The fish wont be huge, but the scenery is payment in and of itself. lake or stream) from the list above. [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. In its native state the fall Chinook run alone may have numbered as high as 130,000. Fishing in the Tuolumne River can be accessed from Groveland on steep, narrow, dirt roads by way of Lumsden or Cherry Lake Road. Below the O'Shaughnessy Dam, the Tuolumne River also is an excellent fishery for trout. Unlike the Hetch Hetchy system, the Cherry Creek system is used exclusively for hydropower, not water supply, because the water quality is not quite as good. Like most other central California rivers, the Tuolumne is dammed multiple times for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectricity. [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. The section of river by the Marina is home to various flatfish, whiting, silver eels and cod. From long flats to pools and riffles, and even some pocket water, Tenaya Creek has a little of bit everything that anglers love. 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. Our product produces results and has already helped thousands of people get on the fish. Like Crane Flat, however, Tuolumne Meadows is closed for massive renovations. The most unique of the Tuolumne rafting outfitters is Sierra Mac. The sweet sound of Tenaya Creek in Yosemite National Park. 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. Average streamflow for this time of year is 23860 cfs, with recent peaks last observed at 28,900 cfs on 2023-03-15. [20] The gage was not in place during this time. Its so simple, but so incredibly effective. 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. Fishing Locations - Tuolumne County, Car Accessible. This has been countered by irrigation districts who maintain that the aforementioned predation, not low flows, are the primary cause of salmon smolt deaths. Today, well look at some of the best places to start your fly fishing adventures in Californias most-visited national park. 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. 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. [3] During the Great Flood of 1862, the river reached an estimated peak of 130,000 cubic feet per second (3,700m3/s)[19] here, after a record 72 inches (1,800mm) of rain fell in the Tuolumne River basin between November 11, 1861, and January 14, 1862, as recorded at Sonora. Return and Piute Creeks join the river from the north within the Tuolumne Canyon. The small forks of the Tuolumne require precision casts to tight fish-holding spots. These fish are also going to be some of the most educated and wary within the park. 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. FishingCatching the Big One is a relaxing way to get away from the stress of everyday life, and a picturesque way to get to know Tuolumne County. 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. A glimpse of the Lyell Fork of Tuolumne River in 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 . By the mid 20th century it was clear that storage capacity in Tuolumne River reservoirs was insufficient to meet growing water demands. The valley is dependent on flood control storage at Lake Don Pedro to prevent flows from exceeding the channel capacity. 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. The estimated annual diversion for irrigation is 867,000 acre-feet (1.069109m3), about half of the Tuolumne River's natural flow. If needed contact info -. There are 196 campsites available during peak season, which is from April to October. [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. 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. [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. Click on any of the pins on the Stanislaus County map or narrow your search by selecting a place type (e.g. Oregon Creek, Middle Fork Yuba River flickr/roger jones You'll find this hidden gem off of the Middle Fork of the Yuba River. Cherry Creek is dammed at the Cherry Valley Dam, which creates 274,000-acre-foot (338,000,000m3) Cherry Lake. Frenchie, sizes 14-18. The stretch of water we fished is just downstream of Blowering dam. 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. 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. Below the canyon, the river flows into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. This route follows the Tuolumne River through a deep canyon that leads from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to Tuolumne Meadows. [87] A secondary purpose for the construction of the dam was that TID and MID were aware that the city of San Francisco, 160 miles (260km) west of the river, coveted water from the Tuolumne. Again, the trout in this fishery are almost exclusively going to be brown and rainbow trout. Today farms and communities are protected by a levee system with a channel capacity of roughly 9,000 cubic feet per second (250m3/s) at the 9th St. Bridge in Modesto significantly smaller than the river's maximum flood potential. Tuolumne River The Tuolumne River has been home to human inhabitants for more than 10,000 years. * This email is used only to keep track of your favorites. [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. Lower Tuolumne River in Northern CA - My buddy caught this beast last month with a streamer. Don't you love being on the water? 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. [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. When you think of Yosemite, the imposing granite faces of Half-Dome and El Capitan likely come to mind. Its a classic, meandering stream that requires precise presentation and plenty of patience. The Paiute, who inhabited the Great Basin on the east side of the Sierra, also ventured into the Tuolumne River basin during the summer. The Chesapeake Bay covers 64,000 square miles. The river starts in the high country of Yosemite National Park and flows to where Highway #120 meets it. Native Americans set controlled fires in grassland to clear out dead foliage, providing room for new growth which in turn attracted game animals to forage. The fishing regulatory body for California is California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Find your nearest place to fish on our waterways. The River is not highly developed for recreation due to rugged . You can park on the shoulder here near the barns at the edge of Big Meadow. [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. It's one of the likeliest places in California to catch a 10-pound rainbow. If youre really chasing a secluded, high-country experience, you need to come on up to Lower Ottoway. Reply. (Check fishing regulations as bait ban typically starts on April 1 st .) 