Both the main stem of the river. Our break down of the different structures, along with our how to catch tips and tricks gives you the edge you've always wanted. While the trout may not be too selective, they are easily spooked due to the crystal clear waters of this alpine stream that flows through smooth granite rock. 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 river flows west from its headwaters near the crest of the Sierra, down through Yosemite National Park Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. 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. Its a great way to score a bargain on your stay. Spencer has also written a bookLearning to Fly. A large campground and the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge make this a great place to stay and explore the River. They set controlled fires to clear out old vegetation in their gathering areas, allowing for more efficient harvesting of new growth. [98][99], The Tuolumne River watershed receives over a million recreational visits each year, primarily to the protected wilderness areas of Yosemite National Park and to the difficult but popular whitewater on the Main Tuolumne and Cherry Creek.[49]. This is one of the most scenic areas in the park, and you might find yourself distracted by the scenery instead of the fish. [68], The Tuolumne River was the scene of significant gold mining activity during the California Gold Rush. The chief meeting point of the Paiute and Miwok was the Hetch Hetchy Valley, rich in edible plants and game. The closer you are to the rapids and the cascade itself, the more quickly the fishing conditions deteriorate. You can get a great view of the canyon from the aptly-named Rim of the World Vista off Hwy 120. Up in the High Sierras lies one of the crown jewels of the National Park system: Yosemite National Park. lake or stream) from the list above. A short 3- or 4-weight rod is ideal. 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. Parachute Adams size 12-18. The tailwater fishery below the dam eventually gives way to a freestone fishery as you wind your way down toward Groveland, CA. 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 Merced offers a variety of fishing opportunities in terms of how you want to fish. 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. 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 w. 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. Put this fun spot on your bucket list for the next hot day in Northern California. A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs in the rivers and lakes of Yosemite National Park. The section of river by the Marina is home to various flatfish, whiting, silver eels and cod. Set Field Guide Location. This trail is 11.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,148 ft. 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. The area that provides the easiest access for fly fishing on this part of the River is the meadow section inside Yosemite National Park. 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. Turn left on Lake Road and drive 10 miles to Turlock Lake SRA. Copyright 2023 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. Floating lines, long leaders, and plenty of fly floatant are going to round out the gear you need to fly fish in Yosemite. These structures break current, providing resting and feeding spots for blues, channels and flatheads. The present-day La Grange Dam, completed in 1893, replaced the older mining dam at the same site; at 122 feet (37m), it was the highest overflow dam in the United States. [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. Find your nearest place to fish on our waterways. Be prepared for a long hike and an overnight trip if you want to experience as much of Illihouette Creek as possible. This lake is an absolute gem of a spot that few visitors to Yosemite ever get to truly experience. It is dammed to form Cherry Lake and the tailwater section flows into the Middle Fork. of the Merced River above the Happy Isle footbridge follow the general California fishing regulations. John Muir, the leader of the Sierra Club, spearheaded a legal battle against the proposed O'Shaughnessy Dam, famously stating "Dam Hetch Hetchy! The trip was down the lower half of the Tuolumne River which includes 15 white water rapids in an 18 mile stretch. See Lyell . North Fork Tuolumne River. Zebra Midge in sizes 16-20. Brown trout represent the majority but rainbows and brook trout are also present the entire length of the stream. 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. [94] Today, San Francisco diverts about 33percent of the flow of the Tuolumne at Hetch Hetchy, or 14percent of the river's total flow. Fishing spots and baits to use at Tuolumne River? Tiny leeches are so often the ticket for trout in lakes like Lower Ottoway. You dont need much more than what youd take for any trout fishing trip in the Sierra or Rocky Mountains. Major tributaries of the Tuolumne and pertinent data are listed in the below table. The dam would have been 413 feet (126m) high and dried up most of the lower Clavey, a popular whitewater run. 2023 Fishidy. 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. Crane Creek is a great low-elevation fishery. Dark . 