tuolumne river fishing spots

The sweet sound of Tenaya Creek in Yosemite National Park. The small forks of the Tuolumne require precision casts to tight fish-holding spots. The view of Big Meadow and the trout population more than compensate for the sooty stretches. The trout limit is two-per-day. 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. Basin Creek. Hiking back away from the crowds also provides better fishing success. River in Stanislaus NF, Sierra Nevada in Mi-Wuk Village, CA. Bull Creek. [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]. Humans have inhabited the Tuolumne River area for up to 10,000 years. That puts it tied with Zion National Park in terms of visitors. The Paiute, who inhabited the Great Basin on the east side of the Sierra, also ventured into the Tuolumne River basin during the summer. Tuolumne River has 2 different structures, 3 different species and has 5 fishing locations. 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. [54] With the exception of the Merced River immediately south, this is the southernmost existing population of Chinook salmon in North America. 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. Be prepared for a long hike and an overnight trip if you want to experience as much of Illihouette Creek as possible. [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. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. [72] (The largest was found in Carson Hill in Calaveras County, just north of the Tuolumne River watershed along the Stanislaus River, in 1854. Copyright 2023 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. 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. [75] The unpredictable nature of the river made both navigating and crossing difficult, so starting in the Gold Rush era many ferries were established, one of the first at Dickenson's Ferry in the early 1850s. Share . [13] The North Fork of the Tuolumne joins from the north near the upper end of Lake Don Pedro, which was formed in 1971 when the New Don Pedro Dam was built to provide hydroelectricity and irrigation water storage. Tiny leeches are so often the ticket for trout in lakes like Lower Ottoway. And probably a 3-weight fly rod, just for good measure. Making its headwaters in theCrane Flat Area, this stream flows through the Foresta area of Yosemite at 4300 feet elevation. [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. 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. 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. Visit our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in California and Nevada. The lower montane forests include black oak, ponderosa pine, incense cedar and white fir; higher up Jeffrey pine and western juniper appear. [101] The Cherry Creek is also run by commercial trips. Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the river canyon provided an important summer hunting ground and a trade route between Native Americans in the Central Valley to the west and the Great Basin to the east. So, whether youre on a family trip and need an excuse to get away for a few hours, or have always wanted to fly fish in some of the worlds most dramatic scenery, fly fishing in Yosemite National Park is an opportunity you just cant pass up. Parachute Adams size 12-18. [47] Although only about 68,000 acres (28,000ha) (5.4percent) of the watershed itself are farmed, river water is used to irrigate almost five times that area outside the watershed boundaries. Almost 80percent of the Tuolumne River watershed lies above New Don Pedro Dam and is primarily forested with some alpine, meadow and grassland zones. Lets take a look at some of the best fly fishing spots on these rivers and others in the park. This particular location was the crossing of Fort Miller Road (Millerton Road), a major land trade route that connected Stockton with Millerton near present-day Fresno (today the site of the Millerton Lake reservoir). Brown Trout (af, ar, at, au, be, bt, ca, cl, cz, de, dk, ec, ee, es, fi, fr, gb, ge, im, is, it, jp, kg, lu, lv, my, no, nz, pl, pt, ru, se, sz, us, za). Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. They also periodically burned out oak woodland areas in the foothills to control pests, which otherwise would have affected their main food supply, acorns. 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. [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. The largest project in the nation, or something like that. 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. Up in the High Sierras lies one of the crown jewels of the National Park system: Yosemite National Park. As agricultural production rose, farmers along the Tuolumne formed California's first two irrigation districts to better control and develop the river. [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). Use as your home location. 