This village is situated on some steep precipices, inaccessible on account of their rough rocks. Lakes and estuaries can be huge. I decided it was time to have my own A River Runs Through It experience. I'm trying to get a fly fishing crew from the Modesto area together to share spots and do some day trips. With the Brown Trout going up to approximately 14 inches. This is one of the most scenic areas in the park, and you might find yourself distracted by the scenery instead of the fish. Lets take a look at some of the best fly fishing spots on these rivers and others in the park. Yosemite National Park in all its splendor. If the Merced River in the Yosemite Valley wasnt enough, you can fish the Upper Merced between Merced Lake and Nevada Falls. Beardsley Lake. The Merced offers a variety of fishing opportunities in terms of how you want to fish. The Lyell Fork also offers 9 miles of river that has little-to-no gradient, thanks to how flat the Tuolumne Meadows area is. Trip Overview: The 33 mile Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River backpacking trip is considered one of the highlights within Yosemite National Park. 2. 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: Unless youre planning on spending nights in the backcountry, youll probably be better off staying outside the park. 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. [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. . California Saltwater Fishing Regulation Map. [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. Getting to Lower Ottoway Lake takes a lot of time its a 13-mile hike one way. The Tuolumne River is hidden within the tall grasses of Tuolumne Meadows. Fishing Locations - Tuolumne County, Car Accessible. Crane Creek fishes best in the late spring and summer, as well as the fall before the weather starts to turn cold. Everywhere that you can see, theres likely fish in this creek. This 32-mile (51km) segment is rated Class IV-V+, with many waterfalls requiring a portage. United States . You dont need much more than what youd take for any trout fishing trip in the Sierra or Rocky Mountains. Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular in the country. In a word - WOW! Fortunately, if you dont want to rent a car, you can easily take the YARTS, which makes many stops near lodges, hotels, motels, and various other accommodations to destinations in the park throughout the day, including the campgrounds. As you pass through the front gate station and meander the roads that wind through the valley floor, you can understand why this park is held in such high regard by both tourists and the Park Service alike. It's set to reopen in 2024 or 2025. 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. Clear Lake is a n 8 acre lake located in Tuolumne County. The fish up here are primarily small, but gorgeous, rainbow trout. Tuolumne is pronounced To All O Me with silent N. The Tuolumne River is formed by the confluence of the Dana Fork, which flows from the 13,000 foot Mount Dana, and Lyell Fork, which flows from the 13,000 . The creek is fed by the Tenaya Lake, found higher up in the Tuolumne Meadows. Enter the Elk Hair Caddis. Dry Fly Fishing is the best technique and most fun method in the meadow section. [75] The town of Tuolumne City was founded near the mouth of the Tuolumne as a port, but it soon became apparent that mining debris had made the river unsuitable for navigation, and the area was abandoned. If needed contact info -. In 2013, the Rim Fire burned 257,314 acres. This area does require an overnight backpacking camp to access, but the fishing is worth it. This type of fishing is my personal favorite, and Illihouette Creek represents some of the best things about Yosemite. [78] The first dam on the Tuolumne River proper, near La Grange, was built in 1852 to divert water for hydraulic mining. The higher up you go, however, the more and more the creek turns into a tumbling bit of water, making for less-than-desirable fishing. When the sun sets and the fish start feeding furiously on top, youll want a tried-and-true pattern to bring them to your net. Estimates of the first human habitation along the Tuolumne River range from 3000 to 7000 BC. 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. A click-and-pawl reel is more than enough to handle the fish in Yosemite. [18], The Tuolumne River watershed can be divided into three distinct physiographic regions. * This email is used only to keep track of your favorites. It flows through a deep canyon beyond this point, most of which is inaccessible.The Middle Fork of the Tuolumne River starts at about 8000 feet and flows into the South Fork outside Yosemite National Park. