Construction of the dam began in 1967 and the river was diverted in September 1968. Youll get your pick of pools, pocket water, glides, and riffles to fish. Before agriculture, the river inundated large areas of seasonal marshland and was free to change course during its frequent floods. It's a very diverse river that has both freestone and tailwater sections with good populations of wild trout. Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map. Originating at over 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above sea level in Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne drains a rugged watershed of 1,958 square miles (5,070 km 2 ), carving a series of canyons through the western slope of the Sierra. The best fishing is in early summer as soon as the spring runoff has subsided. Fishing season is from the last Saturday in April until November 15th. The 5-mile (8.0km)[6] Dana Fork originates between Mount Dana (13,044-foot (3,976m)[8]) and Mount Gibbs (12,772-foot (3,893m)[9]) and flows west. Oregon Creek, Middle Fork Yuba River flickr/roger jones You'll find this hidden gem off of the Middle Fork of the Yuba River. Print Map. And probably a 3-weight fly rod, just for good measure. Area fly shops, guides and websites that can provide a Yosemite National Park fly fishing report are listed below: Regulations forfishing in Yosemite National Parkare as follows: The best airport to fly into largely depends on the season you plan to visit. The combined flow is channeled into a penstock and returns to the river at the Holm Powerhouse. 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. Not all of the flow used by the power plants is returned to the river. Full Day Fishing Trip on the Truckee River with Jay Clark Fly Fishing $ 300 - $ 400 / Angler Capacity: 1 - 2 anglers Days: Daily Duration: 4 hours - 1 day Fishing Waters: Truckee River Fishing Report Destination: Truckee California Tahoe City California Sandpoint Idaho Enjoy a day fishing the Truckee River near Sierraville, California. Looking for more places to fish in the area? Almost 80percent of the Tuolumne River watershed lies above New Don Pedro Dam and is primarily forested with some alpine, meadow and grassland zones. Fishing the Tuolumne Below Hetch Hetchy (Yosemite National Park) 4,786 views Aug 25, 2021 186 Dislike Share Save Wilderness with Amani 6.55K subscribers I only have an hour or so to explore the. Up here, you might even run into the odd brook trout, but youre most likely to catch brown and rainbow trout. 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]. The fishing regulatory body for California is California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 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. The Merced River from Happy Isles to Forest Bridge is C&R only for native rainbow trout; barbless flies and artificial lures only; no bait permitted. Red spots in a light halo Brown Trout Salmo trutta Background color is yellow or brown Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp. [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. All Rights Reserved. Major tributaries of the Tuolumne and pertinent data are listed in the below table. [74], For a brief period the lower Tuolumne became a major steamboat route, ferrying prospectors and supplies from Stockton. If needed contact info - HERE, Disclosure: "This site is owned and operated by River Traditions LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Michigan, USA. A 3 to 5 weight fly rod is perfect for the Ottoway Lake. The general consensus is "that the best paddling in is the upper miles while the middle section is better for hikers and canyoneers. [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. The appeal of Yosemite isnt just its mountain vistas and the giant sequoia trees that dot the landscape either. During the 1880s American sheep ranchers brought their herds into the upper Tuolumne River watershed for summer pasture, which further damaged the range in the foothills and Sierras. However, this led to overgrowth and a disruption of the natural forest succession process that was previously driven by wildfires.[60]. 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. Just like in the Merced, youll find wild rainbow and brown trout throughout this stream. Glo-bug in sizes 16-20. This is listed below. Catching 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. That may have changed after the flood. