tuolumne river fishing spots
[25] Below Don Pedro Dam the river flows across the large alluvial plain of the San Joaquin Valley, formed by millions of years of sediment deposits eroded from the Sierra. The dam diverted the river into canals that water most of the lower valley. Order is from the headwaters downstream. FAT has flights from more major US cities and on 7 major airlines, so it is usually the best bet for getting a bargain on booking your flight. Fishing in the Tuolumne River has different regulations than fishing in Yosemite Valley. Elk Hair Caddis in sizes 12-18. One of the lesser known benefits of visiting Yosemite though is its exceptional fly fishing in the many rivers, creeks, and streams that run throughout the park. Fly fishing a place like Yosemite doesnt have to be complicated, even if you are intimidated by the dramatic landscape. Father Pedro Muoz, a member of the 1806 expedition, noted in his diary that "we came upon a village called Tautamne. [57], Forests in the watershed are divided between several distinct zones. (Kenny Clarke photo) One "hatch" that is consistent on both forks of the Tuolumne is the big black terrestrial ants that carpet all of Yosemiteespecially along the rivers. The discharges vary greatly and the fishing methods depend on the flows.The Tuolumne River meanders through Poopenaut Valley before leaving Yosemite National Park and entering the Stanislaus National Forest. Olive scuds in sizes 14-18. This lake is an absolute gem of a spot that few visitors to Yosemite ever get to truly experience. Modesto Canal, on the north side of the river, and Turlock Canal, on the south side, are both large irrigation diversions. Cherry Lake. In Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne (from Tuolumne Meadows to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir) was first kayaked in 1983. A 3 to 5 weight fly rod is perfect for the Ottoway Lake. About 669 square miles (1,730km2), or 34percent, of the Tuolumne River watershed is inside Yosemite National Park. The Tuolumne River is actually one of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and it deserves this stunning designation! Its this dramatic scenery that pulls so many people here each year, so its surprising that fly fishing in Yosemite isnt broadcasted as widely as that in other parks (like Yellowstone). [50] Due to the pristine quality of the water, the Hetch Hetchy system is one of only a few serving major cities in the United States that does not require filtration. The Chesapeake Bay covers 64,000 square miles. Since the 1970s, the Turlock Irrigation District has proposed damming the Clavey River, a free-flowing tributary of the Tuolumne, to produce hydroelectricity. We offer fly fishing tours for all levels, in Yosemite National Park, Merced River, Toulumne river, Stanislaus river & Mokelumne rivers. We understand what fisherman need to be successful in the pursuit of target species across the United States. The stretch of water we fished is just downstream of Blowering dam. The area is located about 25 miles east of Modesto on the south side of the Tuolumne River. Higher still is the subalpine forest zone between 8,000 to 9,500 feet (2,400 to 2,900m), which is dominated by Western white pine, mountain hemlock and lodgepole pine. The designated reach is the main stem from its source to the Don Pedro Reservoir. The system uses three classifications; Tuolumne has 47 miles (76km) categorized as Wild, 23 miles (37km) categorized as Scenic and 13 miles (21km) categorized as Recreational, for a total of 83 miles (134km) protected from further development.[109]. California Department of Fish & Game; 2011-2012 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations; 2011 Fly Fishing Specialties; South Fork Tuolumne River; 2011 Writer Bio From here, its 13 miles through rugged country to reach your destination. Tuolumne River The Tuolumne River has one special regulation section. [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. Crane Creek flows low and clear, so stealth is a must when approaching these fish. [15] In the late 1950s TID and MID began planning for a high dam on the Tuolumne River several miles below the existing Don Pedro Dam. Discover where and when you can fish on our waters across England and Wales, and what permissions you need. The earth-filled New Don Pedro Dam, 585 feet (178m) high, is the 10th tallest dam in the United States and was constructed as a multipurpose project, serving irrigation, municipal water supply, hydropower and flood control. The River is not highly developed for recreation due to rugged . A USGS gage recorded an average annual flow of 2,343 cubic feet per second (66.3m3/s) here between 1911 and 1970, with a maximum peak of 60,300 cubic feet per second (1,710m3/s) on January 31, 1911, and a minimum monthly mean of 57.5 cubic feet per second (1.63m3/s) in October 1912. [50], Below La Grange, the Tuolumne much reduced due to irrigation diversions flows through a fixed channel with a highly restricted floodplain. During the early 1970's, only a few hardy souls tried to float the river, but by 1975, an estimated . Tuolumne County in California has many fishing options and hot spots to fish. [2] The natural flow of the Tuolumne at the mouth is greatly reduced by diversions to both San Francisco's Hetch Hetchy municipal water system and the canals of the Modesto and Turlock irrigation districts. Clear Lake is a n 8 acre lake located in Tuolumne County. 