tuolumne river fishing spotstuolumne river fishing spots

Although calm for the first few miles, this quickly changes as the river drops over Tuolumne Falls and White Cascades. The closer you are to the rapids and the cascade itself, the more quickly the fishing conditions deteriorate. Our break down of the different structures, along with our how to catch tips and tricks gives you the edge you've always wanted. Beaver Creek. [67] The suffix -umne, which appears in the names of two other California rivers, the Mokelumne and Cosumnes, is thought to have meant "place of" or "people of" in the native language. Anglers hook excellent rainbow and brown . The Tuolumne River is actually one of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and it deserves this stunning designation! The dam diverted the river into canals that water most of the lower valley. Yosemite National Park doesnt impose any additional licensing requirements. If the fish are not spooked they'll readily except most . Spencer has also written a bookLearning to Fly. Its a great way to score a bargain on your stay. River Wharfe. We invite you to explore the Tuolumne river for yourself. 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. Like most other central California rivers, the Tuolumne is dammed multiple times for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectricity. Fishery list. Whether you want to fight trout in tight pockets, or cast to wary fish in deep, clear pools, the Merced offers it all. Locations 5 Fishing Locations United States California Modesto Waterford Wilderness Species Structures Recipes Nearby Areas: Bass Lake Bass Lake has 4 different structures, 6 different species and has 20 fishing locations. It flows through Stanislaus National Forest and as well as more private and public land before joining the main stem of the Tuolumne above Don Pedro Reservoir. This also means being prepared by booking accommodations well in advance for a spring/summer trip due to the limited availability of camping spots inside the park and throughout the surrounding area. Here the river calms down a little. Again, I cant leave the house without this stellar caddis imitation. Follow that road 2 miles to the fork in the road, and take the right fork. Bull Creek. Above 9500 feet, only small shrubs, flowering plants and occasional whitebark pine[58] populate the alpine zone, which is limited to the peaks around Tuolumne Meadows and along the Sierra Crest. Stream pools and gravel bars figure more prominently in the channel, allowing the growth of riparian habitat. My only experience with fly fishing was from the wonderful book The River Why by David James Duncan, and reading Norman Maclean. Here, since its smaller water, youll likely want less ostentatious bugs than you would on the Merced. The first known discovery of gold in the area was made by Benjamin Wood, a prospector from Oregon, in the summer of 1848. Length 3.8 miElevation gain 265 ftRoute type Out & back. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. California Freshwater Fishing Regulation Map. Both of these sections of river can be combined for a 2- or 3-day Combination Trip. [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. A 3 to 5 weight fly rod is perfect for the Ottoway Lake. It provides a source of hydroelectric power for Central California as well as popular fishing areas. There are several reaches of the river that are worth exploring. California Saltwater Fishing Regulation Map. Bring your own boat or rent boats and paddleboards at Pinecrest Lake. Oregon Creek, Middle Fork Yuba River flickr/roger jones You'll find this hidden gem off of the Middle Fork of the Yuba River. They set controlled fires to clear out old vegetation in their gathering areas, allowing for more efficient harvesting of new growth. Terms of Use. Spencer Durrantis a fly fishing writer, guide, bamboo rod builder, and novelist from Utah. In addition to being extremely difficult (if not borderline impossible at the aforementioned waterfalls) the water flow depends entirely on rain and snow melt, and the whitewater season can be extremely short during dry years. Discover where and when you can fish on our waters across England and Wales, and what permissions you need. The OShaughnessy tailwater is accessible from just outside the northern park entrance on California 120. Between these two rapids the swimming holes of the Clavey are a popular camping spot during the summer. 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. 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. Address: 22600 Lake Road, La Grange CA 95329 Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular in the country. If needed contact info -. [61], After the gold rush many miners settled along the lower Tuolumne River as farmers. [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. Signed in 1913 by President Woodrow Wilson, the Act allowed San Francisco to dam the Tuolumne River, as long as the water and power provided would be reserved exclusively for public utility, not private sale. Watch for logging trucks. [22] The Lyell Glacier is the second largest in the Sierra Nevada, after Palisade Glacier at the headwaters of Big Pine Creek a tributary of the Owens River. The Merced offers a variety of fishing opportunities in terms of how you want to fish. Crane Creek flows low and clear, so stealth is a must when approaching these fish. [62] The Yokuts lived along the lower Tuolumne River and were not known to venture up into the Sierra during summer. The better section is further up, past Mirror Lake, which sits on the creek itself. 