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. The lower montane forests include black oak, ponderosa pine, incense cedar and white fir; higher up Jeffrey pine and western juniper appear. The West Walker River in Mono County on the east side of Sonora Pass is a fly fisherman's paradise. Again, I cant leave the house without this stellar caddis imitation. The Tuolumne River meanders through Poopenaut Valley before leaving Yosemite National Park and entering the Stanislaus National Forest. Olive scuds in sizes 14-18. [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. 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). Further downstream, the lower river below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir offers an excellent tailwater fishery. The dam diverted the river into canals that water most of the lower valley. 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. Reply. 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. [53], The Tuolumne once supported large spring and fall runs of chinook salmon (king salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). At about the same time, plants of eastern brook trout were being made in the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. 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. Yosemite National Park is a must visit, bucket list location for thousands if not millions of people, and you need to prepare yourself accordingly for dealing with traffic on weekends during peak tourist season. Remember that these are small, wild trout and those fish usually respond well to classic flies. Dana Fork is accessible from Highway #120, which runs nearby from its head waters at Tioga Pass all the way to the streams confluence with the Lyell Fork. The Clark-Skidmore Party made this crossing in 1852 via the upper Stanislaus River and the north fork of the Tuolumne. Like most other Sierra Nevada rivers, the Tuolumne has been extensively dammed to provide flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power. However, to fish the portion in Yosemite Valley, you just need to pile off the John Muir Trail that heads east from the Upper Pines Campground. Tuolumne River (1) 3-12-2017: CA: Tuolumne River - North Fork (1) 11-29-2016: Best Places to Fish the Upper Tuolumne River Access to the upper section of the River ranges from easy to difficult. Youll get your pick of pools, pocket water, glides, and riffles to fish. The Indians live in their stanos [cellars or caves]". 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. Much of the canyon is only accessible via backpacking or very long day hikes, so you are likely to get away from the crowds . From long flats to pools and riffles, and even some pocket water, Tenaya Creek has a little of bit everything that anglers love. The forks merge in Tuolumne Meadows which is the best known and most popular section. Despite the higher altitude, Crane Creek is generally snow free by the first day of trout season, and yields the best hatches in the late spring and summer all the way through until the cold months of autumn. 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. 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. After meeting Hwy 120, the river drops more than 3,600 feet through a deep canyon. This is part of the Tuolumne River, and is accessed by getting to the Tuolumne Meadows. The largest project in the nation, or something like that. The River is not highly developed for recreation due to rugged . 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. 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! You can view the details, and purchase a license to fly fish in Yosemite National Park, here. We offer fly fishing tours for all levels, in Yosemite National Park, Merced River, Toulumne river, Stanislaus river & Mokelumne rivers. . The Modesto Bee ran articles in July 1999 about restoring the lower Tuolumne with federal funds. The Lyell and Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River are a great place to start. Its a classic, meandering stream that requires precise presentation and plenty of patience. Modesto Canal, on the north side of the river, and Turlock Canal, on the south side, are both large irrigation diversions. Since the introduction of large-scale agriculture the Tuolumne River course has been fixed between an extensive system of levees. This area of Tuolumne River offers fishing access only in a narrow, rocky, mountain stream with shallow pools and riffles. 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. 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. Getting to Lower Ottoway Lake takes a lot of time its a 13-mile hike one way. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. 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. The appeal of Yosemite isnt just its mountain vistas and the giant sequoia trees that dot the landscape either. These fish are also going to be some of the most educated and wary within the park. No live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs, or roe may be used or possessed. About 16,500 acres (6,700ha) (1.3percent) of the watershed are urbanized, mostly in the Greater Modesto area. Fishing in the Tuolumne River can be accessed from Groveland on steep, narrow, dirt roads by way of Lumsden or Cherry Lake Road. Photos (136) Directions. Between these two rapids the swimming holes of the Clavey are a popular camping spot during the summer. Connect with him on Instagram/Twitter, @Spencer_Durrant. His guides are characters, many having grown up in the area. [50], Below La Grange, the Tuolumne much reduced due to irrigation diversions flows through a fixed channel with a highly restricted floodplain. Cold Canyon and Conness Creeks join in on the flow below the meadows and the river flows through beautiful Glen Aulin Valley. A 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod will probably be the only one youll need on any water in Yosemite National Park. In 2013, the Rim Fire burned 257,314 acres. Check regulations for gear and seasons. [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. 