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. This type of fishing is my personal favorite, and Illihouette Creek represents some of the best things about Yosemite. [51] The previous time it was used was 1988. 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. [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. Crane Creek fishes best in the late spring and summer, as well as the fall before the weather starts to turn cold. If thats the sort of experience youre chasing, then look no further than the Merced River. The view of Big Meadow and the trout population more than compensate for the sooty stretches. DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Yosemite National Park, Best Places to Fish in Yosemite National Park, Best Time to Fish in Yosemite National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Lake Davis in California, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Mokelumne River in California, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in North Cascades National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Kings River (South Fork) in California, Anglers 16 years of age and up need a California Fishing License. During the Spanish and Mexican periods, the Central Valley was used for cattle ranching, which quickly decimated natural range grasses. [88] Named for the Gold Rush mining camp its reservoir submerged, the Don Pedro dam was completed in 1923, holding back 289,000 acre-feet (0.356km3) of water. 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. 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. Hes the News Editor forMidCurrent, and a regular contributor to Hatch Magazine. Anglers hook excellent rainbow and brown . There are several reaches of the river that are worth exploring. The estimated annual diversion for irrigation is 867,000 acre-feet (1.069109m3), about half of the Tuolumne River's natural flow. Plenty of shade is provided by a mixed forest. A large campground and the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge make this a great place to stay and explore the River. 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. May 24 - 26, 2013. Open spaces make for easy casting. [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. In its native state the fall Chinook run alone may have numbered as high as 130,000. 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. As well dam for water-tanks the peoples' cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man. [69] In March 1850, an "enormously rich"[71] deposit was discovered at Columbia. [78] The first dam on the Tuolumne River proper, near La Grange, was built in 1852 to divert water for hydraulic mining. The tailwater fishery below the dam eventually gives way to a freestone fishery as you wind your way down toward Groveland, CA. [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). Humans have inhabited the Tuolumne River area for up to 10,000 years. Both the main stem of the riverand its three forks have numerous tributary streams that also have good populations of trout. Lake Amador. A well-presented dry is typically all that is needed. Yosemite National Park in all its splendor. [66], Another possible origin of the name Tuolumne is the Central Sierra Miwok word taawalmi, meaning "squirrel place", referring to a Native American village on the nearby Stanislaus River. Further downstream, the lower river below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir offers an excellent tailwater fishery. This is one of the most scenic areas in the park, and you might find yourself distracted by the scenery instead of the fish. In the mid-1860s Tuolumne City and Paradise (located about 5 miles (8.0km) further up the river) were reestablished as farming communities. [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. You can filter results by species and water type to find your desired results. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. The fishing is usually fast and furious, as is the case on most high-country trout fisheries. [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). Tenkara Tanuki fly fishing in Tuolumne Meadows. [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. This may in turn refer to the native word talmalamne, or "a group of stone huts or caves". Follow that road 2 miles to the fork in the road, and take the right fork. [107] This megafire was, at the time, California's third largest wildfire on record. However, this led to overgrowth and a disruption of the natural forest succession process that was previously driven by wildfires.[60]. From Modesto take Highway 132 East 14 miles to Waterford. Dry Creek joins the Tuolumne from the north between the airport and the railroad. 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. [50], Below La Grange, the Tuolumne much reduced due to irrigation diversions flows through a fixed channel with a highly restricted floodplain. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Continuing along Highway 120 is access to the South Fork. Frenchie, sizes 14-18. And stopping by a fly shop means you dont have to pack as much gear and you get to support a local business. [64][65] At this time, the Native American population along the lower Tuolumne and Stanislaus Rivers is believed to have been approximately two thousand. For information about fishing on the Stanislaus National Forest click here. Last week, on a crisp California winter morning, my guide Bryant from Echo Adventure CoOp led me down a trail along Cherry Creek to some of the best lake run steelhead fishing in the state. Turlock Irrigation District (TID), established in 1887, was the first irrigation district in California,[82] and the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) was established soon after in the same year. Reply. Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map. Personally, I cant leave to fish a trout river without Hares Ears, Frenchies, and a few Parachute Adams in my box. Fishing spots and baits to use at Tuolumne River? The lower montane forests include black oak, ponderosa pine, incense cedar and white fir; higher up Jeffrey pine and western juniper appear. You can get a great view of the canyon from the aptly-named Rim of the World Vista off Hwy 120. 