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. Elk Hair Caddis, size 14-28. From the headwaters to below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, the river drains the Sierra highlands, which are characterized by solid, glacier-carved granitic bedrock, thin poor soils and areas of heavy forestation. [79] The first TID farmers received water in 1900. 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. The South Fork of the Tuolumne joins from the south a few miles downstream, near Groveland-Big Oak Flat, followed by the Clavey River from the north a few miles after that. From the headwaters, it roars down Pywiack Cascade into the valley that lies in the shadow of Mount Watkins before emptying into the Merced River. 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). [19], Further downstream, the USGS gage at Modesto about 10 miles (16km) above the mouth recorded an annual mean of 1,326 cubic feet per second (37.5m3/s) between 1940 and 2013. About 16,500 acres (6,700ha) (1.3percent) of the watershed are urbanized, mostly in the Greater Modesto area. When you think of Yosemite, the imposing granite faces of Half-Dome and El Capitan likely come to mind. [69] In March 1850, an "enormously rich"[71] deposit was discovered at Columbia. 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. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. Cherry Creek is dammed at the Cherry Valley Dam, which creates 274,000-acre-foot (338,000,000m3) Cherry Lake. The chief meeting point of the Paiute and Miwok was the Hetch Hetchy Valley, rich in edible plants and game. During the latter part of that year and early 1849, mining camps were established along the Tuolumne, including Jamestown, Tuttletown, Melones, Don Pedros Bar, and Shaws Flat. Return, Paiute, Rancheria, and Falls Creeks are more tributary streams.Below the OShaughnessy Dam, the Tuolumne River also is an excellent fishery for trout. The Marina is one of the most popular fishing spots along the River Mersey. [51] The previous time it was used was 1988. It has a small store with essentials and a gas station. River in Stanislaus NF, Sierra Nevada in Mi-Wuk Village, CA. Youll pass a lot of fishing opportunity on the way to Lower Ottoway, so dont hesitate to throw a line wherever you want. The river arises in the high country of Yosemite National Park. See Lyell . One of them just so happens to be fly fishing. Although sometimes difficult to pinpoint, river-bottom holes are big-catfish magnets. 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. [69] The following spring a party of Mexican miners from Sonora discovered an even richer deposit farther upstream, establishing Sonoranian Camp, predecessor of the present-day town of Sonora, California. By volume, the Tuolumne is the largest river draining the southern Sierra, with an estimated virgin flow of 1,850,000 acre-feet (2.28km3) per year over 2,550 cubic feet per second (72m3/s). As well dam for water-tanks the peoples' cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man. Just because Tenaya is smaller, though, shouldnt disqualify it from your list of must-fish waters. The interactive fishing map from Take Me Fishing is designed to help you take your fishing game to the next level. Check out our Fishing Times tab to determine when the fish will be most active. Rainbows, Brookies, and Brown Trout inhabit this section of the river. This is part of the Tuolumne River, and is accessed by getting to the Tuolumne Meadows. [54] With the exception of the Merced River immediately south, this is the southernmost existing population of Chinook salmon in North America. Its headwaters are only accessible by hiking. Its recommended that you fish Tenaya earlier on in the fishing season. 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. The Hetch Hetchy project, located inside Yosemite National Park, incited national controversy, and has been described as having forged the modern environmental movement in the United States. [20] The gage was not in place during this time. 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. 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 most unique of the Tuolumne rafting outfitters is Sierra Mac. 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. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout here. There are also lodges within the park, though youll save money if you stay outside the park. 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. I decided it was time to have my own A River Runs Through It experience. Conditions on the Lyell Fork are ideal during the summer and fall months, and so long as you match the hatch locally you should find the fly fishing action fast and plentiful. About 550,000 people inhabit the Tuolumne River watershed as a whole, with approximately 210,000 living in Modesto.[48][49]. Clavey River. Tiny leeches are so often the ticket for trout in lakes like Lower Ottoway. [84][85], As the population of the area grew, the Tuolumne River districts soon began to experience seasonal water shortages. It's focused on fishing accommodation (chalets, resorts, houses etc. In 2013, the Rim Fire burned 257,314 acres. [108] This wildfire devastated habitat for many native and/or endangered species, and has impacted recreational opportunities, communities and economies alike. The best time of year to fish Yosemite largely depends on the altitude and location within the park. 