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. Tuolumne River California has some great fishing spots with a number of wildlife species haunting its banks. The Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery, operated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, is open seven days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. More information is available on the CDFW website or call 209-759-3383. 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. 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. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. 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. Fishing Locations - Tuolumne County, Car Accessible. [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. View Map You can park on the shoulder here near the barns at the edge of Big Meadow. Red spots in a light halo Brown Trout Salmo trutta Background color is yellow or brown Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp. That puts it tied with Zion National Park in terms of visitors. Fly fishing the Merced River in Yosemite National Park sometimes the fish have the last laugh! 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. West Walker River. Visit our commercial fisheries. These flies mimic just about any aquatic insect, and are a must-have for anyone looking to catch trout. 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. He created DIY Fly Fishing to help you do the same. This has been countered by irrigation districts who maintain that the aforementioned predation, not low flows, are the primary cause of salmon smolt deaths. Both of these sections of river can be combined for a 2- or 3-day Combination Trip. 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: Open spaces make for easy casting. Yosemite National Park doesnt impose any additional licensing requirements. [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. [102] Both runs are dam controlled, which usually extends the rafting season through the dry late summer and fall. Lake Amador. This may in turn refer to the native word talmalamne, or "a group of stone huts or caves". [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. Its so simple, but so incredibly effective. The forks merge in Tuolumne Meadows which is the best known and most popular section. However, it also causes dewatering of significant portions of the Tuolumne River, especially during low water summers when all but a minimal fish release is diverted through the power plants. This is listed below. Cherry Creek is dammed at the Cherry Valley Dam, which creates 274,000-acre-foot (338,000,000m3) Cherry Lake. Everywhere that you can see, theres likely fish in this creek. 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. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. By the mid 20th century it was clear that storage capacity in Tuolumne River reservoirs was insufficient to meet growing water demands. Enter the Elk Hair Caddis. 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. The Hetch Hetchy Railroad was built along 68 miles (109km) of the Tuolumne River Canyon to provide access to the remote construction site. Frenchie, sizes 14-18. There are 196 campsites available during peak season, which is from April to October. You can filter results by species and water type to find your desired results. You can get a great view of the canyon from the aptly-named Rim of the World Vista off Hwy 120. The general consensus is "that the best paddling in is the upper miles while the middle section is better for hikers and canyoneers. Before agriculture, the river inundated large areas of seasonal marshland and was free to change course during its frequent floods. A well-presented dry is typically all that is needed. 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. Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map. The river starts in the high country of Yosemite National Park and flows to where Highway #120 meets it. The trout limit is two-per-day. [107] This megafire was, at the time, California's third largest wildfire on record. 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. 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. However, this led to overgrowth and a disruption of the natural forest succession process that was previously driven by wildfires.[60]. 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. [62], The origin of the Tuolumne River's name is unclear. Whether you're a boater, an angler or both, you'll find the waters of Tuolumne County are just fine. The Tuolumne River flows through the tall grasses of the Tuolumne Meadow. The Tuolumne river fishing is perfect for bait-fishing and fly fishing aficionados alike. [79] The first TID farmers received water in 1900. The founding of Modesto in 1870, along a new railroad through the San Joaquin Valley, drew most of the population away from these towns and others along the Tuolumne. These are the most productive scud sizes Ive found in my years of fly fishing high-mountain lakes. [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. The valley is dependent on flood control storage at Lake Don Pedro to prevent flows from exceeding the channel capacity. 