This village is situated on some steep precipices, inaccessible on account of their rough rocks. This lake is tucked beneath a mountain and offers a great view of the Clark Range, high in a more remote corner of Yosemite. Despite the controversy, the city of San Francisco pushed through, beginning construction in early 1914 and filling the reservoir for the first time in May 1923. 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. Fishing the Tuolumne Below Hetch Hetchy (Yosemite National Park) 4,786 views Aug 25, 2021 186 Dislike Share Save Wilderness with Amani 6.55K subscribers I only have an hour or so to explore the. Sites range from 30-40' back-ins, no hook-ups, on five different loops. Personally, I cant leave to fish a trout river without Hares Ears, Frenchies, and a few Parachute Adams in my box. The Tuolumne River system also consist of the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, a fine fly fishing destination itself, and the Middle Fork and North Forks of the Tuolumne River, which also have both wild and stocked trout. Ken is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to fish. The Hetch Hetchy hydroelectric system diverts large volumes of water into tunnels that feed two hydroelectric plants, the Kirkwood and the Moccasin. [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]. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. Below the canyon, the river flows into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. TheTuolumne River flows through the upper eastern side of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet. 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. In this video I take you to the beautiful Tumut River, in southern New South Wales. Lakes and estuaries can be huge. Cold Canyon and Conness Creeks join in on the flow below the meadows and the river flows through beautiful Glen Aulin Valley. The fish up here are primarily small, but gorgeous, rainbow trout. The tailwater fishery below the dam eventually gives way to a freestone fishery as you wind your way down toward Groveland, CA. Anyone interested in fishing Middle Tuolumne River or waters within the wider area around Sonora should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. This is part of the Tuolumne River, and is accessed by getting to the Tuolumne Meadows. Originating at over 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above sea level in Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne drains a rugged watershed of 1,958 square miles (5,070 km 2 ), carving a series of canyons through the western slope of the Sierra. 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 Upper Merced is as varied as the portion through the Yosemite Valley, but in a much smaller format. 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. Our break down of the different structures, along with our how to catch tips and tricks gives you the edge you've always wanted. This route follows the Tuolumne River through a deep canyon that leads from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to Tuolumne Meadows. About 16,500 acres (6,700ha) (1.3percent) of the watershed are urbanized, mostly in the Greater Modesto area. Looking for more places to fish in the area? One of them just so happens to be fly fishing. 47325.741 ACRE-FT. Total streamflow across the Tuolumne River was last observed at 23860 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 47326 acre-ft of water today; about 100% of normal. Hares Ear in sizes 14-18. 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. [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. Like most other Sierra Nevada rivers, the Tuolumne has been extensively dammed to provide flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power. Dams have blocked more than half of the original 99 miles (159km) of migratory fish spawning habitat in the Tuolumne River watershed. 2. The first recorded use of the name "Tuolumne" was by the Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga in 1806, who may have named the river for the nearby Native American village of Tualamne or Tautamne. 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. In the mid-1860s Tuolumne City and Paradise (located about 5 miles (8.0km) further up the river) were reestablished as farming communities. Theyre not big enough to warrant a disc drag. Fishing season is from the last Saturday in April until November 15th. Open spaces make for easy casting. Today, well look at some of the best places to start your fly fishing adventures in Californias most-visited national park. Dont forget to check local listings for vacation rentals nearby, too. A Glo-bug is a good go-to fly if you need to switch things up. He created DIY Fly Fishing to help you do the same. Elk Hair Caddis in sizes 12-18. Area fly shops, guides and websites that can provide a Yosemite National Park fly fishing report are listed below: Regulations forfishing in Yosemite National Parkare as follows: The best airport to fly into largely depends on the season you plan to visit. Hetch Hetchy Valley was one of the main summer grazing areas for sheep. The Tuolumne River system also consist of the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, a fine fly fishing destination itself, and the Middle Fork and North Forks of the Tuolumne River, which also have both wild and stocked trout. The river has rainbow, brown, and brook trout. This is High Sierra fly fishing at its finest. Tuolumne County in California has many fishing options and hot spots to fish. [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. Again, the trout in this fishery are almost exclusively going to be brown and rainbow trout. Discover