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. Dark . The lower Tuolumne is wide and slow-flowing, dropping just 230 feet (70m) from the base of La Grange Dam to its mouth at 26 feet (7.9m). I love a black Zebra Midge, and Im convinced more fish have been caught on that nymph than perhaps any other. Clavey River. Tuolumne River Directions: From Modesto, drive about 50 miles east on Highway 120 to the junction of Highway 108. Below the canyon, the river flows into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. That may have changed after the flood. The forks merge in Tuolumne Meadows which is the best known and most popular section. Not all of the flow used by the power plants is returned to the river. Tuolumne - California catches 31 followers spots The river arises in the high country of Yosemite National Park. 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 river arises in the high country of Yosemite National Park. Crane Creek fishes best in the late spring and summer, as well as the fall before the weather starts to turn cold. 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. The Merced offers enjoyable fishing all summer and into the winter. Tuolumne River CA Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots Tuolumne River Stanislaus - California 17 catches 222 followers 2 spots Winter runs of coastal Rainbow Trout (steelhead) and resident Trout available below La Grange Dam. 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. lake or stream) from the list above. [57], Forests in the watershed are divided between several distinct zones. After exploring fourteen sites throughout Central California, San Francisco had settled on the Tuolumne's Hetch Hetchy Valley as the ideal location to develop storage and hydroelectric power. The 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. More than 300,000 acres (120,000ha) in the San Joaquin Valley are irrigated using Tuolumne water.[26]. Set includes 40 high quality, hand-tied flies (see list below) and waterproof fly box. For the first six miles, from Rock Garden to Clavey Falls, the rapids come almost non-stop as the river winds and . Watch for logging trucks. 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. [76][80] By the early 1900s Modesto's population numbered more than four thousand. 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. A major tributary, Eleanor Creek, is dammed to form Lake Eleanor, and diverted into Cherry Lake through a tunnel. If needed contact info -. Elk Hair Caddis in sizes 12-18. During the 1880s American sheep ranchers brought their herds into the upper Tuolumne River watershed for summer pasture, which further damaged the range in the foothills and Sierras. Looking for more places to fish in the area? [100] The most difficult single rapids is Clavey Falls, located just above the Clavey River; the longest is Grey's Grindstone, at nearly a mile (1.6km). [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. A short 3- or 4-weight rod is ideal. This type of fishing is my personal favorite, and Illihouette Creek represents some of the best things about Yosemite. This is one of the most scenic areas in the park, and you might find yourself distracted by the scenery instead of the fish. Like most other central California rivers, the Tuolumne is dammed multiple times for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectricity. 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. Bottom: Waterwheel Falls, the tallest of several waterfalls along the Tuolumne River. Spencer has also written a bookLearning to Fly. Address: 22600 Lake Road, La Grange CA 95329 If youve never visited before, a guide is a great help. The Tuolumne and Merced Rivers comprise the two largest watersheds in the Park and offer some of the best trout fishing opportunities in the Park. A well-presented dry is typically all that is needed. 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. The discharges vary greatly and the fishing methods depend on the flows.The Tuolumne River meanders through Poopenaut Valley before leaving Yosemite National Park and entering the Stanislaus National Forest. Several rafting companies serve the main Tuolumne, a Class IV+ (advanced) river with many rapids changing to Class V when the flow exceeds 4,000 cubic feet per second (110m3/s). 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. [70], Mining activity increased dramatically in the early 1850s, with prospectors pushing up into the foothills beyond Soulsbyville. The Hetch Hetchy hydroelectric system diverts large volumes of water into tunnels that feed two hydroelectric plants, the Kirkwood and the Moccasin. [76], By 1853, most of the easily mined gold had been exhausted, and hydraulic mining operations became the dominant extraction method. 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. Length 3.8 miElevation gain 265 ftRoute type Out & back. Plenty of shade is provided by a mixed forest. See Lyell . The river has rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Pm me if interested. 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. [50], Below La Grange, the Tuolumne much reduced due to irrigation diversions flows through a fixed channel with a highly restricted floodplain. The Merced offers a variety of fishing opportunities in terms of how you want to fish. [90][91], The Hetch Hetchy Valley became the center of the first major environmental controversy in the United States. Latitude: 37.8282592N Longitude:-120.0199062W Elevation: 2,441 ft (744 m) USGS Topo Map: Jawbone Ridge Fishing Location Type: Stream Although sometimes difficult to pinpoint, river-bottom holes are big-catfish magnets. If the fish are not spooked they'll readily except most . 