The Mountain Whitefish run aggressively in the winter time with their spawning season between October and February. Almost 80percent of the Tuolumne River watershed lies above New Don Pedro Dam and is primarily forested with some alpine, meadow and grassland zones. North Fork Tuolumne River. The founding of Modesto in 1870, along a new railroad through the San Joaquin Valley, drew most of the population away from these towns and others along the Tuolumne. The closer you are to the rapids and the cascade itself, the more quickly the fishing conditions deteriorate. 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. In 1961 voters approved revenue bonds to fund the project. 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. [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). A major tributary, Eleanor Creek, is dammed to form Lake Eleanor, and diverted into Cherry Lake through a tunnel. Here, since its smaller water, youll likely want less ostentatious bugs than you would on the Merced. 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). Directly below Don Pedro Dam is the La Grange Dam, where about half the river's natural flow is diverted into the Turlock and Modesto Main Canals to irrigate over 200,000 acres (81,000ha) in the Central Valley. 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. During the early 1970's, only a few hardy souls tried to float the river, but by 1975, an estimated . Olive scuds in sizes 14-18. 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. Following Highway 120, go 25 miles to the confluence of the South and Middle Fork at Rainbow Pool Falls. 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. [46] The primary land use in the lower Tuolumne River watershed is agriculture, but there are also significant urbanized areas. 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: The best fishing is in early summer as soon as the spring runoff has subsided. [94] Today, San Francisco diverts about 33percent of the flow of the Tuolumne at Hetch Hetchy, or 14percent of the river's total flow. [50], Below La Grange, the Tuolumne much reduced due to irrigation diversions flows through a fixed channel with a highly restricted floodplain. Photos (136) Directions. In its native state the fall Chinook run alone may have numbered as high as 130,000. These flies mimic just about any aquatic insect, and are a must-have for anyone looking to catch trout. [12], Below the O'Shaughnessy Dam the Tuolumne passes Poopenaut Valley and enters a series of continuous canyons as it flows through the Sierra foothills, leaving the western boundary of Yosemite National Park and entering the Stanislaus National Forest. [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. 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. [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]. Loop D is located closest to the lake. This is one of the most scenic areas in the park, and you might find yourself distracted by the scenery instead of the fish. A short 3- or 4-weight rod is ideal. This lake is an absolute gem of a spot that few visitors to Yosemite ever get to truly experience. 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. Major tributaries of the Tuolumne and pertinent data are listed in the below table. Its recommended that you fish Tenaya earlier on in the fishing season. 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 often gets overlooked by anglers who focus on fishing the bigger Merced. 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. 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. Today, average annual river flows reach a maximum in the short stretch between Don Pedro Dam and La Grange Dam, about 50 miles (80km) above the mouth, before the start of large irrigation diversions. The Tuolumne river fishing is perfect for bait-fishing and fly fishing aficionados alike. Tuolumne Meadows Backpacking Trails Polly Dome Lakes Highlights: Lakes Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km) round trip Elevation Gain: 600 feet (180 m) Permit Demand: Medium Trailhead: Murphy Creek Polly Dome Lakes are located to the north of Tenaya Lake, just past Polly Dome. As well dam for water-tanks the peoples' cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man. 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. Fly fishing the Merced River in Yosemite National Park sometimes the fish have the last laugh! The decline of native perennial grasses caused invasive annual species to flourish, and also increased the susceptibility of the watershed to wildfires. 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. 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. Estimates of the first human habitation along the Tuolumne River range from 3000 to 7000 BC. Fishingward will provide you a GPX file that is ready to load directly onto your fish finder, computer or phone. Fly fishing in such a place provides a peak experience few other national parks can match, and if you decide to make the trip you will find the experience offers far more in the way of rewards versus the cost and expense of your journey. The best time of year to fish Yosemite largely depends on the altitude and location within the park. [51] The previous time it was used was 1988. 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. 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. Hiking back away from the crowds also provides better fishing success. Historically this section of the river was subject to frequent course changes and formed thousands of acres of seasonal wetlands during the spring floods. [104], To protect the river, the U.S. Forest Service requires private trips to obtain a permit before floating the Tuolumne. [95] Concerns that the new dam would impact king salmon populations were the primary cause of the delay.[96]. With the Brown Trout going up to approximately 14 inches. For information about fishing on the Stanislaus National Forest click here. 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. If the fish are not spooked they'll readily except most . [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. [61] The Miwok lived in the Sierra foothills and Central Valley lowlands during winter and traveled into the upper Tuolumne River in summer to hunt, as well as seek refuge from the summer heat. [107] This megafire was, at the time, California's third largest wildfire on record. You can get a great view of the canyon from the aptly-named Rim of the World Vista off Hwy 120. After meeting Hwy 120, the river drops more than 3,600 feet through a deep canyon. Like most other central California rivers, the Tuolumne is dammed multiple times for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectricity. About 669 square miles (1,730km2), or 34percent, of the Tuolumne River watershed is inside Yosemite National Park. 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. [68], The Tuolumne River was the scene of significant gold mining activity during the California Gold Rush. The Tuolumne River is hidden within the tall grasses of Tuolumne Meadows. . I dont know if theres a more dependable do-it-all mayfly nymph than the Hares Ear. The area that provides the easiest access for fly fishing on this part of the River is the meadow section inside Yosemite National Park. Youll find rainbow and brown trout in this portion of the Merced River, and these fish are all wild. 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. The ten miles of theMerced River passes right through the Yosemite Valley itself, with most anglers concentrated around the 4 mile stretch between Happy Isles and Sentinel Beach Picnic Area during the busy summer months. United States . "[103], The Clavey River, not being located in the national park, is open to public access, but due to its remoteness and difficulty (Class V+), and the short window of boatable spring runoff, it is only run by a handful of kayakers each year. However, it also causes dewatering of significant portions of the Tuolumne River, especially during low water summers when all but a minimal fish release is diverted through the power plants. 2. [54] With the exception of the Merced River immediately south, this is the southernmost existing population of Chinook salmon in North America. 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). First named in 1806 by a Spanish explorer after a nearby indigenous village, the Tuolumne was heavily prospected during the California Gold Rush in the 1850s, and the lower valley was cultivated by American settlers over the next few decades. They also periodically burned out oak woodland areas in the foothills to control pests, which otherwise would have affected their main food supply, acorns. It provides a source of hydroelectric power for Central California as well as popular fishing areas. Deadman Creek (Tuolumne County) Don Pedro Reservoir. 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. 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. 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. Further east and higher in elevation are the lower and upper montane forests, which lie between 3,000 to 6,000 feet (910 to 1,830m) and 6,000 to 8,000 feet (1,800 to 2,400m) elevation, respectively. 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