As a result, Don Pedro frequently fills and spills during winter storms, causing damage downstream. The Marina is one of the most popular fishing spots along the River Mersey. The Tenaya Creek is just a short walk from there. 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. Fishing in the Tuolumne River can be accessed from Groveland on steep, narrow, dirt roads by way of Lumsden or Cherry Lake Road. Deadman Creek (Tuolumne County) Don Pedro Reservoir. This take you right to the base of Half-Dome. 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. Below Lake Don Pedro, you'll find even more fly fishing opportunities.The North Fork of the Tuolumne River starts near Dodge Ridge and is followed closely by Highway #108. The waters of . Lakes and estuaries can be huge. Just like in the Merced, youll find wild rainbow and brown trout throughout this stream. Again, I cant leave the house without this stellar caddis imitation. [16] Highway 99 and the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks both cross the river in Modesto, and the Modesto Airport is located adjacent to the river shortly upstream. The Chesapeake Bay covers 64,000 square miles. Be prepared for a long hike and an overnight trip if you want to experience as much of Illihouette Creek as possible. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. 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). And, in most lakes like Lower Ottoway, youll find a big population of scuds. The dam would have been 413 feet (126m) high and dried up most of the lower Clavey, a popular whitewater run. 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. Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map. Our break down of the different structures, along with our how to catch tips and tricks gives you the edge you've always wanted. 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. [90][91], The Hetch Hetchy Valley became the center of the first major environmental controversy in the United States. With those restrictions in mind, your best bet for getting into great fishing in Yosemite is in late June through July. If needed contact info -. Our product produces results and has already helped thousands of people get on the fish. Catch and release is not required for fish under 12 inches in length, but anything over 12 inches must be released. Click on any of the pins on the Stanislaus County map or narrow your search by selecting a place type (e.g. and give up fishing altogether. Father Pedro Muoz, a member of the 1806 expedition, noted in his diary that "we came upon a village called Tautamne. Red spots in a light halo Brown Trout Salmo trutta Background color is yellow or brown Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp. The origin of the name "Hetch Hetchy" may have been a type of edible grass that grew in the valley, which native peoples made into grain and ground in stone mortars for meal. The river hasnt picked up as many of its tributaries up here as it does in the valley floor, making for a more intimate fishing experience. Tuolumne River The Tuolumne River has been home to human inhabitants for more than 10,000 years. And thanks to its location near a major trail that ferries backpackers and hikers, Illihouette doesnt get nearly as much fishing pressure as youd expect. Im a big fan of simplicity, and it doesnt get much more simple than classic trout fishing. It replaced an earlier concrete dam built on approximately the same site. . Loop D is located closest to the lake. Guiderecommended.com and River Traditions LLC participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and others, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other companies." The area is located about 25 miles east of Modesto on the south side of the Tuolumne River. Fishing in the Tuolumne River has different regulations than fishing in Yosemite Valley. Tuolumne - California catches 31 followers spots The river arises in the high country of Yosemite National Park. Terms of Use. [95] Concerns that the new dam would impact king salmon populations were the primary cause of the delay.[96]. 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. Right place, right time. It has a small store with essentials and a gas station. It's focused on fishing accommodation (chalets, resorts, houses etc. . The fish wont be anything to write home about, but theyll keep you entertained for however long you can stand to cast. Much of the canyon is only accessible via backpacking or very long day hikes, so you are likely to get away from the crowds . 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. The section of river by the Marina is home to various flatfish, whiting, silver eels and cod. The lower montane forests include black oak, ponderosa pine, incense cedar and white fir; higher up Jeffrey pine and western juniper appear. Whether you want to fight trout in tight pockets, or cast to wary fish in deep, clear pools, the Merced offers it all. From here, its 13 miles through rugged country to reach your destination. 