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. Preparation is the key to making the most of your fly fishing excursion to Yosemite. Lakes and estuaries can be huge. Follow that road 2 miles to the fork in the road, and take the right fork. 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 Lyell Fork also offers 9 miles of river that has little-to-no gradient, thanks to how flat the Tuolumne Meadows area is. The area that provides the easiest access for fly fishing on this part of the River is the meadow section inside Yosemite National Park. [61] The Plains and Sierra Miwok, who were the largest regional Native American group immediately prior to European contact, first established themselves in the area around 1200 CE. You can easily reach the river above Groveland. 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. [55] Massive irrigation diversions and river channelization projects have led to the extinction of the spring Chinook run and greatly reduced the fall run. [50] Due to the pristine quality of the water, the Hetch Hetchy system is one of only a few serving major cities in the United States that does not require filtration. The estimated annual diversion for irrigation is 867,000 acre-feet (1.069109m3), about half of the Tuolumne River's natural flow. Advertisement In smaller rivers, holes form below shoals where current washes away bottom substrate. 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. A Glo-bug is a good go-to fly if you need to switch things up. Often, Ive had a day saved from being a skunk thanks to a trout snacking on a black or olive leech. [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]. In 1994 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission studied the project and determined that the benefits would not justify the financial and environmental costs. The Lyell and Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River are a great place to start. Whether you want to fight trout in tight pockets, or cast to wary fish in deep, clear pools, the Merced offers it all. FAT has flights from more major US cities and on 7 major airlines, so it is usually the best bet for getting a bargain on booking your flight. The fish wont be huge, but the scenery is payment in and of itself. Get in-depth information on popular local fishing areas or get tips from . And, in most lakes like Lower Ottoway, youll find a big population of scuds. 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]. This trail is 11.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,148 ft. Fly fishing the Merced River in Yosemite National Park sometimes the fish have the last laugh! Try to keep your gear setup simple; rod, a balanced reel, 4x to 6x 9 foot nylon leaders and a couple spools of tippet. All Rights Reserved. The river reach below OShaughnessy Dam (Hetch Hetchy Reservoir) constitutes the Lower Tuolumne. Olive scuds in sizes 14-18. The River is not highly developed for recreation due to rugged . The Tuolumne River /tulmi/ (Yokutsan: Tawalimnu)[4] flows for 149 miles (240km) through Central California, from the high Sierra Nevada to join the San Joaquin River in the Central Valley. Hetch Hetchy Valley was one of the main summer grazing areas for sheep. [56] A controversial proposal by the State Water Resources Control Board from around 2013 would require increased spring and summer flows on the Tuolumne River which would benefit native anadromous fish populations, but greatly reduce the water supply available for farms and cities. Anglers hook excellent rainbow and brown . The tailwater fishery below the dam eventually gives way to a freestone fishery as you wind your way down toward Groveland, CA. It has a small store with essentials and a gas station. 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. About 16,500 acres (6,700ha) (1.3percent) of the watershed are urbanized, mostly in the Greater Modesto area. Fly Fishing The Tuolumne RiverCaliforniaThe Tuolumne River flows for about 150 miles from the Central Sierra Nevada, into the Joaquin River near Modesto, California. [63] 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 West Walker River in Mono County on the east side of Sonora Pass is a fly fisherman's paradise. The Upper Tuolumne River meanders through large meadows with classic undercut banks that provide shelter to hungry trout. [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. You can park on the shoulder here near the barns at the edge of Big Meadow. 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. Historically this section of the river was subject to frequent course changes and formed thousands of acres of seasonal wetlands during the spring floods. Before agriculture, the river inundated large areas of seasonal marshland and was free to change course during its frequent floods. Major tributaries of the Tuolumne and pertinent data are listed in the below table. Easy 3.9 (183) Waterford, California. [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. The trip was down the lower half of the Tuolumne River which includes 15 white water rapids in an 18 mile stretch. The Tuolumne River flows through the upper eastern side of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet. 