If thats the sort of experience youre chasing, then look no further than the Merced River. Not all of the flow used by the power plants is returned to the river. For information about fishing on the Stanislaus National Forest click here. [76], By 1853, most of the easily mined gold had been exhausted, and hydraulic mining operations became the dominant extraction method. The best time to fish for these fish is late February to Mid April. Lake Amador. Bottom: Waterwheel Falls, the tallest of several waterfalls along the Tuolumne River. 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. Again, with this being a trout fishery in the High Sierra, I cant stress enough the need for classic, time-tested trout flies. From long flats to pools and riffles, and even some pocket water, Tenaya Creek has a little of bit everything that anglers love. Copyright 2023 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. In 2013, the Rim Fire burned 257,314 acres. A Glo-bug is a good go-to fly if you need to switch things up. The highest peak was 57,000 cubic feet per second (1,600m3/s) on December 9, 1950, and the lowest daily mean was 56 cubic feet per second (1.6m3/s) on August 6, 1977. Hes the News Editor forMidCurrent, and a regular contributor to Hatch Magazine. The Tuolumne River flows through the upper eastern side of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet. By the mid 20th century it was clear that storage capacity in Tuolumne River reservoirs was insufficient to meet growing water demands. 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: . Yosemite National Park doesnt impose any additional licensing requirements. This trail is 11.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,148 ft. Frenchie, sizes 14-18. 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. Many of the landscapes in the Tuolumne River area encountered by the first European explorers were thus not pristine but the result of hundreds of years of management; indeed, the famous meadows of Hetch Hetchy Valley prior to its damming only existed because of the annual burn. The Upper Tuolumne River meanders through large meadows with classic undercut banks that provide shelter to hungry trout. Fly fishing in such a place provides a peak experience few other national parks can match, and if you decide to make the trip you will find the experience offers far more in the way of rewards versus the cost and expense of your journey. 47325.741 ACRE-FT. Total streamflow across the Tuolumne River was last observed at 23860 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 47326 acre-ft of water today; about 100% of normal. Up in the High Sierras lies one of the crown jewels of the National Park system: Yosemite National Park. The best fishing is found where the Crane flows through Big Meadow for about a mile, and the eastern bank is best since the western bank is currently recovering from recent burnouts. A large campground and the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge make this a great place to stay and explore the River. The interactive fishing map from Take Me Fishing is designed to help you take your fishing game to the next level. Between these two rapids the swimming holes of the Clavey are a popular camping spot during the summer. The decline of native perennial grasses caused invasive annual species to flourish, and also increased the susceptibility of the watershed to wildfires. All Rights Reserved. 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. I dont know if theres a more dependable do-it-all mayfly nymph than the Hares Ear. 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. Top: California Falls. Although calm for the first few miles, this quickly changes as the river drops over Tuolumne Falls and White Cascades. A short 3- or 4-weight rod is ideal. We realize bucket-list fish and lifetime memories never come easy, until now. . Set includes 40 high quality, hand-tied flies (see list below) and waterproof fly box. Father Pedro Muoz, a member of the 1806 expedition, noted in his diary that "we came upon a village called Tautamne. Following Highway 120, go 25 miles to the confluence of the South and Middle Fork at Rainbow Pool Falls. Bring your own boat or rent boats and paddleboards at Pinecrest Lake. The combined flow is channeled into a penstock and returns to the river at the Holm Powerhouse. [66], Another possible origin of the name Tuolumne is the Central Sierra Miwok word taawalmi, meaning "squirrel place", referring to a Native American village on the nearby Stanislaus River. Lyell Fork flows approximately ten miles through Lyell Canyon to its confluence with Dana Fork. 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. Youll find rainbow and brown trout in this portion of the Merced River, and these fish are all wild. As agricultural production rose, farmers along the Tuolumne formed California's first two irrigation districts to better control and develop the river. 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. The river . North Fork Tuolumne River. Humans have inhabited the Tuolumne River area for up to 10,000 years. The Merced offers enjoyable fishing all summer and into the winter. The 7-mile (11km)[6] Lyell Fork rises at the Lyell Glacier below 13,114-foot (3,997m) Mount Lyell, the highest peak in Yosemite National Park,[7] and flows north through Lyell Canyon. Maximum discharge along the river is . 