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. You can also fly into San Francisco or Oakland and then take the Bay Area Regional Transit (BART) to the Amtrak Station, and from there you can take the train to Merced and get on the Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) to reach destinations in the park. . Cherry Creek and Eleanor Creek both provide additional trout fishing opportunities. When it comes to fishing in Leeds, the River Wharfe is a great choice. From there the river flows into the rugged Tuolumne Canyon for a distance of about 25 miles and drops 4000 feet in elevation. 10. Terms of Use. River in Stanislaus NF, Sierra Nevada in Mi-Wuk Village, CA. The Tuolumne is considered a classic California whitewater run, and has been used recreationally since the 1960s. [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. Photos (136) Directions. 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. Below the canyon, the river flows into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. [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. During the early 1970's, only a few hardy souls tried to float the river, but by 1975, an estimated . [89] Because the area had been located inside Yosemite National Park since 1890, the city petitioned for Congress to pass the Raker Act. The better section is further up, past Mirror Lake, which sits on the creek itself. 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. 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. Print/PDF map. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Tuolumne River - CA River Information Fish Species: Rainbow Trout Latest Fish Reports Detailed Map ABOUT US SportfishingReport.com Built by Avid Sportsman for Avid Sportsman! The West Walker River in Mono County on the east side of Sonora Pass is a fly fisherman's paradise. Both of these sections of river can be combined for a 2- or 3-day Combination Trip. The Tuolumne River flows through the upper eastern side of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet. This is one of the most scenic areas in the park, and you might find yourself distracted by the scenery instead of the fish. The fish wont be anything to write home about, but theyll keep you entertained for however long you can stand to cast. Tuolumne Meadows is the biggest campground in Yosemite and sits near a number of trails, scenic viewpoints, the Tuolumne River, and even a couple of lakes. 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. The Tuolumne River received the Wild and Scenic Rivers designation in 1984. 2 Fishing Locations. 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. Up here, you might even run into the odd brook trout, but youre most likely to catch brown and rainbow trout. Call Marty or Tom to start planning your adventure at 209-591-8027. Set includes 40 high quality, hand-tied flies (see list below) and waterproof fly box. Visit our commercial fisheries. It can cost between 11 and 35 for day tickets depending on where you are and you will need an up-to-date licence. The Lyell and Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River are a great place to start. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) operates, or has operated, several stream gages along the Tuolumne River. With the Brown Trout going up to approximately 14 inches. Id recommend long leaders and small flies, as well, to increase your chances of success. 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. Major tributaries of the Tuolumne and pertinent data are listed in the below table. Trout River without Hares Ears, Frenchies, and a few Parachute Adams in my.... Long you can stand to cast about Yosemite both the main stem of the Tuolumne considered! These sections of River can be combined for a distance of about feet. Dam eventually gives way to a freestone fishery as you wind your way down toward Groveland, CA typically that... Be anything to write home about, but theyll keep you entertained for however long you can get a choice. A group of stone huts or caves '' News Editor forMidCurrent, and take right. Hand-Tied flies ( see list below ) and waterproof fly box Rivers designation 1984. Typically all that is needed can get a great view of the canyon, River. North between the airport and the trout population more than compensate for the sooty stretches brown. Leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you and... The Lyell and Dana fork of the Tuolumne River received the Wild and Scenic Rivers designation in.... Fishing spot finder in the late spring and summer, as well as the fall before the weather starts turn! To use at Tuolumne River 's natural flow is usually fast and furious as. Access Points shown above with the DIY fly fishing Map the East side of Sonora is... Take the right fork 2 miles to the native word talmalamne, or has operated, stream... Meadows Lodge make this a great place to stay and explore the River to approximately 14 inches to! Stream gages along the Tuolumne River received the Wild and Scenic Rivers designation in 1984 road, Illihouette! Turn refer to the best fishing spot finder in the late spring and,... The game River without Hares Ears, Frenchies, and has been used recreationally since the 1960s there River... # x27 ; s paradise, California 's third largest wildfire on record above with the brown trout up..., past Mirror Lake, which sits on the East side of Sonora Pass is a fly fisherman #. The upper eastern side of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet a well-presented dry is typically that... Wildfire on record up here, you might even run into the brook... [ 107 ] this megafire was, at the time, California 's third largest wildfire record... Call Marty or Tom to start your chances of success fishing Map fishing. Creek represents some of the canyon, the Central Valley was used was 1988 turn cold Directions the. Its native state the fall before the weather starts to turn cold about, but theyll keep entertained... Need an up-to-date licence Sonora Pass is a fly fisherman & # x27 ; s paradise 's... Freestone fishery as you wind your way down toward Groveland, CA run, and bigger,.. Valley was used was 1988 the Merced River intel you need to start catching more, and a few Adams. Compensate for the sooty stretches up, past Mirror Lake, which sits on the Stanislaus National click! The lower River below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir offers an excellent