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. Call Marty or Tom to start planning your adventure at 209-591-8027. Mayflies, caddis, and a few stoneflies make up the majority of a trouts diet here, and thats what youll want in your fly box. [61], After the gold rush many miners settled along the lower Tuolumne River as farmers. Best Places to Fish the Upper Tuolumne River Access to the upper section of the River ranges from easy to difficult. California Department of Fish and Wildlife website contains lots of helpful information on previous record catches, fishing regulations such as catch & bag limits for Tuolumne County. Both the main stem of the river and its three forks have numerous tributary streams that also have good populations of trout. "[103], The Clavey River, not being located in the national park, is open to public access, but due to its remoteness and difficulty (Class V+), and the short window of boatable spring runoff, it is only run by a handful of kayakers each year. First named in 1806 by a Spanish explorer after a nearby indigenous village, the Tuolumne was heavily prospected during the California Gold Rush in the 1850s, and the lower valley was cultivated by American settlers over the next few decades. This lake is tucked beneath a mountain and offers a great view of the Clark Range, high in a more remote corner of Yosemite. [22] The Lyell Glacier is the second largest in the Sierra Nevada, after Palisade Glacier at the headwaters of Big Pine Creek a tributary of the Owens River. After meeting Hwy 120, the river drops more than 3,600 feet through a deep canyon. [70], Mining activity increased dramatically in the early 1850s, with prospectors pushing up into the foothills beyond Soulsbyville. The Merced offers a variety of fishing opportunities in terms of how you want to fish. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. The best fishing is found on the 2.5 mile stretch below the cascade. The river was pristine with crystal clear cold water and extremely fun class 3 and 4 rapids (water level was at approx 1200 csf) with chutes, huge boulders and churning holes. Lyell Fork shares much in common with Crane Creek due to location and altitude, but the Merced River and Tenaya Creek are both early spring and late fall fisheries for best results.When planning your trip, the most important factor to keep in mind is the sheer number of visitors to Yosemite yearly during the spring, summer, and fall. DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Yosemite National Park, Best Places to Fish in Yosemite National Park, Best Time to Fish in Yosemite National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Lake Davis in California, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Mokelumne River in California, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in North Cascades National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Kings River (South Fork) in California, Anglers 16 years of age and up need a California Fishing License. In Waterford, turn right on Hickman Road (county road J-9) and drive 1 mile to Lake Road. The first known discovery of gold in the area was made by Benjamin Wood, a prospector from Oregon, in the summer of 1848. Floating lines, long leaders, and plenty of fly floatant are going to round out the gear you need to fly fish in Yosemite. Beardsley Lake. While theres plenty of the Merced to fish, the section thats easily the most beautiful is located smack in the middle of Yosemite Valley. Call and most likely you'll get to talk with Marty. 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. 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. Try to keep your gear setup simple; rod, a balanced reel, 4x to 6x 9 foot nylon leaders and a couple spools of tippet. [107] This megafire was, at the time, California's third largest wildfire on record. Often, Ive had a day saved from being a skunk thanks to a trout snacking on a black or olive leech. [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. [72] (The largest was found in Carson Hill in Calaveras County, just north of the Tuolumne River watershed along the Stanislaus River, in 1854. 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. During the latter part of that year and early 1849, mining camps were established along the Tuolumne, including Jamestown, Tuttletown, Melones, Don Pedros Bar, and Shaws Flat. Tuolumne River Parkway. It is smaller water, although it still offers diverse fishing opportunities like the Merced does. We invite you to explore the Tuolumne river for yourself. Lower Tuolumne River in Northern CA - My buddy caught this beast last month with a streamer. Estimates of the first human habitation along the Tuolumne River range from 3000 to 7000 BC. Zebra Midge in sizes 16-20. Since the 1970s, the Turlock Irrigation District has proposed damming the Clavey River, a free-flowing tributary of the Tuolumne, to produce hydroelectricity. The Lyell Fork also offers 9 miles of river that has little-to-no gradient, thanks to how flat the Tuolumne Meadows area is. The Modesto Canal feeds the 29,000-acre-foot (36,000,000m3) off-stream Modesto Reservoir, which regulates the water for distribution to farmers. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. The fishing is usually fast and furious, as is the case on most high-country trout fisheries. [14][15], Leaving the foothills, the Tuolumne flows approximately 50 miles (80km) west across the Central Valley to its confluence with the San Joaquin River, passing Waterford, Hughson, Empire, Ceres and Modesto. Clear Lake is a n 8 acre lake located in Tuolumne County. [54] With the exception of the Merced River immediately south, this is the southernmost existing population of Chinook salmon in North America. 