An Insider’s Guide to Fly Fishing in Yosemite

If you’re an avid angler looking for a unique and beautiful place to fly fish, look no further than Yosemite National Park. With breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and abundant fish populations, Yosemite is a paradise for fly fishers. With its diverse range of rivers and streams throughout the park, there are plenty of locations to choose from when planning your trip. If you need some extra help along the way, there are several local tour guides available who can take you to all the best spots in Yosemite. Alright, grab your rod and reel and get ready for a fun trip – it’s time for some fly fishing fun in one of America’s most spectacular parks!

Best Time to Go Fly Fishing in Yosemite

The best time of the year to go fly fishing in Yosemite is during the summer months when the rivers are full and the fish are biting. From June through August, anglers can take advantage of the warm temperatures and clear waters to cast their lines in numerous spots throughout the park. While some areas may be too shallow during dry times, most of the rivers will be easily navigable. The Merced River, both within and outside of Yosemite National Park, will offer plenty of fish during these summer months, as well as trout in the South Fork of the Merced River. Meanwhile, Tuolumne River and Lyell Fork are ideal places to catch wild rainbow trout when water levels allow. Below we explain a little bit more on the best rivers in Yosemite to cast the line.

The Best Rivers for Fly Fishing in Yosemite

Tuolumne River: The Tuolumne River is a 149 mile long, rising 8,600 feet in elevation at Yosemite. The Tuolumne river supplies plenty of tall grasses as well as interesting places for numerous Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brookies to conceal themselves. The Brown Trout in particular grow to an impressive size– some may even reach up to 16 inches long, resulting in quite the fight.
Dana Fork: Starting at Tioga Pass and running parallel with Highway 120, any angler can find their way here without much trouble. What’s more, fish are plentiful in the Dana Fork – Rainbow, Brook and Brown Trout all call this river home, with the Browns being especially plentiful and get pretty large. All you need is your tackle and enthusiasm to have a great time fishing in this beautiful part of Yosemite.
Lyell Fork: Fishing the Lyell Fork is an adventure in and of itself, as the river is accessible only on foot. The beautiful John Muir Trail winds along the entire length of this stunning water body, giving anglers a unique opportunity to explore a relatively untouched area. The Lyell Fork hosts plenty of Brown Trout, Brookies, Rainbow Trout to elusive Cutthroat – so your chances of catching some fantastic fish are rather high!
Merced River: The Merced River is an angler’s dream come true – spanning a full 145 miles and running from the Sierra Nevada into the San Joaquin Valley. Highway 140 follows the river closely, providing easy access for fishers who wish to explore its depths, whether by foot or vehicle. There are also numerous turnouts where people can park and enjoy fly fishing. Season here runs from late April through mid-November and yields plenty of rainbows and browns.

Top Local Tour Guides for Fly Fishing

Yosemite Fly Fishing Guide: Looking to have a great time fishing in Yosemite? Yosemite Fly Fishing Guide has got you covered. Locally owned and operated with 100% focus on the Yosemite region, their experienced tour guides have been offering quality fly fishing experiences for over 20 years. Offering two distinct packages tailored to match your needs; Copper Level is ideal for beginners wanting to get out on the water and learn all there is to know about fly fishing while Silver Package gives experienced fishermen the opportunity to take their passion one step further and explore some of the most untouched parts of local rivers and creeks by kayak. Come experience the excitement and wonders that Yosemite Fly Fishing Guide has to offer. Phone: (209) 985-1799

Sierra Fly Fisher: Since 1999, Sierra Fly Fisher has been a trusted provider of unique and exciting fly fishing tours. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking for a chance to introduce your family to the activity, Sierra Fly Fisher is the perfect solution. With detailed lessons for beginners and guided trips covering some of the Yosemite’s most beautiful rivers – from the Upper Tuolumne and Merced Rivers to the Kings River or even south of San Joaquin – you can make your outdoor dreams come true with this fantastic company. Phone: (559) 683-7664

Ready to Cast in Yosemite?

If you’re planning your next fly fishing vacation to Yosemite, we invite you to browse our inventory of cabin rentals. We have some incredible options to choose from near some of the major fishing hotspots mentioned above.