These trips are a great option during the hot days of summer. Welcome Be careful of foot traps, and use a wading staff at all times. Through the tinkerings of man, the vast majority of Californias rivers have become a highly altered ecosystems. Many of those trees fall into the river. 4 12 I quickly tied on a big streamer, but couldnt get the big brown to come back. Yosemite's Backcountry Site In the fall, the flows get very low and clear and fish can be spooky. 
more Its not for the faint of heart and only recommended for experienced hikers. As a multiday backpack, you'll want to keep your fishing gear as simple and light as possible. for learning fly fishing skills quickly but even experienced anglers
The boogeyman needs a victim. He spent 15 seasons fishing and guiding the waters of the Truckee, Carson, and Walker rivers. Switch rods can be great for some of the areas where there are lots of trees around the river, and fewer areas to backcast. 1/2 Day: $300 for one If you are new to the backpacking game, take a look at the vast resources on the Internet to get up to speed on the gear you'll need from solid hiking shoes, to a warm and light-weight sleeping bag. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Cherry Creek / Upper T who is ok with earning your fishing with some sweat give me Most people visit Yosemite National Park to see iconic landmarks like El Capitan, location of the Academy Award-winning documentaryFree Solo. If those populations inside the park ever do become stressed, it would most likely not be due to competition with brown trout. teacher and doing is the best way to learn, so after a brief and landing wild trout from a mountain stream. to locate the most productive fishing options. 1/2 Day: $300 for one Another one of our initiatives is to protect and enhance Californias historic blue ribbon waters like the McCloud and Truckee. The river can be very dangerous to fish in the spring and early summer when runoff is high. Farther down near the Pate Valley, the gradient eases off and theres good connectivity between pools and runs where larger fish can hunt and wander. are often scheduled from mid afternoon until dark so you can fish Ive seen awesome hatches of Baetis and Ephemerella mayflies, Brown Drakes, and lots of midges. Trout were not originally native to the upper sections of the Tuolumne River, but for more than 100 years, rainbows, browns, brookies, and even golden trout were stocked throughout Yosemite. $300 plus $50 for each additional angler 4 Adults If you want to catch a bunch of trout in the Yosemite area, you should target rainbows, or trek into the small streams at higher elevations, where youll find hordes of brook trout. Fishing there typically requires longer casts and a stealthy approach. The area in and around Yosemite National Park offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures, letting you experience this incredible environment in new and interesting ways. The rod bent over and after a few violent head shakes, the rainbow popped out of the browns mouth. The return climb to elevation gets stretched over 15 plus miles over rolling terrain and ends with about five miles of relatively flat trail into Tuolumne Meadows. Have you ever wanted to push the boundaries of your fly fishing experience? Smallies are scrappy hard fighting If you plan on targeting trophy trout, focus your efforts on the lower sections of river. some of those beautiful.
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Learn more at flyfishyosemite.com. Cell and Text Phone 209.591.8027 waters a call and we can talk about these unique trips. Yosemite Float be your kind of trip. 
In the summer, the majority of the fish are in the runs and riffles, where a standard hopper/dropper rig on a 9-foot, 5-weight rod works just fine. Once a river is dammed, its natural dynamics are completely and permanently changed. If you want to fish streamers in the deep pools, then also pack a reel or spool with a fast sink-tip line. Almost all their food sources swim, and some swim very quickly. I dont recommend spiked wading boots, as carbide points will not provide good traction on the slick, hard granite. That doesnt necessarily mean they will always be in deep water. The tributaries that form the main river flow are unobstructed wilderness rivers that run cold, clear, and clean and with a completely natural flow. In California they exhibit similar behaviors in lakes and reservoirs. Trout season in Yosemite National Park opens the last Saturday trips are one of my favorites. That means the river is extremely high during the spring runoff, and low and clear by the end of summer. The flows are deceivingly strong, the water is cold, there are lots of strainers in the river, and if you take a swim in waders it can be difficult to get back to shore. Once you cut off from the main trail at Pate Valley, you have to bushwhack downriver using a series of bear trails and boulder hopping.
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The Tuolumne and the Merced are both large river systems connected to large reservoirs on the lower ends, and dozens of high country lakes in the headwaters. Many of these areas do require some hiking but the untouched Yosemite, CA 95389, Home > Scenic Wonders Blog > Fly Fishing in Yosemite. Full Day: $400 plus $50 I talk with 1 Child
There are lots of feisty wild rainbows and the fish are eager to eat a fly. that we get to fish are worth the effort. But the park is also home to two wild rivers with some of Californias best trout fishing for native rainbows and predatory browns. Browns in this river also gravitate toward submerged trees. I am a big believer in native trout but Im also a realist, and in some cases, there is no going back. Otherwise you'll need to have a shuttle car parked in the Tuolumne Meadows area. best to meet your expectations. Expect to hike and fish on some rugged terrain as you adventure into some of Yosemites most pristine back country to amazing sub-alpine lakes and rivers that offer the best possibility of experiencing that truly exhilarating human achievement, catching a wild native trout. Brown trout markings are perfect camouflage for the shadows and dark colors of a submerged tree. 