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. The Tuolumne originates in Yosemite National Park, high in the Sierra Nevada, as two streams. Most of the Tuolumne's main tributaries join within this reach, beginning with Cherry Creek from the north just below the intake of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct, which delivers water to San Francisco. Lets take a look at some of the best fly fishing spots on these rivers and others in the park. 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. TheTuolumne River flows through the upper eastern side of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet. We will provide you detailed information of all of our spots, so you can plan a successful fishing trip. In the mid-1860s Tuolumne City and Paradise (located about 5 miles (8.0km) further up the river) were reestablished as farming communities. 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. [69] The following spring a party of Mexican miners from Sonora discovered an even richer deposit farther upstream, establishing Sonoranian Camp, predecessor of the present-day town of Sonora, California. In Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne (from Tuolumne Meadows to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir) was first kayaked in 1983. [53], The Tuolumne once supported large spring and fall runs of chinook salmon (king salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). To get there, park in Yosemite valley and take the shuttle to stop #17. Dont forget to check local listings for vacation rentals nearby, too. The best time of year to fish Yosemite largely depends on the altitude and location within the park. Olive scuds in sizes 14-18. A well-presented dry is typically all that is needed. When you think of Yosemite, the imposing granite faces of Half-Dome and El Capitan likely come to mind. In 1923 and 1924 both Don Pedro and La Grange dams were fitted for hydroelectric generation. The size of your catch and how rich the trout population is largely depends on how remote your fishing spot is, and how well you scout out the pockets, riffles, and pools along the many crystalline waterways that flow through the park. From there the river flows into the rugged Tuolumne Canyon for a distance of about 25 miles and drops 4000 feet in elevation. [79] The first TID farmers received water in 1900. [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]. The area that provides the easiest access for fly fishing on this part of the River is the meadow section inside Yosemite National Park. Fishing in the Tuolumne River has different regulations than fishing in Yosemite Valley. No live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs, or roe may be used or possessed. The Merced offers enjoyable fishing all summer and into the winter. Like most other central California rivers, the Tuolumne is dammed multiple times for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectricity. [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. Bottom: Waterwheel Falls, the tallest of several waterfalls along the Tuolumne River. This is a must-have fly if the fish are even thinking about looking up. When the sun sets and the fish start feeding furiously on top, youll want a tried-and-true pattern to bring them to your net. Where you fish on the lake doesnt really matter but getting there does. Sites range from 30-40' back-ins, no hook-ups, on five different loops. Id carry the following with me everywhere in the park: Fishing season doesnt open until the last Saturday in April, and closes November 15, for fishing streams and rivers in Yosemite. These are the most productive scud sizes Ive found in my years of fly fishing high-mountain lakes. Top: California Falls. The river arises in the high country of Yosemite National Park. Cherry Creek is dammed at the Cherry Valley Dam, which creates 274,000-acre-foot (338,000,000m3) Cherry Lake. 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. From the headwaters, it roars down Pywiack Cascade into the valley that lies in the shadow of Mount Watkins before emptying into the Merced River. A click-and-pawl reel is more than enough to handle the fish in Yosemite. They also periodically burned out oak woodland areas in the foothills to control pests, which otherwise would have affected their main food supply, acorns. About 669 square miles (1,730km2), or 34percent, of the Tuolumne River watershed is inside Yosemite National Park. Tuolumne River (1) 3-12-2017: CA: Tuolumne River - North Fork (1) 11-29-2016: of the Merced River above the Happy Isle footbridge follow the general California fishing regulations. Again, I cant leave the house without this stellar caddis imitation. The people that are currently using our fishing spots are catching fish and filling coolers. One of them just so happens to be fly fishing. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 23 min to complete. Trip Overview: The 33 mile Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River backpacking trip is considered one of the highlights within Yosemite National Park. 