Fly Fishing in Yosemite

Whether you’re a seasoned angler with stuffed trophies lining your walls or you’re just picking up a pole for the first time (as Oprah attempted very recently), Yosemite fly fishing offers both excitement and relaxation for any visitor.  The park offers a variety of locations to dip your pole—including streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs—as well as a range of settings that are guaranteed to sooth your pulse after the perfect catch or take your mind off of the rare times when the stubborn fish aren’t biting.  Here are some great spots to land a fish and take in the view: Merced River—Inside Park The Merced River is the most well known river in Yosemite, but it is also a prime flying fishing spot that is a convenient distance from our Yosemite lodging.  Located in the Yosemite Valley, this location is one of the most picturesque places on earth and has a multiple types of fish to try and wrangle.  The river meanders alongside Highway 140, so picking out a favorable spot isn’t difficult.  And if luck isn’t on your side in your secret spot, then you can pack up your car, drive a ways down the road and find new spot that offers a completely different view and fishing experience.  Keep in mind, the only restriction for keeping fish is for the wild rainbow trout on the Merced River in the Valley proper.  This stretch is catch-and-release only. Lyell Fork The Lyell fork combines with the Dana Fork to form the Tuolumne River within Yosemite National Park.  This is a unique fly fishing location as most of the fork is not accessible by car and, instead, visitors must us the PCT (John Muir Trail), which runs the river’s entire length.  A fun day can be made of hiking the trail to the fork, snatching up some trout for dinner and then taking in the forest afterword. South Fork The South Fork splits off from the Mercer and is the first river encountered when entering the park through the southern entrance.  Much like the Mercer, the South fork is another fly fishing spot located near the Scenic Wonders Yosemite lodging and can be accessed by both car and trail—depending on what you’re in the mood for.  The South fork is also an ideal location for beginner fly fishing when accessed in the early summer. Tuolumne River And what Yosemite fly fishing trip would be complete without stopping by the Tuolumne River?  The Tuolumne stretches through the Tuolumne Meadow and provide for some fun dry fly fishing.  The scenery is much different than the other locations mentioned, with the river hidden amongst the meadow’s tall grass.  The fish are also outstanding with Brown Trout topping out around 14 inches! If you’re looking to vacation in Yosemite National Park, call Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) and start planning your next memorable vacation.  Scenic Wonders offers home, condominium and cabin rentals inside the gates of Yosemite! Photo credit: .Bala