Full Day: They contribute greatly to our economy and motivate more people to become involved in conservation through organizations like CalTrout. Because the water is more swift and the boulders are bigger at the west end of the valley, you can typically get much closer to where the fish are holding, which makes tight-line nymphing a great option. 5, No. The valley water is open and slow. 2
modest sized eager fish that are just right for a successful Most trout here are 8- to 15-inch rainbow trout, but the boogeyman may be lurking in nearby depths and shadows. Undercut banks are also great hiding spots for large trout, and the naturally winding river in Yosemite Valley has lots of them. Valid XHTML & CSS. This route leaves a final hike of over ten miles and climbing some 4000 feet along steep, sun-drenched switchbacks to reach White Wolf. In high water, wind gusts carry the enormous water spray back up to the top of the falls, a cyclic waterwheel that gives the falls an appropriate name. The boulders range from the size of cars to the size of houses. below If you plan on targeting the larger browns in these deep pools, you will need to bring a stout 5- or 6-weight rod and use a sinking-tip line with some big, heavy streamers. When I think of fishing the Merced in Yosemite I kind of think of it as two distinctly different sections. The brown hovered around and made a couple more swipes at the trout as it darted toward the safety of the shallows. 2 Adults
Dont overlook a mouse pattern in the right situation. Thats why I call these predatory big brown trout boogeymen.. The Merced has sculpin, redside minnows, and lots of California suckers, which are a favorite food for big browns. Look for big-fish habitat, and focus your attention in those areas. The Yosemite area has miles of remote streams that Park. guide to hiking. with evening trout fishing for all day trips.
Coastal rainbow trout are the only one of Californias 32 distinct native salmonid species with naturally expanding populations, and they are in zero danger of becoming endangered or extinct anytime soon. The upper Tuolumne River is widely considered to have the best fishing in the park, but youll need to hike a minimum of 7 miles to get into the big fish. A much more accessible option for big trout in Yosemite is the Merced River. casting lesson I like to get out on the water quickly and Thankfully, the flies you'll need are light, so bring several of each! you are not planning to park a shuttle car at the take-out of this trip, then a Hikers Bus is available from Tuolumne Meadows and back to White Wolf. beginner has lots of hands on opportunities to fish and has
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We made the trek in the late fall. $400 plus $50 for each additional angler. Because the water is clean and clear The quickest way to this section is to hike in from White Wolf Camp. If you get up into the tributaries, you will find only smaller wild rainbows. I personally, read many of the All Rights Reserved.
CalTrouts Sierra Headwaters initiative protects the remaining populations of wild, native trout and expands those populations back into historic ranges where possible. And at the heart of any backpacking trip is the ability to cover ground with your legs. Because the upper river and tributaries flow completely through the wilderness of the park, they have some of the cleanest water and least-disturbed aquatic habitat in the state. Theres a trail that follows 20+ miles of the river until it breaks off at Pate Valley and heads back up to Camp White Wolf. Combination Trip Brown trout have been part of Californias ecosystem for over 150 years, and they have become an important gamefish. other Yosemite. For this reason they are much more spread out in the river system and typically require larger pools with depth and structure where they can hide and wait for their next meal to come to them. and my local fly patterns are included. I think of them as boogeymen. If you cant get an advanced permit, 40% are put aside for walk-ups. Park. 5 Children, Address: 7403 Yosemite Park Way. The valley is also home to lots of rodents, including a huge population of field mice. He also started BURL Productions, producing outdoor films like Trout Bum Diaries 1, Soulfish, and Cali Rush. Learn Large brown trout feed differently than small rainbows. 2 Children like to fish just let me know. How to Mend, Set the Hook, and Strip Line, 8 Best Fly Fishing Knots You Should Know How to Tie, Temps for Trout: How to Catch Fish that Behave Hot n Cold, Fly Tying Paramore's Thunder Thighs Hopper, Rigging Your Tackle - Loop to Loop Connection. The National Park Service stopped planting fish in the Tuolumne in 1991, so all the trout are now wild, self-sustaining populations. Their ancestors were brought here by the early European explorers as a food source and as sport for anglers. Its a leg burner walking out, but the scenery is spectacular and youre into prime water as soon as you reach the river. Day use parking is available at various locations off Highway 120 in Tuolumne Meadows, and overnight camping is also available at the Tuolumne Meadows Campground. They start issuing permits the day before starting at 11am at the Tuolumne Meadows Ranger station. articles by the folks at the REI Co-Op. Half day trips are often in or trips- Full and Half Day Stream and River fishing for Trout Check flows above Hetch Hetchy Reservoir leading up to the date of your departure and right before leaving. They are highly adaptable animals, and thanks to their immense allure for anglers, they have now set up shop in coldwater ecosystems in all corners of the globe. This section of the Tuolumne River flows through a remote and roadless area in Yosemite National Park. Full Day: $400 for one person plus $50 for each additional Rainbows are by far much more prolific than brown trout in both the Merced and Tuolumne. The fishing is good at times, but its not easy. instruction in all the basic skills of locating, casting, Many opt to hike from the higher elevation in Tuolumne Meadows (8600 ft.) downhill through most of the canyon to Pate Valley (4400 ft). Small waters are the perfect place 3 Adults Because there is little development along the river, no engineering has been done to the riverbanks to protect human infrastructure and thus the river is left to naturally migrate through the soft sediments of the valley floor. Every spot that looks like it should be holding a fish, usually is. If your plan is to target large brown trout, youll often leave the water skunked. Merced rafting Read more, Sierra Mac - Record December, Record January. These large predatory trout are aggressive and can cover a lot of water very quickly, so its more important to get their attention and force them make a decision quickly.
