tuolumne river fishing spotstuolumne river fishing spots

From the 1900s to the 1930s, the river was dammed at Don Pedro and Hetch Hetchy to provide water for Central Valley farmers and the city of San Francisco, respectively. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. The designated reach is the main stem from its source to the Don Pedro Reservoir. The system uses three classifications; Tuolumne has 47 miles (76km) categorized as Wild, 23 miles (37km) categorized as Scenic and 13 miles (21km) categorized as Recreational, for a total of 83 miles (134km) protected from further development.[109]. When it comes to fishing in Leeds, the River Wharfe is a great choice. [76], By 1853, most of the easily mined gold had been exhausted, and hydraulic mining operations became the dominant extraction method. Cherry Creek, the Tuolumne's biggest tributary, is also part of the San Francisco hydroelectric system. Bring your own boat or rent boats and paddleboards at Pinecrest Lake. Fishing in the Tuolumne River has different regulations than fishing in Yosemite Valley. 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. Dry Fly Fishing is the best technique and most fun method in the meadow section. 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. Both the main stem of the river and its three forks have numerous tributary streams that also have good populations of trout. Connect with him on Instagram/Twitter, @Spencer_Durrant. [76][80] By the early 1900s Modesto's population numbered more than four thousand. The trip was down the lower half of the Tuolumne River which includes 15 white water rapids in an 18 mile stretch. 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. If youre really chasing a secluded, high-country experience, you need to come on up to Lower Ottoway. [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. The stretch of water we fished is just downstream of Blowering dam. One of the lesser known benefits of visiting Yosemite though is its exceptional fly fishing in the many rivers, creeks, and streams that run throughout the park. 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. There are many streams and rivers where fishing is permitted within the boundaries of Yosemite. The irrigation dam at Don Pedro could only store enough water for a single growing season, allowing little carryover for drought years, and on the other hand providing very little flood control. 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 We understand what fisherman need to be successful in the pursuit of target species across the United States. However, this led to overgrowth and a disruption of the natural forest succession process that was previously driven by wildfires.[60]. [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. 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). Reply. [73]) The prosperity in the region prompted a search for a new crossing of the Sierra Nevada that would provide more direct access to the camps from the east. [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. Ken is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to fish. Most of the snowpack that feeds the Tuolumne accumulates in this region. The Lyell and Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River are a great place to start. As well dam for water-tanks the peoples' cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man. Fly Fishing The Tuolumne RiverCaliforniaThe Tuolumne River flows for about 150 miles from the Central Sierra Nevada, into the Joaquin River near Modesto, California. Whether you want to fight trout in tight pockets, or cast to wary fish in deep, clear pools, the Merced offers it all. We offer fly fishing tours for all levels, in Yosemite National Park, Merced River, Toulumne river, Stanislaus river & Mokelumne rivers. Everywhere that you can see, theres likely fish in this creek. Youll pass a lot of fishing opportunity on the way to Lower Ottoway, so dont hesitate to throw a line wherever you want. 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. [69] In March 1850, an "enormously rich"[71] deposit was discovered at Columbia. In this video I take you to the beautiful Tumut River, in southern New South Wales. Today, average annual river flows reach a maximum in the short stretch between Don Pedro Dam and La Grange Dam, about 50 miles (80km) above the mouth, before the start of large irrigation diversions. Not all of the flow used by the power plants is returned to the river. 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. Catch and release is not required for fish under 12 inches in length, but anything over 12 inches must be released. Tuolumne River has 2 different structures, 3 different species and has 5 fishing locations. [83] The two districts serve the south and north sides of the river, respectively. Humans have inhabited the Tuolumne River area for up to 10,000 years. The Tuolumne River from the OShaughnessy Dam downstream to Early Intake Diversion Dam only artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks may be used; bait fishing is prohibited. A USGS gage recorded an average annual flow of 2,343 cubic feet per second (66.3m3/s) here between 1911 and 1970, with a maximum peak of 60,300 cubic feet per second (1,710m3/s) on January 31, 1911, and a minimum monthly mean of 57.5 cubic feet per second (1.63m3/s) in October 1912. Its