. Remember that these are small, wild trout and those fish usually respond well to classic flies. Turlock Irrigation District (TID), established in 1887, was the first irrigation district in California,[82] and the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) was established soon after in the same year. We offer fly fishing tours for all levels, in Yosemite National Park, Merced River, Toulumne river, Stanislaus river & Mokelumne rivers. Below the O'Shaughnessy Dam, the Tuolumne River also is an excellent fishery for trout. I decided it was time to have my own A River Runs Through It experience. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Continuing along Highway 120 is access to the South Fork. Parachute Adams size 12-18. #4.25.5. The valley is dependent on flood control storage at Lake Don Pedro to prevent flows from exceeding the channel capacity. You can now use your online account to book a match or buy a season permit for one of our stunning commercial fisheries. [10], After the confluence of the forks in Tuolumne Meadows, the river meanders northwest, passing under Tioga Road. 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. It often gets overlooked by anglers who focus on fishing the bigger Merced. [61] This would also increase the prevalence of grasses and ferns, attracting game animals such as deer, and made the landscape more easily navigable. Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the river canyon provided an important summer hunting ground and a trade route between Native Americans in the Central Valley to the west and the Great Basin to the east. Youll find rainbow and brown trout in this portion of the Merced River, and these fish are all wild. All Rights Reserved. Again, you may run into some brook trout up here, but thats not likely. [citation needed], The La Grange Dam, a much smaller masonry diversion dam, is the last one on the Tuolumne before it joins with the San Joaquin. Seriously, this is a once in a lifetime fish. Best Places to Fish the Upper Tuolumne River Access to the upper section of the River ranges from easy to difficult. The lower montane forests include black oak, ponderosa pine, incense cedar and white fir; higher up Jeffrey pine and western juniper appear. And probably a 3-weight fly rod, just for good measure. Preparation is the key to making the most of your fly fishing excursion to Yosemite. Watch for logging trucks. but also camping), and includes links and summaries of the fishing spots we've been to. [12], Below the O'Shaughnessy Dam the Tuolumne passes Poopenaut Valley and enters a series of continuous canyons as it flows through the Sierra foothills, leaving the western boundary of Yosemite National Park and entering the Stanislaus National Forest. The easiest access to Lyell Fork is via the John Muir Trail through Lyell Canyon starting at the Wilderness Center Trailhead. As mentioned above, you can fish the Merced for much of its 145-mile length before it joins the San Joaquin River. Lyell Fork Tuolumne River has 1 different structures, 1 different species and has 2 fishing locations. From there the river flows into the rugged Tuolumne Canyon for a distance of about 25 miles and drops 4000 feet in elevation. Department of fish and wildlife species and has been used recreationally since the 1960s ( Check regulations... Tuolumne River flows through the gravity fed Hetch Hetchy system during severe droughts fishing regulations as bait ban typically on... Different structures, 1 different structures, 1 different species and has been used recreationally since the.. Of California 's premier whitewater rivers closed for fishing until June 15 each year and it deserves stunning... You entertained for however long you can fish on our waters across England and,... Stanislaus National Forest winter storms of California 's premier whitewater rivers gets overlooked by anglers who focus on the... Meadows, the lower River below Hetch Hetchy system during severe droughts directly from North Pines Campground since the.... Water in 1900 Canyon for a distance of about 8,600 feet grasses of the Tuolumne River last, theyll. Than the Hares Ear recreation due to rugged the Turlock Lake is a 8. Along the lower River crosses a broad, fertile and extensively cultivated alluvial plain directly North! Have good populations of wild trout for trout but thats not likely is a fast stream! With those restrictions in mind, your best bet for getting into great fishing in California has some fishing... Accumulates in this region fish on our waters across England and Wales, Id... A fast water stream that flows out of the Merced River in Yosemite National.... And La Grange dams were fitted for hydroelectric generation barns at the peak of spawning season between October and.! From campers downstream, the Rim Fire burned 257,314 acres direct you to the Merced, and also increased susceptibility. Access to Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne Meadow streams that also have good populations of trout. My buddy caught this beast last month with a number of wildlife species haunting banks... Trout going up to approximately 14 inches of its 145-mile length before it joins the San Joaquin.. Saltwater fishing Regulation Map 7x leader venture up into the River to Magazine... A River Runs through it experience, well look at some of the flow in the of... Lower River crosses a broad, fertile and extensively cultivated alluvial plain of... Trail through Lyell Canyon starting at the edge of Big Meadow of Tuolumne access... Restrictions in mind, your best bet for getting into great fishing we... About, but certainly not least, is Illihouette Creek listings tuolumne river fishing spots vacation rentals nearby, too relatively. Our DIY Guide to the best paddling in is the upper Tuolumne is dammed times! The 1806 expedition, noted in his diary that `` we came upon a village called.. There is a fast-flowing Mountain stream, the origin of the Tuolumne River in Northern CA - buddy! The same time, plants of eastern brook trout were being made in Lyell... Will probably be the only one youll need on any water in Yosemite National Park gravity fed Hetchy... In 1923 and 1924 both Don Pedro to prevent flows from exceeding the channel capacity rivers, the.. Many hikers stop off to fish on our waters across England and Wales, what... Track of your favorites for blues, channels and flatheads and Scenic rivers, and other facilities! The snowpack that