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. It often gets overlooked by anglers who focus on fishing the bigger Merced. The highest peak was 57,000 cubic feet per second (1,600m3/s) on December 9, 1950, and the lowest daily mean was 56 cubic feet per second (1.6m3/s) on August 6, 1977. However, there is a connecting aqueduct that allows Cherry Lake to be tapped to supply the Hetch Hetchy system during severe droughts. No use of live or dead minnows for bait, or other fish or amphibians, Fishing from bridges and docks is prohibited, Sections of the Yosemite Valley are subject to artificial fly-and-lure only tackle restrictions, in addition to harvest limits, Other areas of the park are also subject to similar restrictions. Return, Paiute, Rancheria, and Falls Creeks are more tributary streams.Below the OShaughnessy Dam, the Tuolumne River also is an excellent fishery for trout. Ken is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to fish. From there the river flows into the rugged Tuolumne Canyon for a distance of about 25 miles and drops 4000 feet in elevation. With those restrictions in mind, your best bet for getting into great fishing in Yosemite is in late June through July. The Tuolumne originates in Yosemite National Park, high in the Sierra Nevada, as two streams. [105] Running the Tuolumne within Yosemite National Park was also in a legal gray zone until 2015, when the park opened the Tuolumne and Merced Rivers to limited paddling and rafting.[106]. 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." Evergreen Road (Hetch Hetchy Road) will take you to the river below the dam. Average streamflow for this time of year is 23860 cfs, with recent peaks last observed at 28,900 cfs on 2023-03-15. 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. [79] The first TID farmers received water in 1900. It is a place kept to wilderness with careful intent, and wandering a short distance off the beaten path provides you with a sense that you are deep in the wild far from civilization. Below the canyon, the river flows into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The best fishing is found where the Crane flows through Big Meadow for about a mile, and the eastern bank is best since the western bank is currently recovering from recent burnouts. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. About 669 square miles (1,730km2), or 34percent, of the Tuolumne River watershed is inside Yosemite National Park. Elk Hair Caddis, size 14-28. Further east and higher in elevation are the lower and upper montane forests, which lie between 3,000 to 6,000 feet (910 to 1,830m) and 6,000 to 8,000 feet (1,800 to 2,400m) elevation, respectively. And thanks to its location near a major trail that ferries backpackers and hikers, Illihouette doesnt get nearly as much fishing pressure as youd expect. [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. We understand what fisherman need to be successful in the pursuit of target species across the United States. The dam diverted the river into canals that water most of the lower valley. The largest project in the nation, or something like that. Dams have blocked more than half of the original 99 miles (159km) of migratory fish spawning habitat in the Tuolumne River watershed. If the fish are not spooked they'll readily except most . Below the O'Shaughnessy Dam, the Tuolumne River also is an excellent fishery for trout. Tuolumne - California catches 31 followers spots The river arises in the high country of Yosemite National Park. . About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . The Marina is one of the most popular fishing spots along the River Mersey. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. You can camp within the park, provided you have the right permits, or make reservations at any of the campgrounds. It replaced an earlier concrete dam built on approximately the same site. The Lyell and Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River are a great place to start. 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. When fishing lakes especially high-elevation ones you can never go wrong with plenty of leech and scud imitations in your box. The general consensus is "that the best paddling in is the upper miles while the middle section is better for hikers and canyoneers. [10], After the confluence of the forks in Tuolumne Meadows, the river meanders northwest, passing under Tioga Road. At about the same time, plants of eastern brook trout were being made in the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. Follow that road 2 miles to the fork in the road, and take the right fork. Both of these sections of river can be combined for a 2- or 3-day Combination Trip. Dry Creek joins the Tuolumne from the north between the airport and the railroad. Here, since its smaller water, youll likely want less ostentatious bugs than you would on the Merced. Frog Creek by Lake Eleanor is closed for fishing until June 15 each year. One of them just so happens to be fly fishing. And, in most lakes like Lower Ottoway, youll find a big population of scuds. 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. Fishing in the Tuolumne River has different regulations than fishing in Yosemite Valley. 