headwaters are only accessible by hiking. [78] The first dam on the Tuolumne River proper, near La Grange, was built in 1852 to divert water for hydraulic mining. Pm me if interested. Turn left on Lake Road and drive 10 miles to Turlock Lake SRA. [54] With the exception of the Merced River immediately south, this is the southernmost existing population of Chinook salmon in North America. The better section is further up, past Mirror Lake, which sits on the creek itself. The Merced is still, in spite of its grandeur, a trout fishery. Whether you're a boater, an angler or both, you'll find the waters of Tuolumne County are just fine. In its native state the fall Chinook run alone may have numbered as high as 130,000. Tuolumne River The Tuolumne River has been home to human inhabitants for more than 10,000 years. Tiny leeches are so often the ticket for trout in lakes like Lower Ottoway. Olive scuds in sizes 14-18. 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 fish wont be anything to write home about, but theyll keep you entertained for however long you can stand to cast. If you stick to the lower six miles of the Merced, your odds of finding more solitary conditions where you can try your luck freely is much better. Again, with this being a trout fishery in the High Sierra, I cant stress enough the need for classic, time-tested trout flies. 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. See Lyell . You can get a great view of the canyon from the aptly-named Rim of the World Vista off Hwy 120. The area that provides the easiest access for fly fishing on this part of the River is the meadow section inside Yosemite National Park. This is part of the Tuolumne River, and is accessed by getting to the Tuolumne Meadows. Originating at over 8,000 feet (2,400m) above sea level in Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne drains a rugged watershed of 1,958 square miles (5,070km2), carving a series of canyons through the western slope of the Sierra. You dont need much more than what youd take for any trout fishing trip in the Sierra or Rocky Mountains. [61] The Miwok lived in the Sierra foothills and Central Valley lowlands during winter and traveled into the upper Tuolumne River in summer to hunt, as well as seek refuge from the summer heat. A major tributary, Eleanor Creek, is dammed to form Lake Eleanor, and diverted into Cherry Lake through a tunnel. and give up fishing altogether. Clear Lake is a n 8 acre lake located in Tuolumne County. 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. [55] Massive irrigation diversions and river channelization projects have led to the extinction of the spring Chinook run and greatly reduced the fall run. Dont forget to check local listings for vacation rentals nearby, too. It had 4.5 million visitors in 2019 alone, according to the National Park Service. [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. [90][91], The Hetch Hetchy Valley became the center of the first major environmental controversy in the United States. 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. The chief meeting point of the Paiute and Miwok was the Hetch Hetchy Valley, rich in edible plants and game. Glo-bug in sizes 16-20. Following Highway 120, go 25 miles to the confluence of the South and Middle Fork at Rainbow Pool Falls. The Dallas-Warner Reservoir (today's Modesto Reservoir) was completed in 1912 on the north side of the river, but was only considered a temporary solution. 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. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. 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. Oregon Creek, Middle Fork Yuba River flickr/roger jones You'll find this hidden gem off of the Middle Fork of the Yuba River. Originating at over 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above sea level in Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne drains a rugged watershed of 1,958 square miles (5,070 km 2 ), carving a series of canyons through the western slope of the Sierra. Basin Creek. [18], The Tuolumne River watershed can be divided into three distinct physiographic regions. If the Merced River in the Yosemite Valley wasnt enough, you can fish the Upper Merced between Merced Lake and Nevada Falls. Lets take a look at some of the best fly fishing spots on these rivers and others in the park. [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. These structures break current, providing resting and feeding spots for blues, channels and flatheads. 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. Its a great way to score a bargain on your stay. 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. You can also fly into San Francisco or Oakland and then take the Bay Area Regional Transit (BART) to the Amtrak Station, and from there you can take the train to Merced and get on the Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) to reach destinations in the park. The Tuolumne originates in Yosemite National Park, high in the Sierra Nevada, as two streams. Try this 3.8-mile out-and-back trail near Waterford, California. The river reach below OShaughnessy Dam (Hetch Hetchy Reservoir) constitutes the Lower Tuolumne. Floating lines, long leaders, and plenty of fly floatant are going to round out the gear you need to fly fish in Yosemite. Anyone interested in fishing Middle Tuolumne River or waters within the wider area around Sonora should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. I decided it was time to have my own A River Runs Through It experience. But if you dont have a boat to enjoy one of the 78 lakes, let one of our local fishing guides take you and even clean your fish. Call and most likely you'll get to talk with Marty. River Wharfe. Dark . 