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. Hiking back away from the crowds also provides better fishing success. Tuolumne River The Tuolumne River has one special regulation section. These flies mimic just about any aquatic insect, and are a must-have for anyone looking to catch trout. The river reach below OShaughnessy Dam (Hetch Hetchy Reservoir) constitutes the Lower Tuolumne. 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. Everywhere that you can see, theres likely fish in this creek. Fly fishing the Tuolumne River can range from easy to very difficult,depending on which section of the huge river system you choose to fish.The Tuolumne River is formed by the confluence of the Dana Fork, which flows from the 13,000 foot Mount Dana, and Lyell Fork, which flows from the 13,000 foot Mount Lyell, in the Tuolumne Meadows (elevation 8600 feet) in Yosemite National Park. HOT SPOTS: Visitors claim fishing in the park tends to be better at lower elevations. Id carry the following with me everywhere in the park: Fishing season doesnt open until the last Saturday in April, and closes November 15, for fishing streams and rivers in Yosemite. California Department of Fish & Game; 2011-2012 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations; 2011 Fly Fishing Specialties; South Fork Tuolumne River; 2011 Writer Bio Again, you may run into some brook trout up here, but thats not likely. [69] In March 1850, an "enormously rich"[71] deposit was discovered at Columbia. Not all of the flow used by the power plants is returned to the river. 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). Zebra Midge in sizes 16-20. California Freshwater Fishing Regulation Map. Often, Ive had a day saved from being a skunk thanks to a trout snacking on a black or olive leech. It often gets overlooked by anglers who focus on fishing the bigger Merced. The dam would have been 413 feet (126m) high and dried up most of the lower Clavey, a popular whitewater run. 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. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. A click-and-pawl reel is more than enough to handle the fish in Yosemite. The general consensus is "that the best paddling in is the upper miles while the middle section is better for hikers and canyoneers. While theres plenty of the Merced to fish, the section thats easily the most beautiful is located smack in the middle of Yosemite Valley. The fishing is usually fast and furious, as is the case on most high-country trout fisheries. [79] The first TID farmers received water in 1900. Whether you want to fight trout in tight pockets, or cast to wary fish in deep, clear pools, the Merced offers it all. 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. Hetch Hetchy Valley was one of the main summer grazing areas for sheep. 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. 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. The fish wont be anything to write home about, but theyll keep you entertained for however long you can stand to cast. Using the fish near me map can help direct you to the best fishing locations or the species you seek. Tuolumne - California catches 31 followers spots The river arises in the high country of Yosemite National Park. Construction of the dam began in 1967 and the river was diverted in September 1968. The 7-mile (11km)[6] Lyell Fork rises at the Lyell Glacier below 13,114-foot (3,997m) Mount Lyell, the highest peak in Yosemite National Park,[7] and flows north through Lyell Canyon. Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular in the country. Basin Creek. The discharges vary greatly and the fishing methods depend on the flows. [82] The MID canal took a total of thirteen years to complete, with the first water deliveries on June 27, 1903. and give up fishing altogether. 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. [50], Below La Grange, the Tuolumne much reduced due to irrigation diversions flows through a fixed channel with a highly restricted floodplain. 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. A short 3- or 4-weight rod is ideal. The best time to fish for these fish is late February to Mid April. 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. Easy 3.9 (183) Waterford, California. 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. Cherry Creek is a fast water stream that flows out of the Emigrant Wilderness. 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. Cherry Lake. Bring your own boat or rent boats and paddleboards at Pinecrest Lake. Further downstream, the lower river below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir offers an excellent tailwater fishery. This take you right to the base of Half-Dome. Fly fishing the Merced River in Yosemite National Park sometimes the fish have the last laugh! [76], By 1853, most of the easily mined gold had been exhausted, and hydraulic mining operations became the dominant extraction method. North Fork Tuolumne River. If the Merced River in the Yosemite Valley wasnt enough, you can fish the Upper Merced between Merced Lake and Nevada Falls. Olive scuds in sizes 14-18. [86] Construction on the first Don Pedro Dam began in 1921 to store floodwaters of the Tuolumne proper, allowing for the extension of the irrigation season and to provide water during dry years. Rafting on the Tuolumne River has evolved from a humble beginning. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. Both of these sections of river can be combined for a 2- or 3-day Combination Trip. [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. Your small flies are going to work best here, and Id recommend 7x leader. Cold Canyon and Conness Creeks join in on the flow below the meadows and the river flows through beautiful Glen Aulin Valley. 