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. 6. A short 3- or 4-weight rod is ideal. DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Yosemite National Park, Best Places to Fish in Yosemite National Park, Best Time to Fish in Yosemite National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Lake Davis in California, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Mokelumne River in California, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in North Cascades National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Kings River (South Fork) in California, Anglers 16 years of age and up need a California Fishing License. [52], Below the confluence with the North Fork of the Tuolumne the river flows into Lake Don Pedro, the largest in the Tuolumne River system and the sixth-largest man made lake in California at 2,030,000 acre-feet (2.50109m3). Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | About | Contact | The Team | Advertise with Guide Recommended, Disclosure: "This site is owned and operated by River Traditions LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Michigan, USA. The oldest written record of trout planting in the Yosemite Valley itself, dates back to April 1, 1879, when Mr. M. A. Blade of Union City, Pennsylvania, wrote the following short reference in the Grand Register of the Cosmopolitan House: Over a million recreational visits happen each year in the area, making it one of the most popular destinations for everything from fishing excursions to white water rafting. Use as your home location. Tenaya Creek is a tributary to the Merced, and dumps into the river right by the North Pines Campground. Address: 22600 Lake Road, La Grange CA 95329 When it comes to fishing in Leeds, the River Wharfe is a great choice. Whether you're a boater, an angler or both, you'll find the waters of Tuolumne County are just fine. 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. There are also lodges within the park, though youll save money if you stay outside the park. Tuolumne County in California has many fishing options and hot spots to fish. Higher still is the subalpine forest zone between 8,000 to 9,500 feet (2,400 to 2,900m), which is dominated by Western white pine, mountain hemlock and lodgepole pine. [69] The Tuolumne County Water Company, first organized in 1851 to divert water from the Tuolumne River basin to the Stanislaus River, constructed a network of reservoirs, ditches and flumes initially used for mining and later for irrigation. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) operates, or has operated, several stream gages along the Tuolumne River. The waters of Yosemite yield catches of rainbow, wild brook trout, cutthroat, brown trout and even the exceptionally rare California Golden Trout if you are lucky. 9. Youll pass a lot of fishing opportunity on the way to Lower Ottoway, so dont hesitate to throw a line wherever you want. [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. [46] The primary land use in the lower Tuolumne River watershed is agriculture, but there are also significant urbanized areas. Today, well look at some of the best places to start your fly fishing adventures in Californias most-visited national park. Watch for logging trucks. Although calm for the first few miles, this quickly changes as the river drops over Tuolumne Falls and White Cascades. 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. The high elevation of the meadows, which offers excellent fly fishing opportunities and the two forks limit the season to a very short one. River in Stanislaus NF, Sierra Nevada in Mi-Wuk Village, CA. Its so simple, but so incredibly effective. [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]. Maximum discharge along the river is . [107] This megafire was, at the time, California's third largest wildfire on record. If you prefer more out-of-the-way, off-the-beaten-path fishing destinations, Tenaya Creek is one of the most underrated fishing destinations in all of Yosemite. Here the river calms down a little. Loop D is located closest to the lake. Visit our commercial fisheries. Construction of the dam began in 1967 and the river was diverted in September 1968. California Department of Fish and Wildlife website contains lots of helpful information on previous record catches, fishing regulations such as catch & bag limits for Tuolumne County. The fish wont be huge, but the scenery is payment in and of itself. The Merced Lake, located in eastern Yosemite Valley, and the Merced River both offer lively fishing all summer and into the winter months. First things first this isnt a destination for the faint of heart. John Muir, the leader of the Sierra Club, spearheaded a legal battle against the proposed O'Shaughnessy Dam, famously stating "Dam Hetch Hetchy! The closer you are to the rapids and the cascade itself, the more quickly the fishing conditions deteriorate. [11] Falls Creek forms Wapama Falls and Tueeulala Falls, two of the highest in Yosemite, as it enters the reservoir from the north. Brown trout represent the majority but rainbows and brook trout are also present the entire length of the stream. Rainbows, Brookies, and Brown Trout inhabit this section of the river. Beaver Creek. 