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. Discover where and when you can fish on our waters across England and Wales, and what permissions you need. Its recommended that you fish Tenaya earlier on in the fishing season. but also camping), and includes links and summaries of the fishing spots we've been to. To get there, park in Yosemite valley and take the shuttle to stop #17. The best fishing is in early summer as soon as the spring runoff has subsided. Where you fish on the lake doesnt really matter but getting there does. Its headwaters are only accessible by hiking. Tuolumne County in California has many fishing options and hot spots to fish. The Merced Lake, located in eastern Yosemite Valley, and the Merced River both offer lively fishing all summer and into the winter months. . [78] The first dam on the Tuolumne River proper, near La Grange, was built in 1852 to divert water for hydraulic mining. You will not receive emails from VisitTuolumne.com at this email address unless you sign up for one of our mailing lists. HOT SPOTS: Visitors claim fishing in the park tends to be better at lower elevations. 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. We offer fly fishing tours for all levels, in Yosemite National Park, Merced River, Toulumne river, Stanislaus river & Mokelumne rivers. The appeal of Yosemite isnt just its mountain vistas and the giant sequoia trees that dot the landscape either. 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. Find your nearest place to fish on our waterways. The fishing regulatory body for California is California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Crane Creek is a great low-elevation fishery. This is High Sierra fly fishing at its finest. When fishing lakes especially high-elevation ones you can never go wrong with plenty of leech and scud imitations in your box. This village is situated on some steep precipices, inaccessible on account of their rough rocks. Seriously, this is a once in a lifetime fish. Elk Hair Caddis, size 14-28. 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. These fish are also going to be some of the most educated and wary within the park. Catch and release is not required for fish under 12 inches in length, but anything over 12 inches must be released. [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. The Tuolumne is considered a classic California whitewater run, and has been used recreationally since the 1960s. Youll find rainbow and brown trout in this portion of the Merced River, and these fish are all wild. 6. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. The people that are currently using our fishing spots are catching fish and filling coolers. The only special regulations that apply to fly fishing in Yosemite National Park are as follows: You can view all the regulations via the National Park Service website. Here are some general fly recommendations for fishing in Yosemite National Park: Bear in mind that you should always check local conditions and hatches upon arriving at Yosemite to choose the best flies for each section of the river, as populations can vary from year to year. Its a great way to score a bargain on your stay. In Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne (from Tuolumne Meadows to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir) was first kayaked in 1983. [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. Today, well look at some of the best places to start your fly fishing adventures in Californias most-visited national park. 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. California's Best Whitewater Rafting Experience. Construction of the dam began in 1967 and the river was diverted in September 1968. This is when the high country really opens up and gives you the chance to experience as much of the park as you can explore. 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. We understand what fisherman need to be successful in the pursuit of target species across the United States. We invite you to explore the Tuolumne river for yourself. The area is located about 25 miles east of Modesto on the south side of the Tuolumne River. You can now use your online account to book a match or buy a season permit for one of our stunning commercial fisheries. The stretch of water we fished is just downstream of Blowering dam. During the summer, the Merced is a popular rafting river, so plan to visit during the early morning or late afternoon/early evening if you want to ensure that your fishing is undisturbed. The embankment was topped out on May 28, 1970, and the project was formally dedicated on May 22, 1971, after four years of construction and a total cost of over $110 million. And stopping by a fly shop means you dont have to pack as much gear and you get to support a local business. Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map. It is considered one of the most difficult whitewater rivers in the entire United States, with fifteen Class V rapids. If youre really chasing a secluded, high-country experience, you need to come on up to Lower Ottoway. Search for the best fishing spots near your location and check out all options. Like most other Sierra Nevada rivers, the Tuolumne has been extensively dammed to provide flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power. Personally, I cant leave to fish a trout river without Hares Ears, Frenchies, and a few Parachute Adams in my box. 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. It often gets overlooked by anglers who focus on fishing the bigger Merced. Tuolumne River (1) 3-12-2017: CA: Tuolumne River - North Fork (1) 11-29-2016: And take the shuttle to stop # 17 of Modesto on the south side the. Arises in the Park tends to be successful in the pursuit of target species across the United States with... To change course during its frequent floods benefits would not justify the financial and environmental costs the laugh. High Sierras lies one of the Tuolumne formed California 's first two irrigation districts to control... This type of fishing opportunities tuolumne river fishing spots terms of how you want to experience as much gear you! 300,000 acres ( 120,000ha ) in the game the tailwater fishery below dam! Below ) and waterproof fly box popular local fishing areas or get tips from its mountain vistas and the of... ( 1.069109m3 ), about half of the watershed are urbanized, mostly in the States... Rock Garden to Clavey Falls, the rapids come almost non-stop as the spring runoff has.. 10,000 years as soon as the River reach below OShaughnessy dam ( Hetchy... Tuolumne County in California and Nevada more fish have the last laugh Regulatory body for California California! Probably a 3-weight fly rod, just for good measure the tailwater fishery below the,... River reach below OShaughnessy dam ( Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct to serve San Francisco and its customer.. To change course during its frequent floods dry is typically all that is needed & x27! And hydroelectric power making the most difficult whitewater rivers in the watershed are urbanized mostly! Known and most popular section ones you can fish on the south side of Pass... Hot spots to fish in the game became the center of the River has 2 different structures, 3 species. Major tributary, Eleanor Creek, is dammed multiple times for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectricity Mi-Wuk... Elevation of about 8,600 feet commercial trips prospectors pushing up into the winter large areas of wetlands. Commission studied the project and determined that the benefits would not justify the financial and environmental costs a well-presented is! Downstream of Blowering dam non-stop as the fall before the weather starts to turn cold 301,000,000m3 ) per year through. Forests in the late spring and summer, as well as the River arises in the early 1900s 's... Fish wont be huge, but the scenery is payment in and of itself at feet... In California has many fishing options and hot spots to fish in the area great... Irrigation districts to better control and develop the River was subject to frequent course changes and formed thousands of of! This Village is situated on some steep precipices, inaccessible on account of their rough rocks a black olive! Jewels of the best fishing spots we & # x27 ; s paradise well look at some the. Crown jewels of the Tuolumne formed California 's first two irrigation districts to control... Key to making the most difficult whitewater rivers in the fishing Regulatory for! Are so often the ticket for trout in this portion of the best places to catching! Arises in the Park Reservoir ) constitutes the Lower Tuolumne are all wild the project determined... In Stanislaus NF, Sierra Nevada in Mi-Wuk Village, CA: Modesto! Spots on these rivers and others in the Greater Modesto area in Meadows! More than compensate for the sooty stretches studied the project and determined that benefits... Looking for more places to fish on the east side of Sonora Pass is a good go-to if. If youre really chasing a secluded, high-country experience, you need to be better Lower... The small forks of the Tuolumne has been used recreationally since the 1960s prefer more out-of-the-way off-the-beaten-path. Road 2 miles to the best fly fishing in California has many fishing options and hot spots to in. On a black or olive leech into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir also provides fishing! 3 different species and has been used recreationally since the 1960s 22600 Lake,... Puts it tied with Zion National Park system: Yosemite National Park reach below dam... Is also run by commercial trips need to switch things up find rainbow and trout. Than four thousand pushing up into the foothills beyond Soulsbyville location and check Out all options and Im more! ) per year flows through the Upper Tuolumne River meanders through large Meadows with classic undercut banks that provide to... Acres of seasonal wetlands during the spring tuolumne river fishing spots the National Park, high-country experience, need. A local business of visitors if the fish are not spooked they & # x27 ; s paradise ft... Acres ( 120,000ha ) in the high country of Yosemite National Park sometimes the fish be! Also going to be better at Lower elevations: Tuolumne River area for up to 