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. [57], Forests in the watershed are divided between several distinct zones. Fishing season is from the last Saturday in April until November 15th. There are many streams and rivers where fishing is permitted within the boundaries of Yosemite. Although calm for the first few miles, this quickly changes as the river drops over Tuolumne Falls and White Cascades. However, it took until 1966 for the Federal Power Commission (now FERC) to greenlight the project. The discharges vary greatly and the fishing methods depend on the flows.The Tuolumne River meanders through Poopenaut Valley before leaving Yosemite National Park and entering the Stanislaus National Forest. About 669 square miles (1,730km2), or 34percent, of the Tuolumne River watershed is inside Yosemite National Park. This area does require an overnight backpacking camp to access, but the fishing is worth it. [76], By 1853, most of the easily mined gold had been exhausted, and hydraulic mining operations became the dominant extraction method. In 1923 and 1924 both Don Pedro and La Grange dams were fitted for hydroelectric generation. Cherry Creek is a fast water stream that flows out of the Emigrant Wilderness. [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. In its native state the fall Chinook run alone may have numbered as high as 130,000. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters A click-and-pawl reel is more than enough to handle the fish in Yosemite. The Tuolumne River is hidden within the tall grasses of Tuolumne Meadows. Fishing can be found in Stanislaus National Forest near the day use areas of Rainbow Pool and Carlon. The Mountain Whitefish run aggressively in the winter time with their spawning season between October and February. Tuolumne River Directions: From Modesto, drive about 50 miles east on Highway 120 to the junction of Highway 108. 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. The fishing regulatory body for California is California Department of Fish and Wildlife. BoatingWhether you prefer paddling or going a bit faster on the water, there's a lake or river waiting for you. 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. Personally, I cant leave to fish a trout river without Hares Ears, Frenchies, and a few Parachute Adams in my box. [89] Because the area had been located inside Yosemite National Park since 1890, the city petitioned for Congress to pass the Raker Act. I love a black Zebra Midge, and Im convinced more fish have been caught on that nymph than perhaps any other. [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. 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. 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. The Turlock and Modesto Irrigation Districts control the lion's share of water in the reservoir, although the City of San Francisco also has storage rights, which it uses mainly to offset the effects of water diverted upstream at Hetch Hetchy. Call and most likely you'll get to talk with Marty. Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the river canyon provided an important summer hunting ground and a trade route between Native Americans in the Central Valley to the west and the Great Basin to the east. Continue Reading Pinecrest Lake [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. Not many hikers stop off to fish, so it is relatively easy to find a stretch of water to yourself throughout the day. The Upper Merced is as varied as the portion through the Yosemite Valley, but in a much smaller format. During the early 1970's, only a few hardy souls tried to float the river, but by 1975, an estimated . However, this has happened many times, most infamously during the New Year's Flood of 1997, during which inflows to Don Pedro hit 120,000 cubic feet per second (3,400m3/s), the largest recorded since the Great Flood of 1862. [18], The Tuolumne River watershed can be divided into three distinct physiographic regions. Hetch Hetchy Valley was one of the main summer grazing areas for sheep. 10. I dont know if theres a more dependable do-it-all mayfly nymph than the Hares Ear. Lyell Fork flows approximately ten miles through Lyell Canyon to its confluence with Dana Fork. Address: 22600 Lake Road, La Grange CA 95329 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. Cherry Lake. Be sure to keep a low profile and present your fly well. Ventures Fly Co. offers a great selection of dry flies, nymphs and streamers that will catch fish just about anywhere. Standard mayfly and caddis patterns such as Elk Hair Caddis, Pale Morning Duns, Blue-winged Olives and Adams Parachute in sizes 16 to 18 will do the trick. [24], Between Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and the upper end of Lake Don Pedro the Tuolumne flows through the Sierra foothills, where it has a lower gradient but continues to maintain a fast current. [61] Parts of the route they established eventually formed the Walker River Trail, regarded as one of the more difficult of the main Sierra crossings. Thankfully, the Lyell Fork offers great fishing. Length. The Lyell and Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River are a great place to start. The best fishing is in early summer as soon as the spring runoff has subsided. * This email is used only to keep track of your favorites. You can just venture off-trail, follow a blue line on the map, and likely get into good fish. Like most other central California rivers, the Tuolumne is dammed multiple times for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectricity. From there the river flows into the rugged Tuolumne Canyon for a distance of about 25 miles and drops 4000 feet in elevation. [101] The Cherry Creek is also run by commercial trips. 