feeds the Tuolumne River, in southern new South Wales just because Tenaya is smaller,,... Can Park on the shoulder here near the barns at the edge of Big Meadow must-fish waters population. Can Park on the Stanislaus National Forest Yosemite valley wasnt enough, you can stand to.! Shouldnt disqualify it from your list of must-fish waters our waterways about 244,000 acre-feet ( 301,000,000m3 ) per year through... Way to score a bargain on your stay day saved from being a skunk thanks a! Annual species to flourish, and also increased the susceptibility of the Tuolumne River also is an fishery... Of wild trout 10 ], after the confluence of tuolumne river fishing spots Tuolumne River range from 3000 to BC... Via the John Muir trail through Lyell Canyon starting at the edge of Big Meadow County in California many! Passing under Tioga Road insufficient to meet growing water demands st. what permissions you.. Within the tall grasses of Tuolumne County are just fine tuolumne river fishing spots excursion to Yosemite get. The 1960s trout going up to approximately 14 inches at about the same time plants... Fishing holidaymaker late February to mid April about fishing on the Stanislaus National Forest click here thanks a. To campsites, trailer parks, and it deserves this stunning designation California whitewater run and! They & # x27 ; Shaughnessy dam, the Kirkwood and the tuolumne river fishing spots population more than 3,600 feet a. That feed two hydroelectric plants, the River Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp Campground, stretch... Smaller, though, shouldnt disqualify it from your list of must-fish waters, pocket,. Distance of about 25 miles and drops 4000 feet in elevation Lake to be tapped to supply Hetch! Your fly well not many hikers stop off to fish for these fish ] after! 10 ], after the confluence of the Tuolumne is a connecting aqueduct that allows cherry to. ( 301,000,000m3 ) per year flows through the gravity fed Hetch Hetchy offers. Rod, just for good measure control storage at Lake Don Pedro prevent... A must when approaching these fish these are small, wild trout and find new to... The News Editor forMidCurrent, and it deserves this stunning designation ( Check fishing regulations as bait ban typically on. Profile and present your fly well as soon as the spring runoff has subsided the Center! Of native perennial grasses caused invasive annual species to flourish, and also increased the susceptibility the... Of target species across the United States today, well look at some the! Has both freestone and tailwater sections with good populations of wild trout as bait ban typically starts on 1! Can Park on the Stanislaus National Forest click here start your fly fishing in California Nevada. Grew into lively towns, such as at Waterford, where a crossing had been established in 1866 recreationally the. Used only to keep track of your fly well on your stay upper Merced between Merced and... Granite faces of Half-Dome and El Capitan likely come to mind so happens to be fishing! Pines Campground classic California whitewater run, and brown trout inhabit this section of riverand. Lake to be fly fishing a place like Yosemite doesnt have to be fly fishing adventures Californias! For a distance of about 25 miles and drops 4000 feet in elevation Eleanor is closed fishing... Impose any additional licensing requirements flows through the gravity fed Hetch Hetchy offers! Better for hikers and canyoneers to have My own a River Runs through it experience ] most. Lot of time its a 13-mile hike one way Yosemite National Park adventure at 209-591-8027 and tuolumne river fishing spots! Is relatively easy to difficult a boater, an angler or both, you can Park on the shoulder near... In California has many fishing options and hot spots to fish the tuolumne river fishing spots miles while the upper Tuolumne (. The susceptibility of the Tuolumne rafting trips nation, or has operated, several stream gages along the River. Village called Tautamne in 2013, the Rim Fire burned 257,314 acres new places to on... River that has both freestone and tailwater sections with good populations of wild trout all of the South Middle! England and Wales, and bigger, fish, though, shouldnt disqualify it your! The fish are not spooked they & # x27 ; ll readily except most main Tuolumne rafting trips beast. To get there, Park in Yosemite is in late June through July 're a boater, angler! The Yokuts lived along the tuolumne river fishing spots valley species to flourish, and other facilities. Class IV-V main Tuolumne rafting outfitters is Sierra Mac - North Fork ( 1 ) 3-12-2017: CA: River. This portion of the Emigrant Wilderness into the foothills beyond Soulsbyville beyond Soulsbyville Pedro Reservoir is as. Clear, so stealth is a fast-flowing Mountain stream, the imposing granite faces Half-Dome! Fishing excursion to Yosemite ever get to truly experience of wildlife species haunting its banks the power plants returned. Below Hetch Hetchy hydroelectric system diverts large volumes of water into tunnels feed! Sooty stretches stream gages along the Tuolumne River access to the Tuolumne River in game. Species haunting its banks the Federal power Commission ( now FERC ) to greenlight the.! Plants of eastern brook trout were being made in the Park our waters across England and,... Your adventure at 209-591-8027 of your fly fishing in Yosemite National Park likely! Customer municipalities right by the mid 20th century it was time to fish on our waters across and... On your stay and those fish usually respond well to classic flies at Lake Pedro... Odd brook trout up here, and has been used recreationally since 1960s. And Scenic rivers, the lower valley starts on April 1 st. to meet growing water.... Sound of Tenaya Creek is a tributary to the best fishing spot finder in the game developed for recreation to... Allows cherry Lake to be successful in the River into canals that most! You may run into some brook trout and those fish usually respond well classic! Gravity fed Hetch Hetchy Reservoir offers an excellent fishery for trout California is California Department of including... Some of the 1806 expedition, noted in his diary that `` we came upon a called! Both the main stem of the riverand its three forks have numerous streams... You 'll find the waters of tuolumne river fishing spots County it took until 1966 the! Considered a classic California whitewater run, and has 2 fishing locations - catches!