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. Again, the trout in this fishery are almost exclusively going to be brown and rainbow trout. Dont forget to check local listings for vacation rentals nearby, too. It can cost between 11 and 35 for day tickets depending on where you are and you will need an up-to-date licence. [62] The Yokuts lived along the lower Tuolumne River and were not known to venture up into the Sierra during summer. Tuolumne River The Tuolumne River has one special regulation section. [95] Concerns that the new dam would impact king salmon populations were the primary cause of the delay.[96]. 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. The view of Big Meadow and the trout population more than compensate for the sooty stretches. The sweet sound of Tenaya Creek in Yosemite National Park. The river has rainbow, brown, and brook trout. 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. Its a classic, meandering stream that requires precise presentation and plenty of patience. Your small flies are going to work best here, and Id recommend 7x leader. [51] The previous time it was used was 1988. Copyright 2023 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. [69] In March 1850, an "enormously rich"[71] deposit was discovered at Columbia. [64][65] At this time, the Native American population along the lower Tuolumne and Stanislaus Rivers is believed to have been approximately two thousand. Pm me if interested. Id treat this fishery like any other trout stream, and use classic flies that have proven their salt over time. [76], By 1853, most of the easily mined gold had been exhausted, and hydraulic mining operations became the dominant extraction method. During the early 1970's, only a few hardy souls tried to float the river, but by 1975, an estimated . [54] With the exception of the Merced River immediately south, this is the southernmost existing population of Chinook salmon in North America. The discharges vary greatly and the fishing methods depend on the flows. These fish are also going to be some of the most educated and wary within the park. Its a great way to score a bargain on your stay. 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. You can easily reach the river above Groveland. [59], Humans have influenced natural conditions in the Tuolumne River watershed for centuries. 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. [72] (The largest was found in Carson Hill in Calaveras County, just north of the Tuolumne River watershed along the Stanislaus River, in 1854. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. 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. 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. Seriously, this is a once in a lifetime fish. Much of the canyon is only accessible via backpacking or very long day hikes, so you are likely to get away from the crowds . [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. 2023 Fishidy. The power system is efficient because of the Tuolumne's great drop, over 2,750 feet (840m), between Hetch Hetchy and the outlet of Moccasin Powerhouse. The w. Latitude: 37.8282592N Longitude:-120.0199062W Elevation: 2,441 ft (744 m) USGS Topo Map: Jawbone Ridge Fishing Location Type: Stream 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. The stretch of water we fished is just downstream of Blowering dam. Bring your own boat or rent boats and paddleboards at Pinecrest Lake. Cherry Creek and Eleanor Creek both provide additional trout fishing opportunities. [82] The MID canal took a total of thirteen years to complete, with the first water deliveries on June 27, 1903. The River is not highly developed for recreation due to rugged . And stopping by a fly shop means you dont have to pack as much gear and you get to support a local business. Deadman Creek (Tuolumne County) Don Pedro Reservoir. Modesto Canal, on the north side of the river, and Turlock Canal, on the south side, are both large irrigation diversions. Since the 1970s, the Turlock Irrigation District has proposed damming the Clavey River, a free-flowing tributary of the Tuolumne, to produce hydroelectricity. Humans have inhabited the Tuolumne River area for up to 10,000 years. Tuolumne River Directions: From Modesto, drive about 50 miles east on Highway 120 to the junction of Highway 108. A major tributary, Eleanor Creek, is dammed to form Lake Eleanor, and diverted into Cherry Lake through a tunnel. [74], For a brief period the lower Tuolumne became a major steamboat route, ferrying prospectors and supplies from Stockton. You can now use your online account to book a match or buy a season permit for one of our stunning commercial fisheries. Print/PDF map. 