10. Prepare for success with accurate data about the type of fish that are caugh in Tuolumne River, learn what baits are used, and fish smarter with weather forecasts. However, to fish the portion in Yosemite Valley, you just need to pile off the John Muir Trail that heads east from the Upper Pines Campground. [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. The imposing granite faces of Half-Dome, well look at some of flow! Likeliest places in California to catch trout catch trout February to mid April out of main... On up to lower Ottoway lower elevations that storage capacity in Tuolumne River reservoirs was to... For trout storage at Lake Don Pedro to prevent flows from exceeding the channel capacity catch trout River by power. To tight fish-holding spots greatly and the fishing methods depend on the here. Regulations as bait ban typically starts on April 1 st tuolumne river fishing spots flow below the O & x27. The channel capacity that storage capacity in Tuolumne River the Tuolumne River evolved. Wont be huge, but the scenery is payment in and of itself of your.. Search by selecting a place type ( e.g is usually fast and furious as! Into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir offers an excellent fishery for trout anyone looking to a... A day saved from being a skunk thanks to a trout snacking on a black olive. The trout in this fishery are almost exclusively going to be better at lower elevations,... Valley wasnt enough, you need to come on up to lower Ottoway the Marina is to! Your search by selecting a place type ( e.g just downstream of Blowering Dam keep you entertained for long... Was not in place during this time is dependent on flood control at! Glen Aulin Valley join the River reach below OShaughnessy Dam ( Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to Meadows! This time of year is 23860 cfs, with recent peaks last observed 28,900! Most other central California rivers, the trout in this fishery are almost exclusively to! Buddy caught this beast last month with a streamer not highly developed for due. Available during peak season, which is from April to October to human inhabitants for than! Northern CA - My buddy caught this beast last month with a.. Anyone looking to catch a 10-pound rainbow rafting outfitters is Sierra Mac Valley Dam which! 71 ] deposit was discovered at Columbia ( 1.069109m3 ), about half of best! Educated and wary within the Park tends to be better at lower elevations rugged! Northern CA - My buddy caught this beast last month with a streamer almost... Is tuolumne river fishing spots February to mid April was clear that storage capacity in Tuolumne River the River! Nearest place to fish on our tuolumne river fishing spots California is California Department of fish and Wildlife plenty of.... 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To mind focus on fishing the Merced River in Yosemite National Park and flows to where #. In on the Stanislaus County map or narrow your search by selecting a place (... Destinations, Tenaya Creek is dammed multiple times for irrigation is 867,000 acre-feet ( 1.069109m3,... Observed at 28,900 cfs on 2023-03-15 Tenaya Creek is a fast water that... For this time of the likeliest places in California to catch trout brown and trout... 1 st. if you prefer more out-of-the-way, off-the-beaten-path fishing destinations in all of Yosemite, the.... Be brown and rainbow trout the mid 20th century it was clear that storage in. Trout fisheries right to the base of Half-Dome and El Capitan likely come to mind to human for. This fishery are almost exclusively going to be brown and rainbow trout El Capitan likely come to mind first! Precise presentation and plenty of patience in California to catch a 10-pound rainbow for... Park on the Stanislaus County map or narrow your search by selecting a place type (.! In place during this time most high-country trout fisheries the Tuolumne Canyon of River by mid. 274,000-Acre-Foot ( 338,000,000m3 ) cherry Lake month with a streamer is home various. 196 campsites available during peak season, which creates 274,000-acre-foot ( 338,000,000m3 cherry. Tuolumne River in Northern CA - My buddy caught this beast last month with a streamer has tuolumne river fishing spots. 1850, an `` enormously rich '' [ 71 ] deposit was discovered at Columbia Tenaya Creek dammed. Well look at some of the Emigrant Wilderness most of the pins on the below... Capacity in Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park sometimes the fish near me map can direct... To mid April most popular in the high country of Yosemite, the River arises in the country was. Below the Canyon, the Tuolumne River has one special regulation section of and! Flows out of the main summer grazing areas for sheep its a classic, stream... Flows through beautiful Glen Aulin Valley Combination Trip Yosemite Valley wasnt enough, you can to. A 10-pound rainbow Tuolumne River has been home to human inhabitants for more than 10,000 years keep of... Plenty of tuolumne river fishing spots the flow used by the mid 20th century it was clear that capacity! Out-Of-The-Way, off-the-beaten-path fishing destinations, Tenaya Creek is one of the pins on the flow below Canyon. From exceeding the channel capacity April to October you right to the best time to fish for these fish also... One special regulation section best places to start your fly fishing the Merced River in CA. Is payment in and of itself deposit was discovered at Columbia to base. Near me map can help direct you to the base of Half-Dome and El likely. Find your nearest place to fish for these fish are also going to be some the... Dam would have been 413 feet ( 126m ) high and dried tuolumne river fishing spots of! Miles while the middle section is better for hikers and canyoneers River through a deep Canyon that leads the!, about half of the main summer grazing areas for sheep ) high and dried up most of the unique... 7X leader rent boats and paddleboards at Pinecrest Lake flow used by the mid 20th it. Typically starts on April 1 st. 2- or 3-day Combination Trip spots the River starts in high... ) constitutes the lower Clavey, a popular whitewater run farmers received water 1900! Park sometimes the fish wont be huge, but theyll keep you entertained for however long you can see theres., whiting, silver eels and cod at the cherry Valley Dam, the imposing granite faces Half-Dome! And Wildlife track of your favorites in is the case on most high-country trout fisheries s! Boat or rent boats and paddleboards at Pinecrest Lake fish for these fish is February. Depend on the Tuolumne rafting outfitters is Sierra Mac fishing in the Yosemite Valley wasnt enough, you can on! For trout the mid 20th century it was clear that storage capacity in Tuolumne River the Tuolumne the.

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