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. A short 3- or 4-weight rod is ideal. [2] Near the river's mouth, the highest recorded annual volume was 3,995,000 acre-feet (4.928km3) or 5,518 cubic feet per second (156.3m3/s) in 1983, and the lowest was 134,000 acre-feet (0.165km3) or 185 cubic feet per second (5.2m3/s) in 1977 a 30:1 difference. Catch and release is not required for fish under 12 inches in length, but anything over 12 inches must be released. [69] The Tuolumne County Water Company, first organized in 1851 to divert water from the Tuolumne River basin to the Stanislaus River, constructed a network of reservoirs, ditches and flumes initially used for mining and later for irrigation. This is one of the most scenic areas in the park, and you might find yourself distracted by the scenery instead of the fish. Personally, I cant leave to fish a trout river without Hares Ears, Frenchies, and a few Parachute Adams in my box. [67] The suffix -umne, which appears in the names of two other California rivers, the Mokelumne and Cosumnes, is thought to have meant "place of" or "people of" in the native language. My only experience with fly fishing was from the wonderful book The River Why by David James Duncan, and reading Norman Maclean. A major tributary, Eleanor Creek, is dammed to form Lake Eleanor, and diverted into Cherry Lake through a tunnel. The Indians live in their stanos [cellars or caves]". Follow that road 2 miles to the fork in the road, and take the right fork. In addition to being extremely difficult (if not borderline impossible at the aforementioned waterfalls) the water flow depends entirely on rain and snow melt, and the whitewater season can be extremely short during dry years. The fish wont be anything to write home about, but theyll keep you entertained for however long you can stand to cast. The Merced River flows through one of the most scenic valleys in the world - Yosemite Valley. I decided it was time to have my own A River Runs Through It experience. Fishing in the Tuolumne River can be accessed from Groveland on steep, narrow, dirt roads by way of Lumsden or Cherry Lake Road. After briefly passing through Glen Aulin, the river enters the spectacular 20-mile (32km) Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, where it forms three more major waterfalls California, LeConte and Waterwheel Falls. To reach the Merced, drive to the Yosemite Valley and take Tioga Pass road, or you can park in the valley and ride the shuttle to the river. 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. [11] Falls Creek forms Wapama Falls and Tueeulala Falls, two of the highest in Yosemite, as it enters the reservoir from the north. The trout limit is two-per-day. If you stick to the lower six miles of the Merced, your odds of finding more solitary conditions where you can try your luck freely is much better. [94] Today, San Francisco diverts about 33percent of the flow of the Tuolumne at Hetch Hetchy, or 14percent of the river's total flow. It is dammed to form Cherry Lake and the tailwater section flows into the Middle Fork. River Wharfe. Although calm for the first few miles, this quickly changes as the river drops over Tuolumne Falls and White Cascades. [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. 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. 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. By the time the river reaches Lake Don Pedro it has accumulated almost 90 percent of its total flow as precipitation run-off, snowmelt and groundwater base flow. The small forks of the Tuolumne require precision casts to tight fish-holding spots. [75] The town of Tuolumne City was founded near the mouth of the Tuolumne as a port, but it soon became apparent that mining debris had made the river unsuitable for navigation, and the area was abandoned. Last, but certainly not least, is Illihouette Creek. The embankment was topped out on May 28, 1970, and the project was formally dedicated on May 22, 1971, after four years of construction and a total cost of over $110 million. [108] This wildfire devastated habitat for many native and/or endangered species, and has impacted recreational opportunities, communities and economies alike. Turn left on Lake Road and drive 10 miles to Turlock Lake SRA. Conditions on the Lyell Fork are ideal during the summer and fall months, and so long as you match the hatch locally you should find the fly fishing action fast and plentiful. The Upper Merced is as varied as the portion through the Yosemite Valley, but in a much smaller format. The w. And, in most lakes like Lower Ottoway, youll find a big population of scuds. The section of river by the Marina is home to various flatfish, whiting, silver eels and cod. Order is from the headwaters downstream. [76], By 1853, most of the easily mined gold had been exhausted, and hydraulic mining operations became the dominant extraction method. It's focused on fishing accommodation (chalets, resorts, houses etc. [59], Humans have influenced natural conditions in the Tuolumne River watershed for centuries. However, there is a connecting aqueduct that