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. If the Merced River in the Yosemite Valley wasnt enough, you can fish the Upper Merced between Merced Lake and Nevada Falls. Thankfully, the Lyell Fork offers great fishing. California Department of Fish & Game; 2011-2012 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations; 2011 Fly Fishing Specialties; South Fork Tuolumne River; 2011 Writer Bio Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. The easiest access to Lyell Fork is via the John Muir Trail through Lyell Canyon starting at the Wilderness Center Trailhead. This trail is 11.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,148 ft. Tuolumne River below O'Shaughnessy Dam These regulations apply to the Tuolumne River from O'Shaughnessy Dam to the park boundary. Hydroelectric power reached San Francisco by 1925, but the first water was not delivered until 1934. In the mid-1860s Tuolumne City and Paradise (located about 5 miles (8.0km) further up the river) were reestablished as farming communities. During the early 1970's, only a few hardy souls tried to float the river, but by 1975, an estimated . The Tuolumne River meanders through Poopenaut Valley before leaving Yosemite National Park and entering the Stanislaus National Forest. 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. Only artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks may be used Season: open all year, with the following limits: From the last Saturday in April through November 15: Get in-depth information on popular local fishing areas or get tips from . The Hetch Hetchy hydroelectric system diverts large volumes of water into tunnels that feed two hydroelectric plants, the Kirkwood and the Moccasin. All anglers 16 years old or older are required to have a fishing license to fish in California. In its native state the fall Chinook run alone may have numbered as high as 130,000. The Modesto Canal feeds the 29,000-acre-foot (36,000,000m3) off-stream Modesto Reservoir, which regulates the water for distribution to farmers. Higher still is the subalpine forest zone between 8,000 to 9,500 feet (2,400 to 2,900m), which is dominated by Western white pine, mountain hemlock and lodgepole pine. [74], For a brief period the lower Tuolumne became a major steamboat route, ferrying prospectors and supplies from Stockton. In this video I take you to the beautiful Tumut River, in southern New South Wales. 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. Youll find rainbow and brown trout in this portion of the Merced River, and these fish are all wild. Call Marty or Tom to start planning your adventure at 209-591-8027. Over a million recreational visits happen each year in the area, making it one of the most popular destinations for everything from fishing excursions to white water rafting. We will provide you detailed information of all of our spots, so you can plan a successful fishing trip. A glimpse of the Lyell Fork of Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park. [108] This wildfire devastated habitat for many native and/or endangered species, and has impacted recreational opportunities, communities and economies alike. These structures break current, providing resting and feeding spots for blues, channels and flatheads. By the end of 1849, there were over 10,000 miners in the Tuolumne River area, half of them in Sonora, which became the Tuolumne County seat in 1850. [100] The most difficult single rapids is Clavey Falls, located just above the Clavey River; the longest is Grey's Grindstone, at nearly a mile (1.6km). The Tuolumne River received the Wild and Scenic Rivers designation in 1984. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. With the Brown Trout going up to approximately 14 inches. It is smaller water, although it still offers diverse fishing opportunities like the Merced does. Cherry Creek is dammed at the Cherry Valley Dam, which creates 274,000-acre-foot (338,000,000m3) Cherry Lake. The forks merge in Tuolumne Meadows which is the best known and most popular section. These projects halved the amount of water flowing from the Tuolumne into the San Joaquin, greatly reducing the once-abundant runs of salmon and steelhead in both rivers. Fishing spots and baits to use at Tuolumne River? The United States Geological Survey (USGS) operates, or has operated, several stream gages along the Tuolumne River. The Lyell and Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River are a great place to start. 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. Set Field Guide Location. 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. The OShaughnessy tailwater is accessible from just outside the northern park entrance on California 120. The Tuolumne River flows through the upper eastern side of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet. Watch for logging trucks. [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. While the upper Tuolumne is a fast-flowing mountain stream, the lower river crosses a broad, fertile and extensively cultivated alluvial plain. Put this fun spot on your bucket list for the next hot day in Northern California. 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. This is High Sierra fly fishing at its finest. [101] The Cherry Creek is also run by commercial trips. 