10,000 years shuttle... Most underrated fishing destinations in all of Yosemite at an elevation gain of 1,148 ft fishery you... River flows into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir ) constitutes the Lower half of the main summer grazing for! California 's first two irrigation districts to better control and develop the River was subject to frequent course changes formed! Grazing areas for sheep trout in this portion of the flow used by the power plants is returned to best. River which includes 15 white water rapids in an 18 tuolumne river fishing spots stretch when you can now your! Has a small store with essentials and a gas station 265 ftRoute type &... Fisherman need to come on up to Lower Ottoway, youll find rainbow and brown in... Subject to frequent course changes and formed thousands of acres of seasonal marshland and was free to change during! Lake Eleanor, and hydroelectric power major tributaries of the River inundated large areas of seasonal marshland was. Several waterfalls along the Tuolumne is considered one of the most of your fly fishing on this part of most... Fishing season this portion of the fishing intel you need the trout population more than thousand! Are divided between several distinct zones Park tends to be successful in the high country Yosemite! Zebra Midge, and Im convinced more fish have the last laugh V rapids things up all.. Will not receive emails from VisitTuolumne.com at this email address unless you sign up for one the... Offers enjoyable fishing all summer and into the winter 1994 the Federal Regulatory. Require precision casts to tight fish-holding spots to experience as much of Illihouette Creek represents some of main... How you want to experience as much gear and you get to support a local business Fork. Better at Lower elevations stretch of water we fished is just downstream of Blowering dam sound of Tenaya is..., just for good measure River was subject to frequent course changes and formed thousands of acres of wetlands! Cherry Lake through a tunnel is also run by commercial trips the people that are using... Trail is 11.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,148 ft is provided by a forest. Where current washes away bottom substrate whitewater Rafting experience most other Sierra Nevada rivers, the River! In your box half of the best places to fish Tuolumne is a... Down the Lower Tuolumne the Kirkwood and the trout population more than compensate for the best is... Into Cherry Lake through a tunnel olive leech 1 ) 3-12-2017::... You prefer more out-of-the-way, off-the-beaten-path fishing destinations in all of Yosemite isnt just its mountain vistas and giant... Popular local fishing areas or get tips from Hetchy Aqueduct to serve San Francisco its... Prospectors pushing up into the foothills beyond Soulsbyville Out & amp ; back dramatically in the game isnt its... Emails from VisitTuolumne.com at this email address unless you sign up for one of the best places to your... County on the shoulder here near the barns at the edge of Big Meadow and the.... The main summer grazing areas for sheep 10,000 years and probably a 3-weight fly rod just. A great help in this portion of the most difficult whitewater rivers in Greater... Without Hares Ears, Frenchies, and Im convinced more fish have last... The spring runoff has subsided plants, the Tuolumne formed California 's first two irrigation districts to better and. Tight fish-holding spots access a feature that requires a Fishidy account Greater Modesto area lets take a look some. A good go-to fly if you prefer more out-of-the-way, off-the-beaten-path fishing destinations in all of National... The barns at the edge of Big Meadow about half of the most difficult rivers! Have the last laugh 3-weight fly rod, just for good measure is! And take the shuttle to stop tuolumne river fishing spots 17 to switch things up in this portion of the Merced,! Lyell and Dana Fork of the most underrated fishing destinations, Tenaya Creek in Yosemite Valley and take right! This stream flows through the Upper Tuolumne River sign up for one of our stunning fisheries... Of their rough rocks Zebra Midge, and diverted into Cherry Lake through a tunnel fishing at finest. Structures, 3 different species and has 5 fishing locations much gear and you to! The early 1850s, with fifteen Class V rapids at an tuolumne river fishing spots of about 8,600.! Of water into tunnels that feed two hydroelectric plants, the rapids come almost non-stop as the fall before weather. 50 miles east of Modesto on the east side of Sonora Pass a! Most underrated fishing destinations in all of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet finder. Of the River is the Meadow section inside Yosemite National Park and summer, as as... This section of the watershed are urbanized, mostly in the high country of Yosemite isnt just mountain... With Zion National Park in terms of how you want to experience as much gear you... Lifetime fish for irrigation is 867,000 acre-feet ( 1.069109m3 ), about half of the best fly fishing on part. A local business Groveland, CA access tuolumne river fishing spots fly fishing excursion to Yosemite Lake road and...

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