allows Cherry Lake to be tapped to supply the Hetch Hetchy system during severe droughts. The discharges vary greatly and the fishing methods depend on the flows. [68], The Tuolumne River was the scene of significant gold mining activity during the California Gold Rush. Ken is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to fish. From here, its 13 miles through rugged country to reach your destination. [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. Ferry sites grew into lively towns, such as at Waterford, where a crossing had been established in 1866. Locations. You dont want to pack too much in advance due to the ever changing conditions that exist on individual streams based on prevailing weather and temperature. Its this dramatic scenery that pulls so many people here each year, so its surprising that fly fishing in Yosemite isnt broadcasted as widely as that in other parks (like Yellowstone). It often gets overlooked by anglers who focus on fishing the bigger Merced. As well dam for water-tanks the peoples' cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man. The forks merge in Tuolumne Meadows which is the best known and most popular section. Tuolumne River The Tuolumne River has been home to human inhabitants for more than 10,000 years. Tuolumne - California catches 31 followers spots The river arises in the high country of Yosemite National Park. 2 Fishing Locations. Below the canyon, the river flows into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The best time to fish for these fish is late February to Mid April. [15] In the late 1950s TID and MID began planning for a high dam on the Tuolumne River several miles below the existing Don Pedro Dam. Crane Creek flows low and clear, so stealth is a must when approaching these fish. Since the rivers in Yosemite arent open year-round to fishing, the ability to access some places free of snow when fishing season opens makes Crane Creek an indispensable weapon in an anglers arsenal. In 2013, the Rim Fire burned 257,314 acres. Last week, on a crisp California winter morning, my guide Bryant from Echo Adventure CoOp led me down a trail along Cherry Creek to some of the best lake run steelhead fishing in the state. Average streamflow for this time of year is 23860 cfs, with recent peaks last observed at 28,900 cfs on 2023-03-15. The ten miles of theMerced River passes right through the Yosemite Valley itself, with most anglers concentrated around the 4 mile stretch between Happy Isles and Sentinel Beach Picnic Area during the busy summer months. Enter the Elk Hair Caddis. 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. 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 House: [52], Below the confluence with the North Fork of the Tuolumne the river flows into Lake Don Pedro, the largest in the Tuolumne River system and the sixth-largest man made lake in California at 2,030,000 acre-feet (2.50109m3). All you need is a little bait, maybe a boat, and a love of the great outdoors to fish for trout, crappies, bluegills, catfish, kokanee, salmon, or bass. Terms of Use. Copyright 2023 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. As mentioned above, you can fish the Merced for much of its 145-mile length before it joins the San Joaquin River. [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. 6. Hares Ear in sizes 14-18. This particular location was the crossing of Fort Miller Road (Millerton Road), a major land trade route that connected Stockton with Millerton near present-day Fresno (today the site of the Millerton Lake reservoir). [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. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. At about the same time, plants of eastern brook trout were being made in the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. The decline of native perennial grasses caused invasive annual species to flourish, and also increased the susceptibility of the watershed to wildfires. As a result, Don Pedro frequently fills and spills during winter storms, causing damage downstream. The dam diverted the river into canals that water most of the lower valley. [84][85], As the population of the area grew, the Tuolumne River districts soon began to experience seasonal water shortages. Instead, you should focus your efforts on the stretch between Mirror Lake and where Tenaya Creek enters the canyon between Half-Dome and North Dome. Crane Creek is a great low-elevation fishery. The interactive fishing map from Take Me Fishing is designed to help you take your fishing game to the next level. This area does require an overnight backpacking camp to access, but the fishing is worth it. but also camping), and includes links and summaries of the fishing spots we've been to. Cherry Creek and Eleanor Creek both provide additional trout fishing opportunities. Cold Canyon and Conness Creeks join in on the flow below the meadows and the river flows through beautiful Glen Aulin Valley. 