To cast a line in Yosemite National Park is a privilege. It’s an opportunity to pursue wild trout in the shadow of granite giants, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. While millions visit for the views, anglers who bring a rod can experience the park on a more intimate level, exploring its legendary rivers, remote creeks, and alpine lakes.
The park’s cold, clear waters are a haven for wild brown trout, brook trout, and the park’s prized native rainbow trout. For the adventurous angler, there’s even the chance to find the rare California golden trout in high-elevation lakes.
This guide is your complete resource for a successful fly
Know Before You Go: Yosemite Fishing Regulations
Fishing in a National Park comes with strict rules designed to protect the fragile ecosystem. Adhering to these regulations is mandatory.
- Fishing License: A valid California
fishing license is required for all anglers 16 years of age or older. Licenses are not sold within Yosemite, so you must purchase one online or from a licensed vendor before entering the park. - Fishing Season: The general trout
fishing season in Yosemite runs from the last Saturday in April through November 15.Fishing is closed the rest of the year to protect spawning trout. - Gear Restrictions: Only artificial lures with barbless hooks are permitted. All forms of live or dead minnows and other bait
fishing are strictly prohibited. - Catch and Release: ALL native rainbow trout are protected and must be immediately and carefully released. You can identify them by their vibrant pink stripe and numerous black spots. Non-native species like brook trout and brown trout may be kept, subject to state limits.
When to Fish: A Seasonal Guide
- Late Spring (May – Late June): As the snow melts, rivers run high and cold.
Fishing can be challenging due to runoff, but this is a great time to target the lower-elevation sections of the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. - Early Summer (July – August): This is prime time. The rivers have stabilized, the weather is warm, and the trout are actively feeding. This is the best window for accessing the high country, like Tuolumne Meadows, after the Tioga Pass (Highway 120) opens. Dry fly action can be phenomenal.
- Fall (September – November 15): The crowds of summer have thinned, and the cooling water triggers aggressive feeding behavior. The brown trout become more active as they prepare to spawn, offering a chance at the largest fish of the year. The fall colors in the valley provide a stunning backdrop.
Yosemite’s Premier Fly Fishing Waters
1. The Merced River
The lifeblood of Yosemite Valley, the Merced River offers the most iconic and accessible river
- Yosemite Valley Section: This stretch, from Happy Isles down past the Foresta Bridge, is classic trout water with deep pools, riffles, and runs holding healthy populations of brown trout and rainbows. Access is easy, but be prepared to share the area with other park visitors.
- South Fork of the Merced: Located near Wawona, the South Fork of the Merced is a smaller, more intimate stream offering a quieter experience. It’s an excellent spot for anglers staying in the southern part of the park.
- High Country Headwaters: For dedicated hikers, the headwaters of the Merced above Nevada Fall offer solitude and eager fish. Following the John Muir Trail will lead you into pristine backcountry water.
2. The Tuolumne River
The Tuolumne River defines the park’s high country, offering a world-class fly
- Tuolumne Meadows: At over 8,600 ft, this sub-alpine meadow features the Upper Tuolumne in its most gentle form. The river meanders slowly, creating perfect conditions for sight-fishing with a dry fly. The water is crystal clear, home to beautiful brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Access its main forks, the Dana Fork and Lyell Fork, right from the highway.
- Grand Canyon of the Tuolumune: Below the meadows, the river plunges into a steep canyon. This rugged section of the river, accessed by a multi-day hike, is for the serious backcountry angler. The pocket water is fast and demanding but holds stunning, wild fish.
- Lyell Canyon: The gentle, meandering stretch of the Lyell Fork along the John Muir Trail is a backpacker’s paradise, offering miles of fantastic
fishing for brook trout.
3. Stillwaters and Hidden Gems
High-Elevation Lakes: Dozens of alpine lakes are scattered throughout Yosemite’s backcountry. Many of these hold self-sustaining populations of trout, and some are home to the rare and beautiful California golden trout.
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir & Lake Eleanor: These large reservoirs in the park’s northwest corner offer a different kind of
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can fish in the park. Even fly
The park is home to several lakes and reservoirs. Besides the ones above, you can fish in Tenaya Creek, Lake McSwain, Lake McClure, and Crane Creek.
You can find brown, rainbow, and brook trout in abundance while fly
The last Saturday in April is perhaps the best time to start