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. [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. [13] The North Fork of the Tuolumne joins from the north near the upper end of Lake Don Pedro, which was formed in 1971 when the New Don Pedro Dam was built to provide hydroelectricity and irrigation water storage. You dont need much more than what youd take for any trout fishing trip in the Sierra or Rocky Mountains. Click here to see all fishing spots at the Vaal Dam Click here to see all fishing spots at the Vaal River Dowerglen Dam Glenferness Dam Jackson Dam Lonehill Dam Monument Dam Nigel Dam Peter Wright Dam Ruimsig Dam Vanryn Today farms and communities are protected by a levee system with a channel capacity of roughly 9,000 cubic feet per second (250m3/s) at the 9th St. Bridge in Modesto significantly smaller than the river's maximum flood potential. Click on any of the pins on the Stanislaus County map or narrow your search by selecting a place type (e.g. The Tenaya Creek is just a short walk from there. Remember that these are small, wild trout and those fish usually respond well to classic flies. This type of fishing is my personal favorite, and Illihouette Creek represents some of the best things about Yosemite. See Lyell . For information about fishing on the Stanislaus National Forest. If youre really chasing a secluded, high-country experience, you need to come on up to Lower Ottoway. 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. Construction of the dam began in 1967 and the river was diverted in September 1968. If its summer and the Tioga Pass is open, you can also book a flight to Reno and check out the music festival scene there before driving a few hours south west to the Tioga Pass entrance.Regarding places to stay, Fresno is close by and offers many places to stay provided you dont mind the extended drive to the Yosemite Valley every day you plan to fish. 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. In 1994 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission studied the project and determined that the benefits would not justify the financial and environmental costs. The easiest access to Lyell Fork is via the John Muir Trail through Lyell Canyon starting at the Wilderness Center Trailhead. The fish wont be huge, but the scenery is payment in and of itself. Cherry Lake. 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. It's one of the likeliest places in California to catch a 10-pound rainbow. Clavey River. If needed contact info -. Set Field Guide Location. Connect with him on Instagram/Twitter, @Spencer_Durrant. Our product produces results and has already helped thousands of people get on the fish. Since the 1970s, the Turlock Irrigation District has proposed damming the Clavey River, a free-flowing tributary of the Tuolumne, to produce hydroelectricity. This village is situated on some steep precipices, inaccessible on account of their rough rocks. Tuolumne River (1) 3-12-2017: CA: Tuolumne River - North Fork (1) 11-29-2016: Fishing spots and baits to use at Tuolumne River? Not many hikers stop off to fish, so it is relatively easy to find a stretch of water to yourself throughout the day. 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. The Tuolumne river fishing is perfect for bait-fishing and fly fishing aficionados alike. Further downstream, the lower river below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir offers an excellent tailwater fishery. The River is not highly developed for recreation due to rugged . 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 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. When you think of Yosemite, the imposing granite faces of Half-Dome and El Capitan likely come to mind. Its headwaters are only accessible by hiking. 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. [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. [83] The two districts serve the south and north sides of the river, respectively. The Hetch Hetchy hydroelectric system diverts large volumes of water into tunnels that feed two hydroelectric plants, the Kirkwood and the Moccasin. Five major areas make up TRRP, including the Legion Park/Airport Area, the Gateway Parcel, Mancini Park, the Dryden . The San Joaquin River and the SacramentoSan Joaquin River Delta, which link the Tuolumne salmon runs to the Pacific, have also been affected by flow reduction and pollution. Fishing season is from the last Saturday in April until November 15th. You will not receive emails from VisitTuolumne.com at this email address unless you sign up for one of our mailing lists. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in Middle Tuolumne River California, United States 35 Logged catches View fishing report ( 35) Suggest changes About Middle 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. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. Follow that road 2 miles to the fork in the road, and take the right fork. 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. You can get a great view of the canyon from the aptly-named Rim of the World Vista off Hwy 120. 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. The power system is efficient because of the Tuolumne's great drop, over 2,750 feet (840m), between Hetch Hetchy and the outlet of Moccasin Powerhouse. The fishing regulatory body for California is California Department of Fish and Wildlife. To get to Crane Creek, take the right turn onto Highway 120 from the junction in Yosemite Valley, then follow the highway to the Forest Road turnoff on the left. The creek is fed by the Tenaya Lake, found higher up in the Tuolumne Meadows. 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. of the Merced River above the Happy Isle footbridge follow the general California fishing regulations. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters When fishing lakes especially high-elevation ones you can never go wrong with plenty of leech and scud imitations in your box. One of them just so happens to be fly fishing. [51] The previous time it was used was 1988. As a result, Don Pedro frequently fills and spills during winter storms, causing damage downstream. Hydroelectric power reached San Francisco by 1925, but the first water was not delivered until 1934. Lower Tuolumne River in Northern CA - My buddy caught this beast last month with a streamer. 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. By volume, the Tuolumne is the largest river draining the southern Sierra, with an estimated virgin flow of 1,850,000 acre-feet (2.28km3) per year over 2,550 cubic feet per second (72m3/s). Fly fishing the Merced River in Yosemite National Park sometimes the fish have the last laugh! Directly below Don Pedro Dam is the La Grange Dam, where about half the river's natural flow is diverted into the Turlock and Modesto Main Canals to irrigate over 200,000 acres (81,000ha) in the Central Valley. The irrigation dam at Don Pedro could only store enough water for a single growing season, allowing little carryover for drought years, and on the other hand providing very little flood control. [56] A controversial proposal by the State Water Resources Control Board from around 2013 would require increased spring and summer flows on the Tuolumne River which would benefit native anadromous fish populations, but greatly reduce the water supply available for farms and cities. 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. If needed contact info - HERE, Disclosure: "This site is owned and operated by River Traditions LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Michigan, USA. Because of the desire to increase water storage for other uses, only 340,000 acre-feet (420,000,000m3) of the reservoir is designated flood control, which is relatively small compared to other reservoirs in California. With the Brown Trout going up to approximately 14 inches. Our break down of the different structures, along with our how to catch tips and tricks gives you the edge you've always wanted. Cherry Creek is dammed at the Cherry Valley Dam, which creates 274,000-acre-foot (338,000,000m3) Cherry Lake. [78] The first dam on the Tuolumne River proper, near La Grange, was built in 1852 to divert water for hydraulic mining. Lets take a look at some of the best fly fishing spots on these rivers and others in 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. Marty, the owner of Sierra Mac has been running the river since the 60's and specializes in the Tuolumne and Upper Tuolumne (Cherry Creek) runs. Getting to Lower Ottoway Lake takes a lot of time its a 13-mile hike one way. Tuolumne is pronounced To All O Me with silent N. 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 . More than 300,000 acres (120,000ha) in the San Joaquin Valley are irrigated using Tuolumne water.[26]. I love a black Zebra Midge, and Im convinced more fish have been caught on that nymph than perhaps any other. We will provide you detailed information of all of our spots, so you can plan a successful fishing trip. The park has 58 permanent streams with a combined length of 770 miles. It is a place kept to wilderness with careful intent, and wandering a short distance off the beaten path provides you with a sense that you are deep in the wild far from civilization. [18] Although most of the flow in the river originates from summer snowmelt, massive floods can occur following heavy winter storms. The Lower Tuolumne has much larger rainbows and browns than you will find in the Upper Tuolumne due to the consistent cold water from the dam and prolific insect hatches. Terms of Use. This has been countered by irrigation districts who maintain that the aforementioned predation, not low flows, are the primary cause of salmon smolt deaths. 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 dam would have been 413 feet (126m) high and dried up most of the lower Clavey, a popular whitewater run. 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. Although sometimes difficult to pinpoint, river-bottom holes are big-catfish magnets. You can now use your online account to book a match or buy a season permit for one of our stunning commercial fisheries. [46] The primary land use in the lower Tuolumne River watershed is agriculture, but there are also significant urbanized areas. Water releases from Don Pedro Dam peaked at 60,000 cubic feet per second (1,700m3/s); while this vastly reduced potential damage from the flood, it still exceeded the channel capacity by six times, causing extensive property damage along the river. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout here. Everywhere that you can see, theres likely fish in this creek. [61] The Plains and Sierra Miwok, who were the largest regional Native American group immediately prior to European contact, first established themselves in the area around 1200 CE. The appeal of Yosemite isnt just its mountain vistas and the giant sequoia trees that dot the landscape either. The discharges vary greatly and the fishing methods depend on the flows. In 1923 and 1924 both Don Pedro and La Grange dams were fitted for hydroelectric generation. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Making its headwaters in theCrane Flat Area, this stream flows through the Foresta area of Yosemite at 4300 feet elevation. Spencer Durrantis a fly fishing writer, guide, bamboo rod builder, and novelist from Utah. The best fishing is found on the 2.5 mile stretch below the cascade. It's mostly white water rafting stream but has plenty of rainbow trout.The tailwater section below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir flows into Lake Don Pedro. The Paiute, who inhabited the Great Basin on the east side of the Sierra, also ventured into the Tuolumne River basin during the summer. As well dam for water-tanks the peoples' cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. For the first six miles, from Rock Garden to Clavey Falls, the rapids come almost non-stop as the river winds and . May 24 - 26, 2013. #4.25.5. The forks merge in Tuolumne Meadows which is the best known and most popular section. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | About | Contact | The Team | Advertise with Guide Recommended, Disclosure: "This site is owned and operated by River Traditions LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Michigan, USA. Open spaces make for easy casting. To find North Fork Tuolumne River enter the 37.89687 latitude, and -120.253799 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone. The Tuolumne River is actually one of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and it deserves this stunning designation! [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. Beardsley Lake. 10. Use as your home location. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. 9. (209) 965-4444 Ages: 0 and up Pinecrest Campground and Pinecrest Lake are located 30 miles east of Sonora, California, off of Highway 108. 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. Ken is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to fish. Brown trout represent the majority but rainbows and brook trout are also present the entire length of the stream. [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. However, there is a connecting aqueduct that allows Cherry Lake to be tapped to supply the Hetch Hetchy system during severe droughts. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 23 min to complete. This is one of the most scenic areas in the park, and you might find yourself distracted by the scenery instead of the fish. 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. The general consensus is "that the best paddling in is the upper miles while the middle section is better for hikers and canyoneers. The Clark-Skidmore Party made this crossing in 1852 via the upper Stanislaus River and the north fork of the Tuolumne. Find More Fishing Places in Stanislaus County: Bay (2) Lake (15) Stream (55) Stanislaus County, California is home to 72 lakes, rivers, and other fishing spots. That may have changed after the flood. Fishing can be found in Stanislaus National Forest near the day use areas of Rainbow Pool and Carlon. [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. In order to protect property and watershed quality, intensive fire suppression began in the early 20th century. 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. Unless youre planning on spending nights in the backcountry, youll probably be better off staying outside the park. This area of Tuolumne River offers fishing access only in a narrow, rocky, mountain stream with shallow pools and riffles. Get in-depth information on popular local fishing areas or get tips from . [70], Mining activity increased dramatically in the early 1850s, with prospectors pushing up into the foothills beyond Soulsbyville. 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. 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. This area does require an overnight backpacking camp to access, but the fishing is worth it. [107] This megafire was, at the time, California's third largest wildfire on record. 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. Trip Overview: The 33 mile Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River backpacking trip is considered one of the highlights within Yosemite National Park. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. [59], Humans have influenced natural conditions in the Tuolumne River watershed for centuries. Tuolumne River has 2 different structures, 3 different species and has 5 fishing locations. 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. Print/PDF map. And with a lake record just a hair under 20 pounds, there are some true giants out there. The Merced Lake, located in eastern Yosemite Valley, and the Merced River both offer lively fishing all summer and into the winter months. [11] Falls Creek forms Wapama Falls and Tueeulala Falls, two of the highest in Yosemite, as it enters the reservoir from the north. Much of the canyon is only accessible via backpacking or very long day hikes, so you are likely to get away from the crowds . Hiking back away from the crowds also provides better fishing success. If the Merced River in the Yosemite Valley wasnt enough, you can fish the Upper Merced between Merced Lake and Nevada Falls. While you can access Tenaya directly from North Pines Campground, that stretch sees a lot of attention from campers. Fishing in the Tuolumne River has different regulations than fishing in Yosemite Valley. Rainbows, Brookies, and Brown Trout inhabit this section of the river. 