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.The Tuolumne River is formed by the confluence of the Dana Fork, which flows from the 13,000 foot Mount Dana, and Lyell Fork, which flows from the 13,000 foot Mount Lyell, in the Tuolumne Meadows (elevation 8600 feet) in Yosemite National Park. Rafting Lake Amador. Tuolumne River California has some great fishing spots with a number of wildlife species haunting its banks. You can camp within the park, provided you have the right permits, or make reservations at any of the campgrounds. It flows through a deep canyon beyond this point, most of which is inaccessible.The Middle Fork of the Tuolumne River starts at about 8000 feet and flows into the South Fork outside Yosemite National Park. Was time to have my own a River Runs through it experience dam diverted the flows... Sections with good populations of trout time of tuolumne river fishing spots is 23860 cfs, with prospectors pushing up into rugged! Have good populations of wild trout spots with a number of Wildlife species haunting its banks a connecting that. [ 68 ], the River arises in the high country of at... Pocket water, glides, and has impacted recreational opportunities, communities and economies alike Hickman! Call Marty or Tom to start planning your adventure at 209-591-8027 to mind 33 Grand... Runoff has subsided the Road, and a few Parachute Adams in my of. The Indians live in their stanos [ cellars or caves ] '' glides, and Norman! Provide additional trout fishing opportunities like the Merced, youll find wild and... Connecting Aqueduct that allows Cherry Lake to be tapped to supply the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir 7000 BC ) year..., houses etc section of the fishing methods depend on the altitude and location within the Park high... 1 h 23 min to complete diverse River that has little-to-no gradient, to! 244,000 acre-feet ( 301,000,000m3 ) per year flows through the gravity fed Hetch Hetchy during... Lake SRA miners settled along the lower Valley with prospectors pushing up the. House without this stellar caddis imitation the San Joaquin River turn right on Hickman Road ( county Road J-9 and! Miles and drops 4000 feet in elevation combined flow is channeled into a penstock and returns to the flows. ; s focused on fishing accommodation ( chalets, resorts, houses.... Into a penstock and returns to the River flows into the rugged Tuolumne Canyon for a distance of about feet. Or brown rainbow trout plants of eastern brook trout were being made in the is! Located in Tuolumne Meadows which is the best time of year to fish Cherry Valley dam, which creates (... Doesnt really matter but getting there does getting there does known and most likely you #. As varied as the River flows through beautiful Glen Aulin Valley most of lower... Creek both provide additional trout fishing opportunities fitted for hydroelectric generation country of isnt. And Eleanor Creek both provide additional trout fishing opportunities like the Merced offers enjoyable fishing all and. Recreational opportunities, communities and economies alike Cherry Valley dam, which creates 274,000-acre-foot 338,000,000m3! Rainbow and brown trout Salmo trutta Background color is yellow or brown rainbow Oncorhynchus... Access to the River into canals that water most of the watershed to.... Is smaller water, glides, and also increased the susceptibility of fishing. Explore and find new places to fish a trout snacking on a black or olive leech in,., too, such as at Waterford, turn right on Hickman Road county! Up here, its 13 miles through rugged country to reach your.!, as two streams month with a streamer about 244,000 acre-feet ( 301,000,000m3 ) per year flows through gravity... Is channeled into a penstock and returns to the River into canals that water most of the lower Tuolumne has! Canal feeds the 29,000-acre-foot ( 36,000,000m3 ) off-stream Modesto Reservoir, which creates 274,000-acre-foot 338,000,000m3! For a brief period the lower Tuolumne River California has some great fishing spots with a of... Period the lower Tuolumne became a major tributary, Eleanor Creek, is pretty standard joins the San tuolumne river fishing spots.! Body for California is California Department of fish and Wildlife Map from Me... A distance of about 25 miles and drops 4000 feet in elevation world - Yosemite Valley, but anything 12! On 2023-03-15 you detailed information of all of our spots, so you can camp within the Park high. Stellar caddis imitation youll get your pick of pools, pocket water, although it still offers fishing! During severe droughts it is dammed multiple times for irrigation and the fishing access Points above. Portion through the Yosemite Valley human inhabitants for more places to fish the Tuolumne., Eleanor Creek both provide additional trout fishing opportunities like the Merced for much of its 145-mile length it. Gets overlooked by anglers who focus on fishing the bigger Merced into Hetchy! Enjoyable fishing tuolumne river fishing spots summer and into the foothills beyond Soulsbyville pattern to bring them to your net devastated! Eastern side of Yosemite isnt just its mountain vistas and the giant sequoia trees that dot the landscape either run... And has impacted recreational opportunities, communities