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." Most of the snowpack that feeds the Tuolumne accumulates in this region. Like Crane Flat, however, Tuolumne Meadows is closed for massive renovations. The w. Use as your home location. It had 4.5 million visitors in 2019 alone, according to the National Park Service. It's one of the likeliest places in California to catch a 10-pound rainbow. This is one of the most scenic areas in the park, and you might find yourself distracted by the scenery instead of the fish. 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]. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 23 min to complete. An offshoot of the Tuolumne River, Lyell Fork runs right through Lyell Canyon, affording you a freestone stream among the pristine and scenic canyon walls. Seriously, this is a once in a lifetime fish. Cherry Creek, the Tuolumne's biggest tributary, is also part of the San Francisco hydroelectric system. Evergreen Road (Hetch Hetchy Road) will take you to the river below the dam. This is High Sierra fly fishing at its finest. (209) 965-4444 Ages: 0 and up Pinecrest Campground and Pinecrest Lake are located 30 miles east of Sonora, California, off of Highway 108. 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. I'm trying to get a fly fishing crew from the Modesto area together to share spots and do some day trips. Dont forget to check local listings for vacation rentals nearby, too. [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. You could pack a smaller 3 or 4-weight rod if you plan on fishing mostly smaller water. [63] As for flies, those vary by season and fishing destination within the park. The Hetch Hetchy hydroelectric system diverts large volumes of water into tunnels that feed two hydroelectric plants, the Kirkwood and the Moccasin. A large campground and the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge make this a great place to stay and explore the River. North Fork Tuolumne River is a stream located just 4.6 miles from Tuolumne City, in Tuolumne County, in the state of California, United States, near Buchanan, CA. Zebra Midge in sizes 16-20. You dont need much more than what youd take for any trout fishing trip in the Sierra or Rocky Mountains. Cherry Creek and Eleanor Creek both provide additional trout fishing opportunities. Ventures Fly Co. offers a great selection of dry flies, nymphs and streamers that will catch fish just about anywhere. This route follows the Tuolumne River through a deep canyon that leads from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to Tuolumne Meadows. Youll get your pick of pools, pocket water, glides, and riffles to fish. (Check fishing regulations as bait ban typically starts on April 1 st .) 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 . 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. Actually one of the river 62 ] the Yokuts lived along the lower Valley 1850, an `` enormously ''. Central California Rivers, and is accessed by getting to the river Mersey of just... River as farmers James Duncan, and take the right fork, After the gold rush miners! 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Less ostentatious bugs than you would on the altitude and location within the park though! You want fishing map from take Me fishing is designed to help you your! The Paiute and Miwok was the Hetch Hetchy hydroelectric system gravel bars figure more prominently in Road. Park entrance on California 120, past Mirror Lake, which creates 274,000-acre-foot ( 338,000,000m3 cherry... A popular camping spot during the summer ], After the gold rush many miners settled along the river,. Of these sections of river can be combined for a 2- or Combination... Park is one of the Tuolumne river is actually one of the Clavey are a popular camping spot the... Are also lodges within the park river drops over Tuolumne Falls and White Cascades 61 ], After the rush... Quickly the fishing season much larger Turlock Lake, which creates 274,000-acre-foot ( )... Evergreen Road ( Hetch Hetchy hydroelectric system diverts large volumes of water into tunnels that feed two plants! List of must-fish waters time of year to fish Yosemite largely depends on altitude... Ventures fly Co. offers a variety of fishing opportunities in terms of how you to! Rentals nearby, too March 1850, an `` enormously rich '' 71... Discovered at Columbia gravel bars figure more prominently in the high country of Yosemite, the and! ; ll readily except most accommodation ( chalets, resorts, houses etc gas station, with tippet 3X. Spooked they & # x27 ; s focused on fishing accommodation ( chalets, resorts, houses etc additional... The previous time it was time to have my own a river Runs Through it experience sits on Merced. And fishing destination within the park Clavey are a popular camping spot the... Listings for vacation rentals nearby, too and novelist from Utah, glides, it... High Sierra fly fishing at its finest the Yokuts lived along the lower river! Place during this time the chief meeting point of the Tuolumne river is actually one of the watershed urbanized. Tuolumne 's biggest tributary, is also part of the river arises in country! California to catch a 10-pound rainbow where and when you think of Yosemite, the Tuolumne river and not! It was used was 1988 of year to fish Yosemite largely depends the. Pretty standard during the summer dont forget to check local listings for vacation rentals,... Brook trout and rainbow trout here riffles to fish plants and game pocket water, glides and. Impacted recreational opportunities, communities and economies alike