Manteca is located off of Highway 99 - between Stockon to the North and Modesto to the South. They coexist with native rainbow trout, and in many ways have adapted to occupy a different niche in the ecosystem. 4
No other fish I know of displays such a variance in coloration and patterns within one species. Prepare to suffer through disappointment. 
Due to the nature of the pristine habitat there is a fairly good distribution of wild trout. I make sure every From there it winds its way down to McClure Reservoir. 14 years and have taught hundreds of people the basics of for details. to 5 hours If youre feeling adventurous enough to chase the parks biggest trout, you can hike down the Tuolumne to where it flows into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. to Fly Fish Trips That effort sometimes calls for culling invasive trout like brook and brown trout and even rainbows in places where they were not historically present, and where they compete for habitat or hybridize with native cutthroat trout. When targeting larger trout, streamers are undoubtedly the most effective. bass. Changing climate, massive wild fires, and extended droughts are by far the greatest threats to native trout. Access to the Grand Canyon section starts after the Park Service opens Highway 120 through to Tuolumne Meadows in the late Spring. Spend a day with Tim to catch the Park boundary on the Merced river summer half day trips Mother Merced and the Yosemite Valley see tens of thousands of visitors a year, but very few of those people come specifically to fish. Big wood provides some of the best aquatic habitat for a multitude of species, including trout. 9
to Tim Hutchins Yosemite Fly Fishing Guide Service at Yosemite National One thing is for sure, they are here to stay. The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne (GCT) is a 33-mile one-way hike that follows the Tuolumne River from Tuolumne Meadows down to Pate Valley and then back up to White Wolf. From Tuolumne Meadows, the river quickly drops into a deep gorge nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, and eventually into the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir near the west boundary of the park. And finally, with today's new fabrics you can stay dry, warm, and comfortable on any backpacking trip. every each party prior to the trip so we can plan your day and Some have even adapted to running into the ocean and returning to rivers like steelhead or salmon. Read more, Yes, I would like to receive emails from Sierra Mac River Trips. 3
change seasonally. Most people call them brown trout or Salmo trutta. The water is swift in this area and the rocks can be slick so be careful when wading. 1
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Fishing in the park is open for standard trout season in California, but you should plan your trip well after the spring run-off as the river is often too high and dangerous to fish around the season opener. An excellent place to start would be backpacking for beginners. During the summer, the best fishing for large trout is in early morning or late evening. Look for my feature article on Fly Fishing the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River in the July/August 2018 issue of Northwest Fly Fishing. If youre a physically fit angler You have the slow meandering waters of Yosemite Valley, but directly below where you cross the river as you enter the lower end of the valley on highway 140, the character of the river completely changes as it drops into a tight boulder-filled canyon characterized by pocketwater and a few deep pools. It would be impossible to fully eradicate brown trout. I call these watersheds the Last California. These are the rivers above the dams, the rivers that were never dredged for gold, and still flow out of intact old-growth forests or healthy High Sierra meadows. 4 Nights
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will appreciate these pristine locations. This would be a losing battle. I check conditions daily and select trip destinations in order Yosemite Fly Fishing. Children
Big wood also provides lots of habitat for bugs and great cover for baitfish. The upper Tuolumne starts as snowmelt from the peaks near Tioga Pass. Yosemite Fly Fishing offers half-day, full day and multi-day tours that include a professional fly fishing guide, transportation, and all necessary fly-fishing gear. 8
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Ideal flows for fishing this section of the Tuolumne would be under 400 cfs. Later in the summer, the smooth granite plunge pools form natural water slides for swimmers. For me, they are the best part of the park.