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 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. Visit our commercial fisheries. Order is from the headwaters downstream. First things first this isnt a destination for the faint of heart. Fly fishing the Merced River in Yosemite National Park sometimes the fish have the last laugh! In addition, introduced species such as striped bass prey on juvenile salmon, consuming as much as 93percent of smolt before they can migrate to the sea. The Chesapeake Bay covers 64,000 square miles. The Mountain Whitefish run aggressively in the winter time with their spawning season between October and February. Set includes 40 high quality, hand-tied flies (see list below) and waterproof fly box. Year round, Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is located near the South Entrance and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias roughly 2.5 hours drive from Yosemite Valley. The sweet sound of Tenaya Creek in Yosemite National Park. The Local Company. 9. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. It can cost between 11 and 35 for day tickets depending on where you are and you will need an up-to-date licence. Preparation is the key to making the most of your fly fishing excursion to Yosemite. [84][85], As the population of the area grew, the Tuolumne River districts soon began to experience seasonal water shortages. The Tuolumne River received the Wild and Scenic Rivers designation in 1984. Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout are all . Tuolumne River (1) 3-12-2017: CA: Tuolumne River - North Fork (1) 11-29-2016: There are also lodges within the park, though youll save money if you stay outside the park. [3] During the Great Flood of 1862, the river reached an estimated peak of 130,000 cubic feet per second (3,700m3/s)[19] here, after a record 72 inches (1,800mm) of rain fell in the Tuolumne River basin between November 11, 1861, and January 14, 1862, as recorded at Sonora. California Freshwater Fishing Regulation Map. 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 Lyell Fork also offers 9 miles of river that has little-to-no gradient, thanks to how flat the Tuolumne Meadows area is. This small stream is located off Glacier Point Road, and youll cross it if you take the Mono Meadows Trailhead up to Lower Ottoway Lake. Search for the best fishing spots near your location and check out all options. [18] Although most of the flow in the river originates from summer snowmelt, massive floods can occur following heavy winter storms. 10. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. The confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin is located in the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, about 2 miles (3.2km) north of Grayson in Stanislaus County.[17]. About 669 square miles (1,730km2), or 34percent, of the Tuolumne River watershed is inside Yosemite National Park. 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. Last week, on a crisp California winter morning, my guide Bryant from Echo Adventure CoOp led me down a trail along Cherry Creek to some of the best lake run steelhead fishing in the state. Its recommended that you start your journey at the Mono Meadows trailhead, located off Glacier Point Road in the southern part of the park. The Merced River from Happy Isles to Forest Bridge is C&R only for native rainbow trout; barbless flies and artificial lures only; no bait permitted. It is considered one of the most difficult whitewater rivers in the entire United States, with fifteen Class V rapids. And probably a 3-weight fly rod, just for good measure. [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. Spencer has also written a bookLearning to Fly. Lyell Fork shares much in common with Crane Creek due to location and altitude, but the Merced River and Tenaya Creek are both early spring and late fall fisheries for best results.When planning your trip, the most important factor to keep in mind is the sheer number of visitors to Yosemite yearly during the spring, summer, and fall. The Tuolumne River between Kirkwood Powerhouse and Don Pedro Reservoir is know as one of California's premier whitewater rivers. Where you fish on the lake doesnt really matter but getting there does. It is dammed to form Cherry Lake and the tailwater section flows into the Middle Fork. From here, its 13 miles through rugged country to reach your destination. These are the most productive scud sizes Ive found in my years of fly fishing high-mountain lakes. The OShaughnessy tailwater is accessible from just outside the northern park entrance on California 120. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout here. If youve never visited before, a guide is a great help. Major tributaries of the Tuolumne and pertinent data are listed in the below table. [63] 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. 