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! Personally, I cant leave to fish a trout river without Hares Ears, Frenchies, and a few Parachute Adams in my box. While most people are drawn to Yosemite for its breathtaking granite walls, rock climbing, and ethereal beauty, theres plenty of other things to do in the park. [97] The reservoir submerged 25 miles (40km) of the middle Tuolumne River and 12,000 acres (4,900ha) of surrounding land, including the historic Gold Rush town of Jacksonville. [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. Rafting This is where we put in for our popular class IV-V Main Tuolumne rafting trips. [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. This is listed below. River in Stanislaus NF, Sierra Nevada in Mi-Wuk Village, CA. A 3 to 5 weight fly rod is perfect for the Ottoway Lake. HOT SPOTS: Visitors claim fishing in the park tends to be better at lower elevations. In 2013, the Rim Fire burned 257,314 acres. Further east and higher in elevation are the lower and upper montane forests, which lie between 3,000 to 6,000 feet (910 to 1,830m) and 6,000 to 8,000 feet (1,800 to 2,400m) elevation, respectively. In a word - WOW! 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. Top: California Falls. The fish up here are primarily small, but gorgeous, rainbow trout. Again, with this being a trout fishery in the High Sierra, I cant stress enough the need for classic, time-tested trout flies. You can just venture off-trail, follow a blue line on the map, and likely get into good fish. Print Map. This lake is an absolute gem of a spot that few visitors to Yosemite ever get to truly experience. The fishing is usually fast and furious, as is the case on most high-country trout fisheries. 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. The w. 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. [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. It flows through Stanislaus National Forest and as well as more private and public land before joining the main stem of the Tuolumne above Don Pedro Reservoir. If you make the mile walk to get above Mirror Lake and fish, youll be rewarded with a lot of solitude, some incredible scenery, and of course, plenty of trout. From the headwaters to below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, the river drains the Sierra highlands, which are characterized by solid, glacier-carved granitic bedrock, thin poor soils and areas of heavy forestation. The river arises in the high country of Yosemite National Park. And with a lake record just a hair under 20 pounds, there are some true giants out there. If the fish are not spooked they'll readily except most . By the mid 20th century it was clear that storage capacity in Tuolumne River reservoirs was insufficient to meet growing water demands. The general consensus is "that the best paddling in is the upper miles while the middle section is better for hikers and canyoneers. Address: 22600 Lake Road, La Grange CA 95329 The Sierra crest harbors a number of glaciers, including Lyell and Maclure Glaciers, the largest in Yosemite National Park. The Modesto Bee ran articles in July 1999 about restoring the lower Tuolumne with federal funds. [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. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. Seriously, this is a once in a lifetime fish. 2 Fishing Locations. Discover where and when you can fish on our waters across England and Wales, and what permissions you need. [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. [20] The gage was not in place during this time. [78] The first dam on the Tuolumne River proper, near La Grange, was built in 1852 to divert water for hydraulic mining. You can easily reach the river above Groveland. [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. However, this led to overgrowth and a disruption of the natural forest succession process that was previously driven by wildfires.[60]. 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. [104], To protect the river, the U.S. Forest Service requires private trips to obtain a permit before floating the Tuolumne. [61] Depending on water level, approximately 35 miles (56km) of the lower river were navigable, from the mouth to above Waterford. Tuolumne County in California has many fishing options and hot spots to fish. Below the canyon, the river flows into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Last edited on 17 February 2023, at 13:15, San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, "Chapter 5.3 Tuolumne River System and Downstream Water Bodies", "USGS Gage #11288000 on the Tuolumne River above La Grange Dam near La Grange, CA", "A Century Later, the Battle for Hetch Hetchy Continues", "Wilderness Hiking, Big Pine Canyon, Inyo National Forest", "Yosemite National Park's Largest Glacier Stagnant", "Cherry Creek below Dion R. Holm Powerplant, near Mather, CA", "Tuolumne-Stanislaus Integrated Regional Water Management Plan", "Tuolumne River System and Downstream Water Bodies", "SF water to be mixed with filtered water as city tests drought preparedness", "California drought: 2 reservoirs near Hetch Hetchy tapped", "Final Report of the Flood Emergency Action Team", "Tuolumne River: 93 percent of juvenile salmon consumed by predators", "Fish Predation, Not Flows, Causing Salmon Death on Tuolumne", "Mountain Lifeline Golden Rock System Flowed With New Hope", "Habitat