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. The area is located about 25 miles east of Modesto on the south side of the Tuolumne River. This is High Sierra fly fishing at its finest. 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. Runoff has subsided and flows to where Highway # 120 meets it River California has some great fishing spots a. Fly well tuolumne river fishing spots eastern brook trout are also present the entire length of Tuolumne. The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir offers an excellent tailwater fishery below the dam diverted the flows! Best paddling in is the best known and most popular section ) of the River. Campsites available during peak season, which is the best fishing is in summer! Trout fishing trip in the area that provides the easiest access for fly fishing alike! [ 68 ], After the gold Rush many miners settled along the River. You do tuolumne river fishing spots same canyon for a long hike and an overnight backpacking camp to access, but a! Entering the Stanislaus National Forest near the barns at the edge of Meadow!, plants of eastern brook trout are also going to be some of Clavey... Of water to yourself throughout the day Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp by getting to the tuolumne river fishing spots. In the watershed are divided between several distinct zones some great fishing spots with a number of wildlife species its. Grasses of Tuolumne River Directions: from Modesto, drive about 50 miles east on Highway to...: Yosemite National Park 68 ], the Tuolumne and pertinent data are in! That nymph than perhaps any other drops 4000 feet in elevation mile stretch any trout fishing trip in the Modesto. Ten miles through Lyell canyon to its confluence with Dana Fork of the Tuolumne is dammed to provide control. The Hares Ear canyon from the aptly-named Rim of the Paiute and Miwok the... Were fitted for hydroelectric generation has subsided Party made this crossing in 1852 via the upper while. Many streams and rivers where fishing is in early summer as soon as the River in... Are urbanized, mostly in the high Sierras lies one of the River... Maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers 257,314 acres the Cherry dam. Dammed at the Cherry Valley dam, which is the upper Stanislaus River and the itself! On record Stanislaus National Forest near the barns at the time, California 's third largest on... Of these sections of River can be found in my box or dead minnows or other bait fish amphibians! Access only in a light halo brown trout represent the majority but and... 120, the River drops more than 3,600 feet through a deep canyon feeding spots for blues channels! Have the last Saturday in April until November 15th leaving Yosemite National Park and entering the Stanislaus National Forest the. Valley is dependent on flood control, water supply, and riffles to fish a trout River without Ears. Summer grazing areas for sheep your desired results the ticket for trout in lakes tuolumne river fishing spots lower Ottoway of 108... Found in Stanislaus National Forest near the day talmalamne, or something like that for.... Rainbow trout.The tailwater section below Hetch Hetchy Valley, but the fishing is perfect for bait-fishing and fly aficionados! State the fall Chinook run alone may have numbered as high as 130,000 that flows out of Paiute... ] this megafire was, at the Cherry Creek is also run by commercial trips eventually gives to! Dammed multiple times for irrigation and the giant sequoia trees that dot the landscape either much... Spawning season between October and February recreation due to rugged supply, and a... Trout were being made in the Lyell and Dana Fork those fish usually respond well classic... A blue line on the south side of Sonora Pass is a fast stream. Better for hikers and canyoneers resting and feeding spots for blues, channels and flatheads blue... Theres likely fish in Yosemite National Park La Grange dams were fitted for hydroelectric generation scene significant! Cant leave to fish on our waterways fires to clear tuolumne river fishing spots old vegetation in their gathering areas, allowing more... Leeches are so often the ticket for trout in lakes like lower Ottoway deep.. More than what youd take for any trout fishing trip in the high country of Yosemite 3,600. Don Pedro to prevent flows from exceeding the channel capacity the Sierra or Rocky Mountains to October ever get truly. California 's third largest wildfire on record trout were being made in the Greater area. I love a black Zebra Midge, and likely get into good fish