where and when you can fish on our waters across England and Wales, and what permissions you need. And stopping by a fly shop means you dont have to pack as much gear and you get to support a local business. You can view the details, and purchase a license to fly fish in Yosemite National Park, here. Hes the News Editor forMidCurrent, and a regular contributor to Hatch Magazine. The river . Making its headwaters in theCrane Flat Area, this stream flows through the Foresta area of Yosemite at 4300 feet elevation. In order to protect property and watershed quality, intensive fire suppression began in the early 20th century. Its recommended that you start your journey at the Mono Meadows trailhead, located off Glacier Point Road in the southern part of the park. There are 196 campsites available during peak season, which is from April to October. 6. Order is from the headwaters downstream. [54] With the exception of the Merced River immediately south, this is the southernmost existing population of Chinook salmon in North America. Latitude: 37.8282592N Longitude:-120.0199062W Elevation: 2,441 ft (744 m) USGS Topo Map: Jawbone Ridge Fishing Location Type: Stream Ferry sites grew into lively towns, such as at Waterford, where a crossing had been established in 1866. It's a very diverse river that has both freestone and tailwater sections with good populations of wild trout. These structures break current, providing resting and feeding spots for blues, channels and flatheads. HOT SPOTS: Visitors claim fishing in the park tends to be better at lower elevations. While the upper Tuolumne is a fast-flowing mountain stream, the lower river crosses a broad, fertile and extensively cultivated alluvial plain. lake or stream) from the list above. The area that provides the easiest access for fly fishing on this part of the River is the meadow section inside Yosemite National Park. Its a great way to score a bargain on your stay. The lower montane forests include black oak, ponderosa pine, incense cedar and white fir; higher up Jeffrey pine and western juniper appear. Loop D is located closest to the lake. Fishery list. The river was pristine with crystal clear cold water and extremely fun class 3 and 4 rapids (water level was at approx 1200 csf) with chutes, huge boulders and churning holes. This 32-mile (51km) segment is rated Class IV-V+, with many waterfalls requiring a portage. The Merced offers enjoyable fishing all summer and into the winter. Preparation is the key to making the most of your fly fishing excursion to Yosemite. 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. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. We realize bucket-list fish and lifetime memories never come easy, until now. Catch and release is not required for fish under 12 inches in length, but anything over 12 inches must be released. Lower Tuolumne River in Northern CA - My buddy caught this beast last month with a streamer. The easiest access to Lyell Fork is via the John Muir Trail through Lyell Canyon starting at the Wilderness Center Trailhead. The earth-filled New Don Pedro Dam, 585 feet (178m) high, is the 10th tallest dam in the United States and was constructed as a multipurpose project, serving irrigation, municipal water supply, hydropower and flood control. Its so simple, but so incredibly effective. Check regulations for gear and seasons. Plenty of shade is provided by a mixed forest. It is smaller water, although it still offers diverse fishing opportunities like the Merced does. The Tuolumne River is hidden within the tall grasses of Tuolumne Meadows. The appeal of Yosemite isnt just its mountain vistas and the giant sequoia trees that dot the landscape either. The discharges vary greatly and the fishing methods depend on the flows. Often, Ive had a day saved from being a skunk thanks to a trout snacking on a black or olive leech. Whether you want to fight trout in tight pockets, or cast to wary fish in deep, clear pools, the Merced offers it all. Set includes 40 high quality, hand-tied flies (see list below) and waterproof fly box. Lakes and Reservoirs are open year round for fishing. The valley is dependent on flood control storage at Lake Don Pedro to prevent flows from exceeding the channel capacity. Again, with this being a trout fishery in the High Sierra, I cant stress enough the need for classic, time-tested trout flies. [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. Our product produces results and has already helped thousands of people get on the fish. #4.25.5. Watch for logging trucks. Yosemite National Park doesnt impose any additional licensing requirements. More than 300,000 acres (120,000ha) in the San Joaquin Valley are irrigated using Tuolumne water.[26]. This is where we put in for our popular class IV-V Main Tuolumne rafting trips. Your small flies are going to work best here, and Id recommend 7x leader. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in Middle Tuolumne River California, United States 35 Logged catches View fishing report ( 35) Suggest changes About Middle Tuolumne River Anyone interested in fishing Middle Tuolumne River or waters within the wider area around Sonora should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. 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). The Chesapeake Bay covers 64,000 square miles. As well dam for water-tanks the peoples' cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man. As for flies, those vary by season and fishing destination within the park. Tuolumne River California has some great fishing spots with a number of wildlife species haunting its banks. 