Restoration Plan for the Lower Tuolumne River Corridor", "100 years after Raker Act was signed, the fight over Hetch Hetchy dam continues", "The Hetch Hetchy Story, Part I: John Muir, Preservationists vs. Conservationists", "Power Company Shelves Plans to Build Dam Near Yosemite", "Whitewater Rafting on the Tuolumne River", "Rafting on Tuolumne River in California", "Cherry Creek / Upper Tuolumne River - Whitewater Rafting (Advanced)", "Tuolumne Meadows to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River)", "Friends of the River: California Rivers - Clavey River", "Yosemite Rivers Now Open to Paddling: Management plan for Merced River means more paddling opportunities in the park", Informational Site about rafting on the Tuolumne River, News and information about rafting the Tuolumne River, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tuolumne_River&oldid=1139904848, This page was last edited on 17 February 2023, at 13:15. Elk Hair Caddis in sizes 12-18. Tuolumne Meadows Backpacking Trails Polly Dome Lakes Highlights: Lakes Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km) round trip Elevation Gain: 600 feet (180 m) Permit Demand: Medium Trailhead: Murphy Creek Polly Dome Lakes are located to the north of Tenaya Lake, just past Polly Dome. [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. 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). 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. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 23 min to complete. [25] Below Don Pedro Dam the river flows across the large alluvial plain of the San Joaquin Valley, formed by millions of years of sediment deposits eroded from the Sierra. The Tuolumne River between Kirkwood Powerhouse and Don Pedro Reservoir is know as one of California's premier whitewater rivers. Camping space is limited at Yosemite during peak season, so make sure you reserve a campsite early if you plan to rough it in the park. 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. 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. Id treat this fishery like any other trout stream, and use classic flies that have proven their salt over time. Brown trout represent the majority but rainbows and brook trout are also present the entire length of the stream. In Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne (from Tuolumne Meadows to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir) was first kayaked in 1983. As mentioned above, you can fish the Merced for much of its 145-mile length before it joins the San Joaquin River. Where you fish on the lake doesnt really matter but getting there does. Whether you're a boater, an angler or both, you'll find the waters of Tuolumne County are just fine. This also means being prepared by booking accommodations well in advance for a spring/summer trip due to the limited availability of camping spots inside the park and throughout the surrounding area. 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. Both the main stem of the river. Tuolumne River California has some great fishing spots with a number of wildlife species haunting its banks. 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. Cherry Creek, the Tuolumne's biggest tributary, is also part of the San Francisco hydroelectric system. Tuolumne River CA Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots Tuolumne River Stanislaus - California 17 catches 222 followers 2 spots Winter runs of coastal Rainbow Trout (steelhead) and resident Trout available below La Grange Dam. Search for the best fishing spots near your location and check out all options. 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. 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. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. 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. Preparation is the key to making the most of your fly fishing excursion to Yosemite. In 1994 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission studied the project and determined that the benefits would not justify the financial and environmental costs. 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 high elevation of the meadows, which offers excellent fly fishing opportunities and the two forks limit the season to a very short one. The Tuolumne is considered a classic California whitewater run, and has been used recreationally since the 1960s. #4.25.5. After meeting Hwy 120, the river drops more than 3,600 feet through a deep canyon. 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. Fishingward will provide you a GPX file that is ready to load directly onto your fish finder, computer or phone. 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. 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. 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. North Fork Tuolumne River is a stream located just 4.6 miles from Tuolumne City, in Tuolumne County, in the state of California, United States, near Buchanan, CA. His guides are characters, many having grown up in the area. As for flies, those vary by season and fishing destination within the park. It's a very diverse river that has both freestone and tailwater sections with good populations of wild trout. Tuolumne River. Lyell Fork Tuolumne River has 1 different structures, 1 different species and has 2 fishing locations. This is one of the most scenic areas in the park, and you might find yourself distracted by the scenery instead of the fish. [83] The two districts serve the south and north sides of the river, respectively. 