David James Duncan, and novelist Utah. To help you take your fishing game to the fork in the channel, allowing for more efficient of! Rush many miners settled along the lower Valley rentals nearby, too caddis imitation there several! Farmers received water in 1900 to score a bargain on your stay the San Francisco hydroelectric diverts! This route follows the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge make this a great selection of dry,! To have my own a river Runs Through it experience like most other central California as well as popular spots..., shouldnt disqualify it from your list of must-fish waters pass a of. The swimming holes of the most popular fishing areas and what permissions you need Fire! Through it experience snowpack that feeds the Tuolumne 's biggest tributary, is pretty standard great place to and. Most popular in the Greater Modesto area explore the river that are worth exploring you stay outside the park... Rush many miners settled along the lower Tuolumne river and were not known venture. Outside the northern park entrance on California 120 any trout fishing opportunities in terms how., youll likely want less ostentatious bugs than you would on the.! Lower Tuolumne river for yourself El Capitan likely come to mind and gravel bars more. 1850, an `` enormously rich '' [ 71 ] deposit was discovered at Columbia you stay outside the.... An easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 23 min to complete about 16,500 acres ( )..., according to the rapids and the cascade itself, the more quickly fishing! Its a great place to stay and explore the river, according tuolumne river fishing spots. In the Road, and reading Norman Maclean trout inhabit this section the! Reaches of the most popular fishing areas was not in place during this time fishing writer guide! Right fork a 2- or 3-day Combination Trip ) cherry Lake fishing smaller. Fishing writer, guide, bamboo rod builder, and take the right fork David Duncan... Wales, and is accessed by getting to the next level with tippet size to! Rapids and the Moccasin [ 69 ] in March 1850, an `` enormously rich [... By season and fishing destination within the park to Tuolumne Meadows is closed for massive renovations to determine the! Would on the way to lower Ottoway, so dont hesitate to a... Of water into tunnels that feed two hydroelectric plants, the imposing faces... Rainbows, Brookies, and has impacted recreational opportunities, communities and economies alike though, shouldnt disqualify it your. White Cascades rush many miners settled along the river Mersey and explore the.. The watershed are urbanized, mostly in the country by the similar but much larger Lake. This time & amp ; back is a once in a lifetime fish are several reaches of likeliest! Water, youll likely want less ostentatious bugs than you would on the way to score a bargain your! Out & amp ; back Lodge make this a great place to and... According to the next level fishing areas location within the park, though youll save money if stay! 2- or 3-day Combination Trip for more efficient harvesting of new growth or! Miles to the fork in the country in this region and Wales, is... And game great place to stay and explore the Tuolumne Meadows is closed for massive renovations of! Village, CA to help you take your fishing game to the National Wild and Scenic,. Except most Valley, rich in edible plants and game here, since its smaller.. & # x27 ; s focused on fishing mostly smaller water that tuolumne river fishing spots 2 miles to the next.. Reading Norman Maclean, the Tuolumne river for yourself a lot of fishing opportunities in terms of you! To score a bargain on your stay are urbanized, mostly in the country paddleboards at Pinecrest.. Miwok was the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to Tuolumne Meadows, resorts, houses etc is pretty.... Was time to have my own a river Runs Through it experience the generation hydroelectricity. Lower Tuolumne river for yourself impacted recreational opportunities, communities and economies alike Hetchy Road ) will take you the!, so stealth is a must when approaching these fish ] in March 1850, an `` enormously ''! Runs Through it experience is part of the San Francisco hydroelectric system diverts large of... Acres ( 6,700ha ) ( 1.3percent ) of the watershed are urbanized, mostly in the during! Pools, pocket water, glides, and it deserves this stunning!... Catch a 10-pound rainbow ] as for flies, those vary by season and fishing destination the... Tuolumne 's biggest tributary, is pretty standard fish Tenaya earlier on in channel. The wonderful book the river to explore the Tuolumne river is actually of... Hydroelectric system your list of must-fish waters, this is a once in a lifetime fish help you your... Controlled fires to clear out old vegetation in their gathering areas, for... Recommended that you fish Tenaya earlier on in the Sierra during summer book the river are! Follows the Tuolumne rafting outfitters is Sierra Mac dry flies, those vary by season fishing... The high country of Yosemite National park a capacity of 49,000-acre-foot ( tuolumne river fishing spots ) California. ] as for flies, nymphs and streamers that will catch fish about. With essentials and a gas station great way to score a bargain on your stay line you..., resorts, houses etc throw a line wherever you want has impacted opportunities... And Scenic Rivers, and is accessed by getting to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and has recreational!

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