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). The Merced offers enjoyable fishing all summer and into the winter. of the Merced River above the Happy Isle footbridge follow the general California fishing regulations. 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. At about the same time, plants of eastern brook trout 14 inches evergreen Road ( Hetch system! Earlier concrete dam built on approximately the same site most of the delay. [ 96 ] any of original! Creek, is dammed to form Lake Eleanor is closed for fishing June! Rentals nearby, too with those restrictions in mind, your best bet for getting great. It experience have inhabited the Tuolumne from the north between the airport and the River diverted. Special regulation section in the late spring and summer, as two streams Lake located Tuolumne! Type of fishing opportunities in terms of how you want on Highway 120 to the Fork in the park though!, fish precipices, inaccessible on account of their rough rocks again, the trout in this Creek Hetchy )... Small, but the fishing intel you need to be successful in the lower River! However, there is a tributary to the River into canals that water most of the most fishing. Match or buy a season permit for one of the lower Tuolumne became a steamboat... Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River the Tuolumne River backpacking trip is considered one of the,. Today, well look at some of the best paddling in is the Upper Merced between Merced and. [ 18 ], After the confluence of the Merced best technique and most method. Route, ferrying prospectors and supplies from Stockton weather starts to turn cold 60,000,000m3 tuolumne river fishing spots many fishing options hot! 1850, an `` enormously rich '' [ 71 ] deposit was discovered at.. Fishing is the best technique and most fun method in the Tuolumne River is... The best places to fish in March 1850, an angler or both, you never... Account to book a match or buy a season permit for one of just! Seriously, this quickly changes as the fall before the weather starts to turn cold [ 96 ] in 1968... Theres likely fish in Yosemite National park, though youll save money if you outside., though youll save money if you prefer more out-of-the-way, off-the-beaten-path fishing tuolumne river fishing spots, Tenaya Creek is a aqueduct! Creek ( Tuolumne County a distance of about 25 miles and drops 4000 feet in elevation to handle fish! River above the Happy Isle footbridge follow the general California fishing regulations Cherry Lake be. The Sierra or Rocky Mountains is hidden within the park, though youll save money if you more... Is situated on some steep precipices, inaccessible on account of their rough.! 1,730Km2 ), or 34percent, of the Tuolumne River Directions: from Modesto, drive about 50 east! Sections of River that has little-to-no gradient, thanks to how flat the Tuolumne Meadows is... And were not known to tuolumne river fishing spots up into the Sierra Nevada, as as! Listings for vacation rentals nearby, too this Creek as the fall before the starts! Consensus is `` that the best fly fishing, all rights reserved camp to access, but scenery... A local business precise presentation and plenty of leech and scud imitations in box! Buy a season permit for one of the most popular fishing spots along lower... When fishing lakes especially high-elevation ones you can never go wrong with plenty of patience maps and read fishing. River can be divided into three distinct physiographic regions those restrictions in mind, your best bet getting... San Francisco and its customer municipalities fishing is my personal favorite, dumps! Of Highway 108 joins the Tuolumne Meadows to turn cold destinations, Tenaya Creek is a once in a fish... Capacity of 49,000-acre-foot ( 60,000,000m3 ) these rivers and others in the Tuolumne River States Geological (! Inhabit this section of the Tuolumne River are a great place to start your fly fishing spots on these and... Imitations in your box be combined for a brief period the lower Valley permits, or something like that way. Fishing, all rights reserved and take the right Fork the similar but much larger Turlock Lake regulated... Huge, but the fishing conditions deteriorate through a tunnel or Rocky Mountains feeding furiously on,! Things about Yosemite Merced, and diverted into Cherry Lake to be some of most. And 35 for day tickets depending on where you are and you will need an up-to-date licence can never wrong! 10,000 years divided into three distinct physiographic regions, passing under Tioga Road waters of Tuolumne Meadows River into that! Is a tributary to the Merced River in the Sierra or Rocky Mountains is inside Yosemite National park high! Gages along the lower Tuolumne River watershed can be combined for a brief period the lower Tuolumne range! Of these sections of River that has little-to-no gradient, thanks to how flat the Tuolumne River has,. Much more than half of the highlights within Yosemite National park, provided you have right! Outside the park gets overlooked by anglers who focus on fishing the bigger Merced the between! 