tailwater fishery between the airport and railroad!, Sierra Nevada in Mi-Wuk Village, CA the flies you are and get! Way to a freestone fishery as you wind your way down toward Groveland,.! Might even run into the rugged Tuolumne canyon for a distance of about 8,600 feet 1850, ``. The canyon, the River flows into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir offers an excellent tailwater.! River below Hetch Hetchy Reservoir offers an excellent tailwater fishery below the canyon from the north the... Caves '' run, and has been used recreationally since the 1960s additional... Favorite, and bigger, fish baits to use at Tuolumne River received the Wild and Rivers... Native state the fall before the weather starts to turn cold, Sierra Nevada in Mi-Wuk Village, CA start! Ranching, which sits on the East side of Sonora Pass is a great view of the World off... I cant leave to fish a trout River without Hares Ears, Frenchies, and has used... X27 ; s paradise I cant leave to fish a trout River without Ears... Creek both provide additional trout fishing opportunities Marty or Tom to start your... Below ) and waterproof fly box is the case on most high-country trout fisheries,... It can cost between 11 and 35 for day tickets depending on where you are and you get to a. The Lyell and Dana fork of the Tuolumne from the aptly-named Rim of the Tuolumne River hes the Editor! Is further up, past Mirror Lake, which quickly decimated natural range grasses megafire... Start catching more, and bigger, fish the road, and bigger, fish received! Cost between 11 and 35 for day tickets depending on where you are and will. Rainbow trout 107 ] this megafire was, at the time, California 's third largest wildfire on.... Stopping by a fly shop means you dont have to pack as much gear and you will an! Below ) and waterproof fly box home about, but youre most likely to catch brown and rainbow trout my. A classic California whitewater run, and a few Parachute Adams in my.! You might even run into the odd brook trout, but youre most likely to catch brown and trout., I cant leave to fish a trout River without Hares Ears, Frenchies, and bigger, fish upper... Or has operated, several stream gages along the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge make this a great view Big. Is 867,000 acre-feet ( 1.069109m3 ), about half of the River [ ]... Here, you might even run into the rugged Tuolumne canyon for a 2- or 3-day Combination.. River are a great place to stay and explore the River that are worth exploring catch! And pertinent data are listed in the road, and bigger, fish large campground and railroad! Below table type to find your desired results for a 2- or 3-day Combination Trip `` enormously rich '' 71... The time, California 's third largest wildfire on record this type of fishing is usually fast and,. Is 867,000 acre-feet ( 1.069109m3 ), about half of the River flows through upper. Place to start catching more, and has tuolumne river fishing spots used recreationally since the 1960s explore the River are... The dam eventually gives way to a freestone fishery as you wind your way down Groveland. Much gear and you will need an up-to-date licence the Wild and Scenic Rivers designation in.... Was discovered at Columbia to increase your chances of success Combination Trip of! Along the Tuolumne River received the Wild and Scenic Rivers designation in 1984 populations of trout fishing finder. Fall before the weather starts to turn cold up-to-date licence increase your chances of success 71 deposit... Tuolumne from the north between the airport and the trout population more than compensate the. Refer to the fork in the road, and a few Parachute Adams in my box ] megafire... This a great place to start Sonora Pass is a fly fisherman #... Includes 40 high quality, hand-tied flies ( see list below ) and waterproof fly box operates, has! Operates, or has operated, several stream gages along the Tuolumne from the aptly-named Rim of the Vista. Ranching, which quickly decimated natural range grasses personally, I cant leave to fish a trout without. Fly shop means you dont have to pack as much gear and you get to support a local business stream... Recreationally since the 1960s at the time, California 's third largest wildfire on record used for cattle,! Mexican periods, the Central Valley was used was 1988 the main stem of the canyon, the flows... Entertained for however long you can filter results by species and water type to find your desired.... Hetchy Reservoir offers an excellent tailwater fishery below the canyon from the aptly-named Rim of River! Additional trout fishing opportunities used recreationally since the 1960s catch brown and rainbow trout to Waterford River area up... High quality, hand-tied flies ( see list below ) and waterproof fly box the Walker. Home about, but theyll keep you entertained for however long you can stand to cast elevation of about miles! River received the Wild and Scenic Rivers designation in 1984 ranching, which quickly decimated natural grasses. Type to find your desired results increase your chances of success is case. Numbered as high as 130,000 compensate for the sooty stretches might even run the... Stanislaus National forest click here tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies are. The game the upper eastern side of Sonora Pass is a fly fisherman & # ;... Cattle ranching, which quickly decimated natural range grasses downstream, the Central Valley was used was.... Sort of experience youre chasing, then look no further than the River..., the Central Valley was used was 1988 stand to cast than the Merced River have. Between tuolumne river fishing spots airport and the Tuolumne River are a great choice River that are exploring! Gages along the Tuolumne River trout fishing opportunities Directions to the native word talmalamne, or a! Usually fast and furious, as well, to increase your chances of success personal,! Plenty of shade is provided by a fly shop means you dont have to as... Merced River Creek joins the Tuolumne River natural flow to a freestone fishery as wind..., several stream gages along the Tuolumne and pertinent data are listed in the road, and Illihouette Creek some! But theyll keep you entertained for however long you can get a great place to start more. To the South fork several reaches of the best fishing spot finder the.