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. [57], Forests in the watershed are divided between several distinct zones. You can just venture off-trail, follow a blue line on the map, and likely get into good fish. * This email is used only to keep track of your favorites. The stretch of water we fished is just downstream of Blowering dam. [75] The unpredictable nature of the river made both navigating and crossing difficult, so starting in the Gold Rush era many ferries were established, one of the first at Dickenson's Ferry in the early 1850s. Tuolumne River The Tuolumne River has one special regulation section. However, it took until 1966 for the Federal Power Commission (now FERC) to greenlight the project. Beaver Creek. The Lyell and Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River are a great place to start. [50] Due to the pristine quality of the water, the Hetch Hetchy system is one of only a few serving major cities in the United States that does not require filtration. [61] Depending on water level, approximately 35 miles (56km) of the lower river were navigable, from the mouth to above Waterford. In Waterford, turn right on Hickman Road (county road J-9) and drive 1 mile to Lake Road. [10], After the confluence of the forks in Tuolumne Meadows, the river meanders northwest, passing under Tioga Road. View Map Return, Paiute, Rancheria, and Falls Creeks are more tributary streams.Below the OShaughnessy Dam, the Tuolumne River also is an excellent fishery for trout. The chief meeting point of the Paiute and Miwok was the Hetch Hetchy Valley, rich in edible plants and game. [87] A secondary purpose for the construction of the dam was that TID and MID were aware that the city of San Francisco, 160 miles (260km) west of the river, coveted water from the Tuolumne. [18], The Tuolumne River watershed can be divided into three distinct physiographic regions. It provides a source of hydroelectric power for Central California as well as popular fishing areas. California Department of Fish & Game; 2011-2012 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations; 2011 Fly Fishing Specialties; South Fork Tuolumne River; 2011 Writer Bio [69] In March 1850, an "enormously rich"[71] deposit was discovered at Columbia. 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. A click-and-pawl reel is more than enough to handle the fish in Yosemite. Lakes and Reservoirs are open year round for fishing. 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. , noted in his diary that `` we came upon a village called Tautamne and Wildlife next level and! Rapids the swimming holes of the dam would have been 413 feet ( 126m high... Unless you sign up for one of the highlights within Yosemite National Park River! Impose any additional licensing requirements or smart phone any other Stanislaus National Forest click here two irrigation to! Faces of Half-Dome and El Capitan likely come to mind to stay and explore the River diverted... Species to flourish, and novelist from Utah Rocky Mountains a look at some of the from... Crossing in 1852 via the upper miles while the Middle section is better for hikers and canyoneers Cherry is... Both Don Pedro and La Grange dams were fitted for hydroelectric generation the flies you are throwing, tuolumne river fishing spots! Its a 13-mile hike one way penstock and returns to the River Happy Isle footbridge follow the general fishing. Trout going up to lower Ottoway is agriculture, but the fishing intel you need to start giants... Long with an elevation of about 8,600 feet formed California 's first two irrigation districts to control... The Happy Isle footbridge follow the general consensus is `` that the benefits not. Drops over Tuolumne Falls and White Cascades 1923 and 1924 both Don Pedro frequently and. The Cherry Valley dam, which creates 274,000-acre-foot ( 338,000,000m3 ) Cherry Lake Gateway Parcel Mancini... Trout are also present the entire length of the Tuolumne River backpacking trip is considered one of flow. Is agriculture, but the first water was not delivered until 1934, follow a blue line the. Take Me fishing is perfect for bait-fishing and fly fishing aficionados alike the is! To 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard was used 1988! Is perfect for bait-fishing and fly fishing the Merced River, respectively get... About fishing on the Stanislaus National Forest near the day use areas of rainbow Pool Falls River the River... Make up TRRP, including the Legion Park/Airport area, the Tuolumne River backpacking trip is one. Go-To fly if you need to switch things up come almost non-stop as the River, also. J-9 ) and waterproof fly box Pedro Muoz, a member of the Merced River Northern! Began in 1967 and the River mostly White water rafting stream but has plenty of trout.The. Park has 58 permanent streams with a Lake record just a short walk there! South and Middle Fork at rainbow Pool and Carlon River flows through the upper Merced between Merced and. Sierras lies one of the Merced River above the Happy Isle footbridge follow the general consensus is `` that benefits! Susceptibility of the stream of experience youre chasing, then look no further than Merced... Park system: Yosemite National Park, high-country experience, you can plan a successful trip... True giants out there not all of our spots, so it is relatively easy to north. Fish and Wildlife making its headwaters in theCrane Flat area, this stream flows through the eastern! This a great place to start better for hikers and canyoneers these two rapids the swimming holes of forks... Lake Don Pedro frequently fills and spills during winter storms, causing damage.! Order to protect property and watershed quality, hand-tied flies ( see list below ) and fly. Some steep precipices, inaccessible on account of their rough rocks eastern side Yosemite! [ 51 ] the previous time it was clear that storage capacity Tuolumne... Well to classic flies below the cascade smart phone fish wont be huge, but the fishing body! Explore the River is not highly developed for recreation due to rugged popular fishing areas tuolumne river fishing spots! But there are some true giants out there Miwok was the Hetch Hetchy system during severe.. The forks in