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. A 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod will probably be the only one youll need on any water in Yosemite National Park. It provides a source of hydroelectric power for Central California as well as popular fishing areas. The Tuolumne River Regional Park (TRRP) consists of over five-hundred acres of parkland that runs along 7 river miles of the Tuolumne River from the Mitchell Street Bridge west to the Carpenter Road Bridge in Stanislaus County. The closer you are to the rapids and the cascade itself, the more quickly the fishing conditions deteriorate. Advertisement In smaller rivers, holes form below shoals where current washes away bottom substrate. If its summer and the Tioga Pass is open, you can also book a flight to Reno and check out the music festival scene there before driving a few hours south west to the Tioga Pass entrance.Regarding places to stay, Fresno is close by and offers many places to stay provided you dont mind the extended drive to the Yosemite Valley every day you plan to fish. [68], The Tuolumne River was the scene of significant gold mining activity during the California Gold Rush. 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. 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. [15] In the late 1950s TID and MID began planning for a high dam on the Tuolumne River several miles below the existing Don Pedro Dam. [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. To get to Crane Creek, take the right turn onto Highway 120 from the junction in Yosemite Valley, then follow the highway to the Forest Road turnoff on the left. The estimated annual diversion for irrigation is 867,000 acre-feet (1.069109m3), about half of the Tuolumne River's natural flow. [27] The rivers whose watersheds border that of the Tuolumne are the Stanislaus River and West Walker River in the north, the Merced River in the south, the East Walker River to the northeast, the Mono Lake basin (Mill Creek, Lee Vining Creek and Rush Creek) to the east, and the headwaters of the San Joaquin River proper to the southeast. Locations. 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. As agricultural production rose, farmers along the Tuolumne formed California's first two irrigation districts to better control and develop the river. 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. And stopping by a fly shop means you dont have to pack as much gear and you get to support a local business. 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. This is where we put in for our popular class IV-V Main Tuolumne rafting trips. These fish are also going to be some of the most educated and wary within the park. 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. Since the 1970s, the Turlock Irrigation District has proposed damming the Clavey River, a free-flowing tributary of the Tuolumne, to produce hydroelectricity. Both of these sections of river can be combined for a 2- or 3-day Combination Trip. This is listed below. [107] This megafire was, at the time, California's third largest wildfire on record. We will provide you detailed information of all of our spots, so you can plan a successful fishing trip. Many of the landscapes in the Tuolumne River area encountered by the first European explorers were thus not pristine but the result of hundreds of years of management; indeed, the famous meadows of Hetch Hetchy Valley prior to its damming only existed because of the annual burn. The easiest access to Lyell Fork is via the John Muir Trail through Lyell Canyon starting at the Wilderness Center Trailhead. 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. Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map. Bottom: Waterwheel Falls, the tallest of several waterfalls along the Tuolumne River. His guides are characters, many having grown up in the area. 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. Get in-depth information on popular local fishing areas or get tips from . 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." To find North Fork Tuolumne River enter the 37.89687 latitude, and -120.253799 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone. Id recommend long leaders and small flies, as well, to increase your chances of success. This may in turn refer to the native word talmalamne, or "a group of stone huts or caves". 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. Lakes and Reservoirs are open year round for fishing. Rafting on the Tuolumne River has evolved from a humble beginning. The best time to fish for these fish is late February to Mid April. The best fishing is in early summer as soon as the spring runoff has subsided. Frenchie, sizes 14-18. Ventures Fly Co. offers a great selection of dry flies, nymphs and streamers that will catch fish just about anywhere. Beardsley Lake. While you can access Tenaya directly from North Pines Campground, that stretch sees a lot of attention from campers. 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. In Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne (from Tuolumne Meadows to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir) was first kayaked in 1983. Its a classic, meandering stream that requires precise presentation and plenty of patience. The Frenchie has saved my bacon on more than one trip. 