Tuolumne River
Glen Aulin
WELCOME TO YOSEMITEME!
WHAT TO DO
FISHING
Cost Value
Skill Level
Supplies Needed
FISHING
Accessibility
WHAT: Fishing in Yosemite is governed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Yosemite National Park Regulations. These regulations require that anyone age 16 years or older possess a valid CDFW license, which can be purchased online here. The license must be visibly attached to an external layer of clothing above the waist.
All lakes and reservoirs are open for fishing year-round. Yosemite creeks and rivers are open for fishing from the last Saturday in April through November 15th, however, some restrictions apply to specific rivers and creeks and are noted below in the WHERE section.
Non-native trout can be found in varying degrees in Yosemite’s estimated 250 water-bodies and 800 miles of rivers and streams. Rainbow trout are indigenous to the lower elevation rivers and creeks. Trout found in the higher elevations are the result of fish stocking that occurred prior to 1990. This includes rainbow, golden (rare), brook, cutthroat, and brown trout.
According to Yosemite’s Aquatic Restoration webpage, “From 1897 to 1990 fish were stocked in lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers throughout Yosemite [. . .] In 1972, in recognition of the deleterious effects fish were having on native species, the National Park Service began phasing out its fish stocking practices. By 1975 most lakes were no longer stocked, and by 1990, Yosemite ended all fish stocking within the park. Although stocking no longer occurs, there are many self-sustaining non-native fish populations in the park.”
Bag and possession limits can be found in the WHERE section below.
WHEN: The season for stream and river fishing in Yosemite begins on the last Saturday in April and continues through November 15 with restrictions noted below in the WHERE section. All lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year-round.
The best time of the year to fish varies by location, elevation, fish, the level of human presence, and seasonality. Tioga Road (Highway 120) and Glacier Point Road may be closed from November through May/June due to the Sierra snow-pack. This may narrow the window
General Regulations
1. Anyone 16 years or older
must have a CDFW
license to fish in Yosemite.
2. Lakes and reservoirs are
open all years except
where noted.
3. Rivers, creeks, and streams
are open from the last
Saturday in April to
November 15th.
4. Live, dead, or scented bait
is prohibited. Only artificial
lures or flies with barbless
hooks may be used.
5. Bag and possession limits:
- Five per day (all trout species) except as noted
in the WHERE section.
- Ten at one time (all trout species), except as noted in
the WHERE section.
6. Fishing from bridges,
piers, and from the top of
O'Shaughnessy Dam in
Hetch Hetchy is prohibited.
7. Lead weights used on
fishing lines must be 0.25
ounces or less.
8. Transporting live fish any
distance is prohibited.
of access to the summer months for the various lakes, rivers, and streams in the high country. Early spring and late autumn's reduced food supply may present anglers with a greater supply of hungry fish. Details regarding best time of day is beyond the scope of this article, but Steve Beck’s book, Yosemite Trout Fishing Guide, (although a bit outdated) provides a comprehensive look at the best fishing spots and times to fish in Yosemite.
WHERE: As noted, all of Yosemite’s lakes and reservoirs are open year-round for fishing. Creeks, rivers, and steams are limited from the last Saturday in April to November 15th. Most of Yosemite’s lakes can be found in Yosemite’s wilderness and accessed from trailheads along Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Road entrance/Tuolumne Meadows entrance), Highway 140 (El Portal entrance), Highway 41 (South entrance through Wawona). Tenaya Lake is easily accessed along the eastern section of Highway 120 (Tioga Road) when open. Parking, picnic areas, and good fishing can be found there. The higher elevation lakes and creeks tend to be more isolated and require a day or more of backpacking to reach.
Most lower elevation creeks and rivers, such as the Main and South Fork of the Merced River contain rainbow trout native to the area, but catch and release restrictions apply to that species (see below). Certain trout species have failed to thrive from stocking which has left some lakes fish-less. However, major creeks that feed into the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers contain a variety of trout species.
Please consider the fully-enforced restrictions listed below when planning your trip:
HOW & HOW MUCH: LICENSE PURCHASE: Fishing Licenses should be purchased online from the CDFW by clicking here since the licensed regional sales offices for fishing licenses are temporarily closed to the public to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (list of offices provided here).
LICENSE FEES (As of July 2023): A One-day Sport Fishing License costs $19.18 (resident and nonresident); a two-day Sport Fishing License costs $29.42 (resident and nonresident); A Ten-day Nonresident Sport Fishing License costs $58.58 (for ten consecutive days).
An Annual Sport Fishing License for US residents costs $58.58 and is good for the calendar year when bought; Annual Non-US resident costs $158.25; Annual fee for Disabled Veterans, Recovering Military Members, and Low-Income Senior is $9.01. There is no fee for Low Income Native Americans and Individuals with a Disability.
HELPFUL LINKS:
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A CDFW FAQ on sport fishing licenses can be found by clicking here.
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Good detail on fishing locations in Yosemite can be found at Dave's Sierra Fishing.
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Fly Fishing Tours can be accessed at Yosemite Family Adventures.
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Recommended fishing spots are noted at Yosemite Gold Country.
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For videos and recommended fishing spots, go to DIY Fly Fishing.