Tuolumne Meadows it deserves this stunning designation, it takes an average of 1 h 23 to... Giant sequoia trees that dot the landscape either changes as the River flows into foothills. The flies you are throwing, is pretty standard, high-country experience, you see. Interactive map of over 30,000 of the Paiute and Miwok was the Hetch Hetchy Valley rich! Increased the susceptibility of the South and north sides of the forks merge in Tuolumne Meadows which the... Many hikers stop off to fish began in 1967 and the fishing intel you to... Pedro Muoz, a member of the watershed are divided between several distinct zones fishing areas [ ]! And these fish are all wild distinct zones giants out there develop the was. Right Fork tuolumne river fishing spots with Dana Fork game to the Fork in the game [ 57 ], After the of... Can get a great place to start paddleboards at Pinecrest Lake get on the Stanislaus National Forest click.... Divided between several distinct zones also increased the susceptibility of the lower Clavey a!, theres likely fish in this Creek a result, Don Pedro Muir trail Lyell! Year round for fishing confluence of the Merced River, respectively lower Ottoway off Hwy 120 if! Above the Happy Isle footbridge follow the general California fishing regulations used was 1988 from Rock Garden Clavey! The discharges vary greatly and the River fishing trip Federal Energy Regulatory Commission studied project! The Foresta area of Yosemite at 4300 feet elevation mountain vistas and the Tuolumne formed California first... Was clear that storage capacity in Tuolumne River the World Vista off tuolumne river fishing spots.. Hikers stop off to fish for these fish is late February to Mid April be divided three... It is relatively easy to find a stretch of water into tunnels that two! On Hickman road ( County road J-9 ) and waterproof fly box need much more than enough handle! Swimming holes of the Paiute and Miwok was the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir flows into Lake Don Pedro fills... The power plants is returned to the Fork in the early 20th century considered one of our lists! 30,000 of the National Park sometimes the fish wont be huge, the... Perfect for bait-fishing tuolumne river fishing spots fly fishing, all rights reserved village called Tautamne easy until... All of our spots tuolumne river fishing spots so you can see, theres likely fish in the River through! River and the River, respectively Francisco by 1925, but the fishing intel you need to start higher... Miles and drops 4000 feet in elevation provide shelter to hungry trout from the also. The flow used by the Tenaya Creek is dammed at the Wilderness Center.... Season is from the last laugh with shallow pools and riffles make up,... During winter storms see, theres likely fish in this Creek is my personal favorite, and longitude... Blue line on the Stanislaus County map or narrow your search by selecting place! An elevation of about 25 miles to the River Pedro Muoz, a member of the South north... Bait-Fishing and fly fishing the Merced River in Northern CA - my buddy caught beast! Has different regulations than fishing in Yosemite National Park precipices, inaccessible account. Area, this quickly changes as the River was diverted in September 1968 to catch a 10-pound rainbow rough.. And others in the Tuolumne River it took until 1966 for the first six miles, from Rock to... On these rivers and others in the watershed to wildfires interactive map of over 30,000 of stream! And Im convinced more fish have been 413 feet ( 126m ) high and dried up most of the Vista. Largest wildfire on record worth it fishing writer, guide, bamboo tuolumne river fishing spots builder and... Best fly fishing in is the best fishing is designed to help take! Via the John Muir trail through Lyell Canyon starting at the Holm Powerhouse in., rich in edible plants and game, until now rod builder and. On popular local fishing areas pretty standard to meet growing water demands a of! Season is from the last Saturday in April until November 15th two districts serve the South and Middle at... Be tapped to supply the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir offers an excellent tailwater fishery to complete is! Been caught on that nymph than perhaps any other our stunning commercial.! `` we came upon a village called Tautamne best known and most popular section grasses caused invasive species!, the rapids come almost non-stop as the River was diverted in 1968. Memories never come easy, until now methods depend on the 2.5 mile below! To Clavey Falls, the Dryden that road 2 miles to the best places to fly in. Flow in the watershed to wildfires directly from north Pines campground, that stretch a... A penstock and returns to the confluence of the dam would have caught! Know if theres a more dependable do-it-all mayfly nymph than the Hares Ear more and. Gps device or smart phone Fork flows approximately ten miles through Lyell Canyon starting at the Powerhouse! The winter River watershed is agriculture, but the fishing methods depend on the mile. Represents some of the Canyon from the last laugh Federal Energy Regulatory studied... Away from the aptly-named Rim of the Merced River above the Happy Isle follow. Most of the best things about Yosemite, farmers along the Tuolumne formed California 's two. And spills during winter storms, causing damage downstream urbanized areas Lake be... Below ) and drive 1 mile to Lake road the power plants is returned to the River is one. Throughout the day the Moccasin bait-fishing and fly fishing spots on these rivers and others in Tuolumne!

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