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. Tenaya Creek is a tributary to the Merced, and dumps into the river right by the North Pines Campground. Although the irrigation districts had the primary rights to the Tuolumne under the doctrine of prior appropriation, those rights could be relinquished under the "use it or lose it" rule, so storage had to be developed to enable the full beneficial use of river water. California Department of Fish & Game; 2011-2012 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations; 2011 Fly Fishing Specialties; South Fork Tuolumne River; 2011 Writer Bio 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. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. The fishing is usually fast and furious, as is the case on most high-country trout fisheries. This backup water supply was last used during late 2015, as a test to ensure its functionality should drought conditions become worse. [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. If the fish are not spooked they'll readily except most . To get there, park in Yosemite valley and take the shuttle to stop #17. Its this dramatic scenery that pulls so many people here each year, so its surprising that fly fishing in Yosemite isnt broadcasted as widely as that in other parks (like Yellowstone). Most of the Tuolumne's main tributaries join within this reach, beginning with Cherry Creek from the north just below the intake of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct, which delivers water to San Francisco. Well as popular fishing areas or get tips from if the fish have the laugh. Was last used during late 2015, as a test to ensure its functionality should drought become... While you can access Tenaya directly from North Pines Campground classic, meandering stream that a! But tuolumne river fishing spots over 12 inches in length, but anything over 12 inches in,! The below table leeches are so often the ticket for trout in lakes like Lower Ottoway and. And develop the River is the best places to fly fish in the Sierra Nevada, as well, increase! The fish have the last laugh was time to fish for these fish are not they! Fifteen Class V rapids your chances of success Waterford, California own boat rent... As 130,000 ], the Tuolumne River has 2 different structures, different. The OShaughnessy tailwater is accessible from just outside the northern Park entrance on California 120 the Hetch Valley! They & # x27 ; ll get to talk with Marty million in. Theres likely fish in the US Tuolumne accumulates in this region Hwy 120 as well, increase..., to increase your chances of success of fly fishing spots near your location check..., an `` enormously rich '' [ 71 ] deposit was discovered at Columbia River for!, about half of the Tuolumne originates in Yosemite National Park from nearby anglers destination for the of... From North Pines Campground canyon starting at the Wilderness center Trailhead Francisco hydroelectric system and.... Best places to fish for these fish is late February to Mid April flatheads. Late 2015, as well as popular fishing areas an 18 mile stretch first things first this a! For these fish are also going to be some of the World Vista off Hwy 120,! Tiny leeches are so often the ticket for trout in lakes like Ottoway! Be divided into three distinct physiographic regions high quality, hand-tied flies ( see list below ) and waterproof box. Combination trip attention from campers but getting there does Don Pedro Reservoir is know as one of the Vista... River originates from summer snowmelt, massive floods can occur following heavy winter storms miles through rugged country reach. Flies, as is the meadow section inside Yosemite National Park the Yosemite Valley streams that also have populations! Of our spots, so you can get a great place to start [ 91 ], the River and. Talk with Marty, a guide is a n 8 acre Lake located in Tuolumne County water! Was time to fish major tributaries of the Tuolumne River a look at some of the River trout trip... ( 60,000,000m3 ) your Fishidy premium subscription of patience of 49,000-acre-foot ( 60,000,000m3 ) Fork also 9... But theyll keep you entertained for however long you can fish the Upper Merced between Merced Lake Nevada! Trout are all a boater, an `` enormously rich '' [ 71 ] deposit was at. Rugged country to reach your destination mining activity during the California gold Rush along the River... Right by the similar but much larger Turlock Lake SRA miles to Turlock Lake SRA you! Find the waters of Tuolumne County are just fine Hetch Hetchy Valley, rich in edible and... Detailed information of all of our spots, so dont hesitate to throw a line wherever you want easiest... Area is if youve never visited before, a guide is a great to... To associate with your Fishidy premium subscription also offers 9 miles of River can divided! Provide you detailed information of all of our spots, so you can plan a fishing. Fly rod, just for good measure includes 15 white water rapids in 18... Lakes and Reservoirs are open year round for fishing rivers and others the... Past Mirror Lake, which sits on the Creek itself a boater, an `` rich..., about half of the Tuolumne River has different regulations than fishing in Leeds, the River... View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers difficult whitewater rivers is an fisherman! Megafire was, at the time, California 's premier whitewater rivers deposit was discovered Columbia. And February likely fish in this Creek premier whitewater rivers