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. My only experience with fly fishing was from the wonderful book The River Why by David James Duncan, and reading Norman Maclean. California Department of Fish & Game; 2011-2012 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations; 2011 Fly Fishing Specialties; South Fork Tuolumne River; 2011 Writer Bio The Merced River flows through one of the most scenic valleys in the world - Yosemite Valley. Almost 80percent of the Tuolumne River watershed lies above New Don Pedro Dam and is primarily forested with some alpine, meadow and grassland zones. [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. The Tuolumne River is actually one of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and it deserves this stunning designation! If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters [102] Both runs are dam controlled, which usually extends the rafting season through the dry late summer and fall. Because of the desire to increase water storage for other uses, only 340,000 acre-feet (420,000,000m3) of the reservoir is designated flood control, which is relatively small compared to other reservoirs in California. Im a big fan of simplicity, and it doesnt get much more simple than classic trout fishing. It has a small store with essentials and a gas station. 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. The Tuolumne River flows through the upper eastern side of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet. 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. If you stick to the lower six miles of the Merced, your odds of finding more solitary conditions where you can try your luck freely is much better. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. Try this 3.8-mile out-and-back trail near Waterford, California. [5] As the mid-20th century progressed, demands on the Tuolumne continued to increase, culminating in the completion of New Don Pedro Dam in the early 1970s. It's focused on fishing accommodation (chalets, resorts, houses etc. There are many streams and rivers where fishing is permitted within the boundaries of Yosemite. Copyright 2023 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. It replaced an earlier concrete dam built on approximately the same site. Click on any of the pins on the Stanislaus County map or narrow your search by selecting a place type (e.g. The Mountain Whitefish run aggressively in the winter time with their spawning season between October and February. The river arises in the high country of Yosemite National Park. 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. From the 1900s to the 1930s, the river was dammed at Don Pedro and Hetch Hetchy to provide water for Central Valley farmers and the city of San Francisco, respectively. [89] Because the area had been located inside Yosemite National Park since 1890, the city petitioned for Congress to pass the Raker Act. 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. 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. The Tuolumne River from the OShaughnessy Dam downstream to Early Intake Diversion Dam only artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks may be used; bait fishing is prohibited. Length 3.8 miElevation gain 265 ftRoute type Out & back. Get in-depth information on popular local fishing areas or get tips from . Guiderecommended.com and River Traditions LLC participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and others, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other companies." The general consensus is "that the best paddling in is the upper miles while the middle section is better for hikers and canyoneers. [15] In the late 1950s TID and MID began planning for a high dam on the Tuolumne River several miles below the existing Don Pedro Dam. [79] The first TID farmers received water in 1900. The w. Tenkara Tanuki fly fishing in Tuolumne Meadows. Fly fishing the Merced River in Yosemite National Park sometimes the fish have the last laugh! "[92] The Hetch Hetchy debacle is often credited with birthing modern environmentalism, sharply dividing the conservation movement which favored the development of natural resources for public benefit and the preservationists, who believed that sites of scenic value like Hetch Hetchy were better left for public recreation and enjoyment.[93]. As mentioned above, you can fish the Merced for much of its 145-mile length before it joins the San Joaquin River. The Modesto Canal feeds the 29,000-acre-foot (36,000,000m3) off-stream Modesto Reservoir, which regulates the water for distribution to farmers. Lyell Fork Tuolumne River has 1 different structures, 1 different species and has 2 fishing locations. Melting ice feeds the upper reaches of the Tuolumne River, maintaining water flow in the late summer when many other streams in the region are dry. There are also a large number of natural lakes and tarns in the upper watershed. The South Fork of the Tuolumne River has both stocked and wild trout, with most of the wild fish off the direct road access areas. A 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod will probably be the only one youll need on any water in Yosemite National Park. [95] Concerns that the new dam would impact king salmon populations were the primary cause of the delay.[96]. Its this dramatic scenery that pulls so many people here each year, so its surprising that fly fishing in Yosemite isnt broadcasted as widely as that in other parks (like Yellowstone). [81], As it became apparent that the Central Valley's seasonal rainfall patterns made it unsuitable for dryland farming, farmers organized to build irrigation infrastructure along the Tuolumne River. Head to Thorp Arch, Linton and Easedike to find great spots, with stretches of water full of barbel, chub, dace, roach, eels and grayling. This is listed below. 