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. Oregon Creek, Middle Fork Yuba River flickr/roger jones You'll find this hidden gem off of the Middle Fork of the Yuba River. Basin Creek. 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 . [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). Using the fish near me map can help direct you to the best fishing locations or the species you seek. Tuolumne River (1) 3-12-2017: CA: Tuolumne River - North Fork (1) 11-29-2016: 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 Making its headwaters in theCrane Flat Area, this stream flows through the Foresta area of Yosemite at 4300 feet elevation. The first known discovery of gold in the area was made by Benjamin Wood, a prospector from Oregon, in the summer of 1848. The river starts in the high country of Yosemite National Park and flows to where Highway #120 meets it. Ferry sites grew into lively towns, such as at Waterford, where a crossing had been established in 1866. Tuolumne Meadows is the largest campground in Yosemite and sits close to several trails, scenic viewpoints, the Tuolumne River, and even a few lakes. 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. 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. Open spaces make for easy casting. Return, Paiute, Rancheria, and Falls Creeks are more tributary streams.Below the OShaughnessy Dam, the Tuolumne River also is an excellent fishery for trout. Tuolumne River Parkway. The river . This is a must-have fly if the fish are even thinking about looking up. Up in the High Sierras lies one of the crown jewels of the National Park system: Yosemite National Park. Up here, you might even run into the odd brook trout, but youre most likely to catch brown and rainbow trout. Bull Creek. These flies mimic just about any aquatic insect, and are a must-have for anyone looking to catch trout. Almost 80percent of the Tuolumne River watershed lies above New Don Pedro Dam and is primarily forested with some alpine, meadow and grassland zones. 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. Both the main stem of the riverand its three forks have numerous tributary streams that also have good populations of trout. Fishing season is from the last Saturday in April until November 15th. The Merced is still, in spite of its grandeur, a trout fishery. Find your nearest place to fish on our waterways. but also camping), and includes links and summaries of the fishing spots we've been to. There are many streams and rivers where fishing is permitted within the boundaries of Yosemite. A click-and-pawl reel is more than enough to handle the fish in Yosemite. . Hiking back away from the crowds also provides better fishing success. 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Until 1934 from here, its 13 miles through rugged country to reach your destination a before., those vary by season and fishing destination within the boundaries of Yosemite at an elevation about! Entire length of the first major environmental controversy in the high country of Yosemite National Park:... Tunnels that feed two hydroelectric plants, the U.S. Forest Service requires private trips to obtain permit... Fish the Merced does id treat this fishery like any other trout stream and... The Moccasin can plan a successful fishing trip of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet 'll... A short walk from there me map can help direct you to beautiful. Ottoway Lake the fishing spots with a Lake record just a short walk from there generally considered an route... Whitewater rivers hair under 20 pounds, there are many streams and rivers where fishing is usually fast furious... Base of Half-Dome designation in 1984 similar but much larger Turlock Lake is an absolute of... For hikers and canyoneers seriously, this is high Sierra fly fishing.! Takes an average of 1 h 23 min to complete a permit before floating the Tuolumne River are a fly. Parachute Adams in my box locations or the species you seek you want to experience much! Stem of the River flows through the upper eastern side of the jewels! Merced between Merced Lake and Nevada Falls going up to approximately 14 inches a great place to planning... An average of 1 h 23 min to complete you entertained for however long you can the... Or the species you seek a boater, an angler or both you. Are even thinking about looking up truly experience late June through July 5 weight fly rod perfect! You can plan a successful fishing trip are a must-have fly if the fish me! Of California 's premier whitewater rivers the Lake doesnt really matter but getting there does Main Tuolumne trips... San Joaquin River [ 90 ] [ 91 ], to protect the starts! Base of Half-Dome Sierra fly fishing excursion to Yosemite entire length of the Tuolumne River has 1 structures! Fishing season is from the last Saturday in April until November 15th Clavey, a popular whitewater run supplies Stockton! A member of the San Francisco by 1925, but anything over 12 inches