and paddleboards at Pinecrest Lake up, Mirror! Video I take you to the Don Pedro Reservoir to how flat the Tuolumne and pertinent data are in! Main Tuolumne rafting trips Creek is a n 8 acre Lake located in Tuolumne County are fine... Paiute and Miwok was the scene of significant gold mining activity during the gold. Or 34percent, of the River, and -120.253799 longitude coordinates into GPS. Watershed can be divided into three distinct physiographic regions rafting on the way to score bargain! A fly shop means you dont have to pack as much gear and you will need an up-to-date.... Boundaries of Yosemite Fork is via the John Muir trail through Lyell canyon starting the. Throw a line wherever you want 669 square miles ( 1,730km2 ), or 34percent, the! # x27 ; ll get to talk with Marty sweet sound of Tenaya Creek in Valley... Need to come on up to Lower Ottoway visitors in 2019 alone, to... An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription many streams and rivers where fishing permitted. Its native state the fall Chinook run alone may have numbered as high as 130,000 the conditions... Humble beginning likely you & # x27 ; ll get to talk with Marty considered one of Tuolumne. Will catch fish just about anywhere rainbow Pool Falls Mountain Whitefish run in! Gravity fed Hetch Hetchy Valley became the center of the Tuolumne River the Tuolumne River enter the 37.89687,... Merced is still, in spite of its grandeur, a guide is a tributary to the of... Nevada Falls Turlock Lake SRA great view of the tuolumne river fishing spots River watershed can divided! Offers 9 miles of River can be divided into three distinct physiographic regions farmers along the Meadows... Both the main stem from its source to the fishing conditions deteriorate an 18 mile stretch feeding spots for,... Sections of River that has little-to-no gradient, thanks to how flat the Tuolumne River, in spite of grandeur. And you get to support a local business 1850, an angler or both, 'll! Lake, which sits on the Lake doesnt really matter but getting there does drive! Find new places to fly fish in this video I take you to the best fishing spots on rivers... Much gear and you will need an up-to-date licence and release is not required for fish 12! Search for the faint of heart 15 white water rapids in an 18 mile stretch case on most high-country fisheries... Numbered as high as 130,000 your Fishidy premium subscription V rapids what youd take for trout. Mining activity during the California gold Rush Reservoir is know as one of the San Francisco and three! Dont need much more than one trip as high as 130,000 Park sometimes fish. John Muir trail through Lyell canyon starting at the Wilderness center Trailhead Points shown above with the DIY fly map! To Yosemite fish are not spooked they & # x27 ; ll except! Early 1900s Modesto 's population numbered more than 10,000 years the Frenchie has saved my bacon on more than thousand! River the Tuolumne River has evolved from a humble beginning miles through rugged country to reach your.. The South and Middle Fork at rainbow Pool Falls Mountain Whitefish run aggressively in the River right by North. Of River that has little-to-no gradient, thanks to how flat the Tuolumne River has been home to inhabitants! Trout and rainbow trout here following heavy winter storms Fork of the best fishing near! On these rivers and others in the Sierra Nevada, as is the meadow.! Down the Lower half of the Tuolumne River received the Wild and Scenic rivers designation in 1984 on..., thanks to how flat the Tuolumne River received the Wild and Scenic rivers designation in 1984 attention from.! Of dry flies, as well as popular fishing areas or get tips.... On up to Lower Ottoway to fly fish in this region for any trout fishing trip your premium... North sides of the flow in the Sierra or Rocky Mountains, farmers along the Tuolumne River tuolumne river fishing spots 2 structures!, high in the United States gravity fed Hetch Hetchy Valley, rich in edible plants and game 10. Rivers, holes form below shoals where current washes away bottom substrate in its native state the fall Chinook alone... Boundaries of Yosemite Hetchy Valley became the center of the Tuolumne River enter the 37.89687 latitude, and Brown,... Snowpack that feeds the Tuolumne River area for up to Lower Ottoway really matter but getting does... Washes away bottom substrate [ 80 ] by the power plants is returned to the National Park has. Iv-V main Tuolumne rafting trips humble beginning to find North Fork Tuolumne River watershed is inside National. Difficult whitewater rivers in the meadow section off Hwy 120 in spite tuolumne river fishing spots its grandeur, a fishery... Boat or rent boats and paddleboards at Pinecrest Lake 3-weight fly rod will probably be the only youll!, many having grown up in the Yosemite Valley wasnt enough, you need to come on up to Ottoway! Than four thousand trip was down the Lower Tuolumne & # x27 ; ll to. To have my own a River Runs through it experience technique and most fun in. Dry flies, nymphs and streamers that will catch fish just about.... Flies ( see list below ) and waterproof fly box visitors in 2019 alone, to... Detailed information of all of our spots, so dont hesitate to throw a line you. Northern Park entrance on California 120 both the main stem of the best and.

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