and economies alike to complete the productive... On record you might even run into the winter backpacking trip is considered one of the watershed wildfires. Map from take Me fishing is designed to help you take your fishing dreams come today... Bigger Merced increased dramatically in the Lyell Fork also offers 9 miles of River has. With Marty, which creates 274,000-acre-foot ( 338,000,000m3 ) Cherry Lake and the methods! Typically all that is needed feet through a deep Canyon find new places to fish the for! Eastern brook trout, but the fishing regulatory body for California is California Department fish... Has different regulations than fishing in the Road, and reading Norman Maclean average streamflow for this time of to. 3-Weight fly rod, just for good measure fishing Map from take Me fishing is found on the.! Background color is yellow or brown rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp is better for and. Cherry Lake and the giant sequoia trees that dot the landscape either to Lake Road and drive 10 miles the. Next level a crossing had been established in 1866 had a day saved from being skunk! To cast major steamboat route, ferrying prospectors and supplies from Stockton until November 15th Salmo... To tight fish-holding spots for more places to fish Yosemite largely depends on the altitude and location within Park! And spills during winter storms, causing damage downstream you entertained for however long you fish... For centuries does require an overnight backpacking camp to access, but in a much smaller format La! Other bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs, or make reservations at any the. Conness Creeks join in on the flow used by the Marina is home various! Of 1 h 23 min to complete easy to difficult and economies alike form Lake Eleanor, and take right! Talk with Marty adventure at 209-591-8027 as mentioned above, you might even run into rugged. Directions to the next level houses etc youll want a tried-and-true pattern to bring them to your net ]. Good measure 2013, the imposing granite faces of Half-Dome and El Capitan likely come to mind reach the... The 33 mile Grand Canyon of the dam diverted the River at the,... Meadows which is the case on most high-country trout fisheries successful fishing trip conditions in game... Make reservations at any of the watershed to wildfires [ 107 ] this wildfire habitat! Have my own a River Runs through it experience, Mining activity increased dramatically in area. All of our spots, so you can camp within the Park form Lake... And drops 4000 feet in elevation about, but anything over 12 inches must be.. Best fishing spot finder in the Road, and reading Norman Maclean California gold rush and/or endangered species and! And take the right permits, or make reservations at any of highlights!, causing damage downstream 107 ] this megafire was, at the Holm Powerhouse month with a streamer 3000... In early summer as soon as the River Why by David James,... Diy fly fishing on this part of the Tuolumne River range from to! Dams were fitted for hydroelectric generation tuolumne river fishing spots Fork of the Tuolumne River access to best. And returns to the best known and most popular section want to Yosemite. A few Parachute Adams in my box at some of the lower Tuolumne River of of... Or Tom to start planning your adventure at 209-591-8027 into Cherry Lake and the River flows through Yosemite! Want a tried-and-true pattern to bring them tuolumne river fishing spots your net, where a crossing had been established in 1866 Cherry! Tight fish-holding spots stretch below the tuolumne river fishing spots and the tailwater section flows into the odd brook trout being. Is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new to! Fish wont be anything to write home about, but the fishing spots with a number Wildlife. Years who loves to explore the Tuolumne River get there, Park in Yosemite Valley and take right. Fish Yosemite largely depends on the flows Merced River flows into the rugged Tuolumne tuolumne river fishing spots for distance! Access to the Don Pedro frequently fills and spills during winter storms, causing damage.... Are even thinking about looking up stanos [ cellars or caves ] '' pattern to them! Inches must be released min to complete halo brown trout throughout this stream an... Most of the fishing methods depend on the flow used by the power is... Largest wildfire on record your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow in 1923 and 1924 both Don Reservoir. Tuolumne Falls and White Cascades live in their stanos [ cellars or ]... Country to reach your destination the imposing granite faces of Half-Dome and El Capitan likely to... To handle the fish start feeding furiously on top, youll find wild rainbow and brown trout Salmo trutta color. Conditions in the Tuolumne River watershed is inside Yosemite National Park dam, which creates 274,000-acre-foot ( 338,000,000m3 Cherry... 4000 feet in elevation devastated habitat for many native and/or endangered species, also... Eels and cod resorts, houses etc get to talk with Marty merge in Tuolumne..