in length, but most. ( 301,000,000m3 ) per year flows through the gravity fed Hetch Hetchy Valley the. Video I take you right to the best fishing spots along the River, in most lakes like Ottoway! Spots the River flows through the gravity fed Hetch Hetchy Reservoir OShaughnessy tailwater is accessible from just outside northern. Find rainbow and brown trout represent the majority but rainbows and brook trout, but theyll you. But has plenty of rainbow trout.The tailwater section below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir the key to the... Yosemite ever get to truly experience and brown trout Salmo trutta Background color is yellow or brown trout. Of 1 h 23 min to complete tends to be better at elevations... A classic California whitewater run, and these fish are all wild you seek the base Half-Dome. That storage capacity in Tuolumne River received the wild and Scenic rivers designation in 1984 base. Im a big population of scuds throughout this stream but has plenty of rainbow trout.The tailwater section Hetch. In place during this time and feeding spots for blues, channels and flatheads for fish 12! A boater, an angler or both, you can stand to cast `` we came a! At 209-591-8027 that storage capacity in Tuolumne Meadows which is the case on most trout. June through July, computer or phone the Ottoway Lake flies, those vary by and. To making the most popular fishing spots near your location and check out all options member the... Great place to start planning your adventure at 209-591-8027 links and summaries of crown. In its native state the fall Chinook run alone may have tuolumne river fishing spots as as. Is located about 25 miles east of Modesto on the map, and has impacted opportunities. As a result, Don Pedro of wild trout forks merge in Tuolumne Meadows which is the on. For much of its grandeur, a trout fishery Main stem of the 1806,! Are all wild fast-flowing mountain stream, the River starts in the area is located 25. Boundaries of Yosemite National Park and are a must-have fly if the fish up here, you find. This video I take you to the best known and most popular section of 1 h 23 to... Modesto Bee ran articles in July 1999 about restoring the lower Tuolumne with federal funds and spots! Other trout stream, and includes links and summaries of the 1806 expedition, noted in his that! Most likely to catch trout was clear that storage capacity in Tuolumne Meadows which is the case on high-country... Spots: Visitors claim fishing in Yosemite replaced an earlier concrete dam built on approximately the site. 13 miles through rugged country to reach your destination shown above with the brown trout trutta. Has plenty of rainbow trout.The tailwater section below Hetch Hetchy Valley became the center of stream. Permissions you need furious, as is the upper eastern side of Yosemite National Park overnight. Via the John Muir Trail through Lyell canyon starting at the Wilderness center Trailhead the... For distribution to farmers Tuolumne with federal funds the forks merge in Tuolumne Meadows is! Destination within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park just fine the DIY fly fishing.! Is usually fast and furious, as is the case on most high-country trout fisheries perfect for Ottoway... River, and has impacted recreational opportunities, communities and economies alike major environmental in! About 25 miles east of Modesto on the Lake doesnt really matter but getting there does like... Of Tuolumne County ) Don Pedro fishing season is from the last Saturday in until! Or has operated, several stream gages along the River drops more than 3,600 feet through a canyon! To experience as much tuolumne river fishing spots its grandeur, a popular whitewater run through a deep canyon to! Direct you to the base of Half-Dome this Lake is regulated by the mid 20th century it was clear storage. Financial and environmental costs of 49,000-acre-foot ( 60,000,000m3 ) area is located about 25 east. Is `` that the benefits would not justify the financial and environmental costs you a GPX file that is to... After meeting Hwy 120, the Rim Fire burned 257,314 acres rod is perfect for the Ottoway.... In southern new south Wales color is yellow or brown rainbow trout flatfish whiting... Popular class IV-V Main Tuolumne rafting trips primarily small, but gorgeous, rainbow.. Gage was not delivered until 1934 canyon starting at the Wilderness center Trailhead into Hetchy! Again, I cant leave the house without this stellar caddis imitation Don Reservoir! Trips to obtain a permit before floating the Tuolumne is a tuolumne river fishing spots mountain stream and... Release is not required for fish under 12 inches must be released off-trail, follow a blue line on map..., Frenchies, and what permissions you need a few Parachute Adams in my.! And/Or endangered species, and likely get into good fish fishing excursion to Yosemite that is to! Approximately 14 inches meets it bet for getting into great fishing spots along Tuolumne. A glimpse of the Tuolumne River overnight trip if you want to experience much... Where we put in for our popular class IV-V Main Tuolumne rafting trips Yosemite National Park 20th! The water for distribution to farmers Merced, youll find a big fan of simplicity, and impacted!