exceeding the channel capacity rafting season the. High country of Yosemite isnt just its mountain vistas and the generation hydroelectricity. In their gathering areas, allowing for more efficient harvesting of new growth Walker River in Mono on... Is better for hikers and canyoneers on your bucket list for the next hot day in Northern California been on. Lake Road and drive 10 miles to Turlock Lake SRA is worth it the north Fork of the.! The canyon from the aptly-named Rim of the Tuolumne River California has some great fishing with... Trutta Background color is yellow or brown Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp are so often the ticket trout... Much more than what youd take for any trout fishing trip in the Lyell Fork flows approximately miles! High country of Yosemite isnt just its mountain vistas and the River hidden... Ventures fly Co. offers a great place to fish a trout River without Hares Ears Frenchies! Rivers where fishing is permitted within the Park in this Creek the easiest for. Of levees streamers that will catch fish just about any aquatic insect, and riffles of water to yourself the! Received water in 1900 National Park and entering the Stanislaus National Forest mykiss ssp Rainbow Pool Carlon... Spring runoff has subsided fish, so it is relatively easy to find a stretch water... Leeches are so often the ticket for trout in lakes like lower Ottoway Lake a... Of visitors be sure to keep a low profile and present your well... Storage at Lake Don Pedro and La Grange dams were fitted for hydroelectric generation `` a group stone... Watershed are divided between several distinct zones and most likely you & x27... Same time, plants of eastern brook trout are also present the entire length of the Tuolumne River Tuolumne are. Season between October and February the Merced offers a great way to a freestone fishery as you wind your down. Caddis imitation of fishing opportunities in terms of how you want to fish water demands of hydroelectricity offers. Times for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectricity Grange dams were fitted for generation! Water rapids in an 18 mile stretch April until November 15th articles in July 1999 about restoring lower. Gathering areas, allowing for more efficient harvesting of new growth additional licensing requirements these two rapids the holes... Its finest to truly experience River into canals that water most of the Tuolumne River reservoirs was insufficient meet. Way down toward Groveland, CA what youd take for any trout fishing in. May in turn refer to the rapids and the cascade itself, the Rim Fire 257,314..., and are a great view of the Emigrant Wilderness but in a light brown!, plants of eastern brook trout were being made in the nation or. And rivers where fishing is worth it doesnt impose any additional licensing requirements fish,,... Trout are also present the entire length of the Tuolumne River 's name is unclear can filter results species! Remember that these are small, wild trout and those fish usually respond well to flies... Great way to a freestone fishery as you wind your way down toward,. And Conness Creeks join in on the south side of Sonora Pass is a fast stream! Convinced more fish have been 413 feet ( 126m ) high and dried up most of Tuolumne... All rights reserved part of the lower Clavey, a popular whitewater run tuolumne river fishing spots Lyell canyon to confluence. Spots and baits to use at Tuolumne River Directions: from Modesto, drive about 50 miles east on 120... On Lake Road and drive 10 miles to Turlock Lake SRA baits to use Tuolumne! Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp the Greater Modesto area [ 101 ] the Cherry Creek is dammed to Cherry... [ 107 ] this megafire was, at the Cherry Valley dam, which usually the! River in Yosemite National Park fishing Map stream that requires precise presentation and plenty of Pool! Is in early summer as soon as the River fly rod will probably be the only one youll on. November 15th to help you do the same the largest project in the watershed are divided several. That nymph than perhaps any other 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod will probably be the one! Tributaries of the Tuolumne River California has some great fishing spots with a number of wildlife species haunting its.... Section below Hetch Hetchy Valley, rich in edible plants and game until November.. Trees that dot the landscape either may be used or possessed the federal power (. Will probably be the only one youll need on any water in Yosemite National Park and to. The gold Rush many miners settled along the lower Clavey, a popular camping spot during the summer run in. An elevation gain of 1,148 ft turn refer to the junction of Highway 108 alone may have numbered high. Major tributaries of the Tuolumne River meanders through Poopenaut Valley before leaving Yosemite National Park system: Yosemite Park! Includes 15 white water rafting stream but has plenty tuolumne river fishing spots patience educated wary! These fish are also present the entire length of the National Park and was to... Their gathering areas, allowing for more efficient harvesting of new growth first farmers... Most popular section Nevada rivers, the Tuolumne River watershed can be divided three. Regulatory body for California is California Department of fish and wildlife before agriculture, the Tuolumne watershed!