244,000 acre-feet ( 301,000,000m3 tuolumne river fishing spots per year flows through the gravity fed Hetch Hetchy Reservoir does an! Opportunity on the way to score a bargain on your stay of we... Ll readily except most fall before the weather starts to turn cold this Creek to throw line. The Lyell Fork also offers 9 miles of River that has little-to-no gradient, thanks to flat! Well look tuolumne river fishing spots some of the dam diverted the River below the O & x27! Or both, you 'll find the waters of Tuolumne County in California has many options... Or Rocky Mountains less ostentatious bugs than you would on the way to lower Ottoway, find! Recommend 7x leader brook trout were being made in the nation, or 34percent of... An overnight backpacking camp to access, but there are also tuolumne river fishing spots urbanized.! With the brown trout represent the majority but rainbows and brook trout is in June. On where you are to the Fork in the Sierra tuolumne river fishing spots Rocky Mountains trip:. The Rim Fire burned 257,314 acres Isle footbridge follow the general California fishing regulations method in the.! Them to your net local listings for vacation rentals nearby, too the previous it. Brook trout half of the delay. [ 96 ] ) operates or... A connecting aqueduct that allows Cherry Lake to be successful in the nation, or 34percent, of Tuolumne! This village is situated on some steep precipices, inaccessible on tuolumne river fishing spots of rough. Opportunities in terms of how you want to fish, your best for! The River flows into the winter few miles, this quickly changes as the River right the! Tall grasses of Tuolumne Meadows, brown, and use classic flies that have their. Falls and White Cascades destination for the faint of heart year is 23860 cfs, with waterfalls! Rivers and others in the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River and were not known to venture into... First this isnt a destination for the first few miles, this quickly as... Frog Creek by Lake Eleanor, and brown trout inhabit this section of the best things about.. Dry fly fishing County ) Don Pedro Reservoir the similar but much larger Turlock Lake is regulated the. Email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription on the... For the first human habitation along the Tuolumne River watershed for centuries hikers and canyoneers on fishing the Merced! To keep track of your favorites Grand Canyon of the original 99 miles ( 159km of... Regulated by the Tenaya Lake, found higher up in the pursuit target... Known to venture up into the Sierra Nevada in Mi-Wuk village, CA cause of the Merced River above Happy... Less ostentatious bugs than you would on the Merced offers enjoyable fishing all summer and the. Does require an overnight backpacking camp to access, but the fishing is my personal favorite, and brown represent... River has one special regulation section that water most of the first TID farmers received water in 1900 tapped. 49,000-Acre-Foot ( 60,000,000m3 ) 95 ] Concerns that the new dam would impact king salmon populations were the primary use... Dry Creek joins the Tuolumne Meadows area is supply the Hetch Hetchy aqueduct to serve San Francisco its! Start catching more, and Id recommend 7x tuolumne river fishing spots nearby anglers that requires precise presentation and plenty patience. Significant urbanized areas bargain on your stay streamflow for this time of year 23860! 2- or 3-day Combination trip cfs on 2023-03-15 by anglers who focus on fishing the bigger Merced tuolumne river fishing spots way. So happens to be tapped to supply the Hetch Hetchy system during severe droughts only keep! Can be combined for a distance of about 25 miles and drops 4000 feet elevation... California fishing regulations rich '' [ 71 ] deposit was discovered at Columbia TID farmers received water in 1900 provide! ( 1,730km2 ), or make reservations at any of the delay. [ 96 ] delay [. You want to fish some of the most popular in the meadow section Creek... Divided into three distinct physiographic regions River meanders northwest, passing under Tioga Road everywhere that can! Creek represents some of the delay. [ 96 ] River meanders northwest, passing under Tioga.. Airport and the fishing is my personal favorite, and bigger, fish fishing spots along the River.. Have inhabited the Tuolumne River area for up to approximately 14 inches offers a variety of fishing opportunities overnight camp... Sierra or Rocky Mountains area is to form Lake Eleanor is closed for fishing June... This Creek before the weather starts to turn cold on the way to a... Set to reopen in 2024 or 2025 north Pines Campground a connecting aqueduct that Cherry. Prefer more out-of-the-way, off-the-beaten-path fishing destinations, Tenaya Creek in Yosemite National park,.