9. [46] The primary land use in the lower Tuolumne River watershed is agriculture, but there are also significant urbanized areas. For information about fishing on the Stanislaus National Forest. I decided it was time to have my own A River Runs Through It experience. Pm me if interested. 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. [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. [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. . Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map. Return, Paiute, Rancheria, and Falls Creeks are more tributary streams.Below the OShaughnessy Dam, the Tuolumne River also is an excellent fishery for trout. Evergreen Road (Hetch Hetchy Road) will take you to the river below the dam. 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. Last, but certainly not least, is Illihouette Creek. In 1961 voters approved revenue bonds to fund the project. Reply. The small forks of the Tuolumne require precision casts to tight fish-holding spots. 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). The people that are currently using our fishing spots are catching fish and filling coolers. 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. Average streamflow for this time of year is 23860 cfs, with recent peaks last observed at 28,900 cfs on 2023-03-15. 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. Locations. Trout in the Upper Tuolumne are not too selective given the limited amount of time fish have to fatten up on aquatic insects that emerge during the summer. From here, its 13 miles through rugged country to reach your destination. Father Pedro Muoz, a member of the 1806 expedition, noted in his diary that "we came upon a village called Tautamne. May 24 - 26, 2013. 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 San Joaquin River and the SacramentoSan Joaquin River Delta, which link the Tuolumne salmon runs to the Pacific, have also been affected by flow reduction and pollution. The Hetch Hetchy Railroad was built along 68 miles (109km) of the Tuolumne River Canyon to provide access to the remote construction site. The trout limit is two-per-day. Anglers hook excellent rainbow and brown . Tuolumne River The Tuolumne River has been home to human inhabitants for more than 10,000 years. In a word - WOW! Lake Amador. Return and Piute Creeks join the river from the north within the Tuolumne Canyon. Again, I cant leave the house without this stellar caddis imitation. [53], The Tuolumne once supported large spring and fall runs of chinook salmon (king salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The high elevation of the meadows, which offers excellent fly fishing opportunities and the two forks limit the season to a very short one. The OShaughnessy tailwater is accessible from just outside the northern park entrance on California 120. Remember that these are small, wild trout and those fish usually respond well to classic flies. The designated reach is the main stem from its source to the Don Pedro Reservoir. The system uses three classifications; Tuolumne has 47 miles (76km) categorized as Wild, 23 miles (37km) categorized as Scenic and 13 miles (21km) categorized as Recreational, for a total of 83 miles (134km) protected from further development.[109]. 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. You can easily reach the river above Groveland. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Clear Lake is a n 8 acre lake located in Tuolumne County. If the Merced River in the Yosemite Valley wasnt enough, you can fish the Upper Merced between Merced Lake and Nevada Falls. It would be eleven years before the new reservoir of 2,030,000 acre-feet (2.50km3) ten times the size of Old Don Pedro filled completely in June 1982. (Check fishing regulations as bait ban typically starts on April 1 st .) The area is located about 25 miles east of Modesto on the south side of the Tuolumne River. Try to keep your gear setup simple; rod, a balanced reel, 4x to 6x 9 foot nylon leaders and a couple spools of tippet. Unless youre planning on spending nights in the backcountry, youll probably be better off staying outside the park. In November, at the peak of spawning season, hatchery visitors can watch hatchery staff collect eggs. Cherry Creek is dammed at the Cherry Valley Dam, which creates 274,000-acre-foot (338,000,000m3) Cherry Lake. [18], The Tuolumne River watershed can be divided into three distinct physiographic regions. 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: A well-presented dry is typically all that is needed. The Local Company. Everywhere that you can see, theres likely fish in this creek. The Tuolumne River received the Wild and Scenic Rivers designation in 1984. Up here, you might even run into the odd brook trout, but youre most likely to catch brown and rainbow trout. The forks merge in Tuolumne Meadows which is the best known and most popular section. [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. The sweet sound of Tenaya Creek in Yosemite National Park. Most rafters put in at Meral's Pool, located about 2 miles (3.2km) below Cherry Creek, for the 18-mile (29km) run to Lake Don Pedro. You can just venture off-trail, follow a blue line on the map, and likely get into good fish. 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. 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. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. Tenaya Creek is a tributary to the Merced, and dumps into the river right by the North Pines Campground.

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