9. "[103], The Clavey River, not being located in the national park, is open to public access, but due to its remoteness and difficulty (Class V+), and the short window of boatable spring runoff, it is only run by a handful of kayakers each year. Open spaces make for easy casting. The creek is fed by the Tenaya Lake, found higher up in the Tuolumne Meadows. Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the river canyon provided an important summer hunting ground and a trade route between Native Americans in the Central Valley to the west and the Great Basin to the east. If youve never visited before, a guide is a great help. The trout limit is two-per-day. Tuolumne River CA Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots Tuolumne River Stanislaus - California 17 catches 222 followers 2 spots Winter runs of coastal Rainbow Trout (steelhead) and resident Trout available below La Grange Dam. Located in a remote, forested area just West of Yosemite National Park, the south fork of Tuolumne River is a steep, rocky stream, with pools and riffles. Five major areas make up TRRP, including the Legion Park/Airport Area, the Gateway Parcel, Mancini Park, the Dryden . Best Places to Fish the Upper Tuolumne River Access to the upper section of the River ranges from easy to difficult. * This email is used only to keep track of your favorites. The embankment was topped out on May 28, 1970, and the project was formally dedicated on May 22, 1971, after four years of construction and a total cost of over $110 million. It has a small store with essentials and a gas station. The valley is dependent on flood control storage at Lake Don Pedro to prevent flows from exceeding the channel capacity. The closer you are to the rapids and the cascade itself, the more quickly the fishing conditions deteriorate. Not all of the flow used by the power plants is returned to the river. Try to keep your gear setup simple; rod, a balanced reel, 4x to 6x 9 foot nylon leaders and a couple spools of tippet. As a result, Don Pedro frequently fills and spills during winter storms, causing damage downstream. [104], To protect the river, the U.S. Forest Service requires private trips to obtain a permit before floating the Tuolumne. 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. #4.25.5. Theyre not big enough to warrant a disc drag. 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. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | About | Contact | The Team | Advertise with Guide Recommended, Disclosure: "This site is owned and operated by River Traditions LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Michigan, USA. From Modesto take Highway 132 East 14 miles to Waterford. [14][15], Leaving the foothills, the Tuolumne flows approximately 50 miles (80km) west across the Central Valley to its confluence with the San Joaquin River, passing Waterford, Hughson, Empire, Ceres and Modesto. River Wharfe. The Frenchie has saved my bacon on more than one trip. The Tuolumne River flows through the upper eastern side of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet. Much of the canyon is only accessible via backpacking or very long day hikes, so you are likely to get away from the crowds . Construction of the dam began in 1967 and the river was diverted in September 1968. [5] As the mid-20th century progressed, demands on the Tuolumne continued to increase, culminating in the completion of New Don Pedro Dam in the early 1970s. The Mountain Whitefish run aggressively in the winter time with their spawning season between October and February. River in Stanislaus NF, Sierra Nevada in Mi-Wuk Village, CA. Tuolumne River (1) 3-12-2017: CA: Tuolumne River - North Fork (1) 11-29-2016: Generate High-Quality PDF. The river flows west from its headwaters near the crest of the Sierra, down through Yosemite National Park Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. The discharges vary greatly and the fishing methods depend on the flows. of the Merced River above the Happy Isle footbridge follow the general California fishing regulations. About an hour southeast of Sacramento, Lake Amador is a 400-acre reservoir that offers some very unique trout fishing possibilities. Both the main stem of the river. You can camp within the park, provided you have the right permits, or make reservations at any of the campgrounds. The fish wont be anything to write home about, but theyll keep you entertained for however long you can stand to cast. 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. The lower Tuolumne is wide and slow-flowing, dropping just 230 feet (70m) from the base of La Grange Dam to its mouth at 26 feet (7.9m). 10. During the Spanish and Mexican periods, the Central Valley was used for cattle ranching, which quickly decimated natural range grasses. Clavey River. [61] Depending on water level, approximately 35 miles (56km) of the lower river were navigable, from the mouth to above Waterford. Like most other central California rivers, the Tuolumne is dammed multiple times for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectricity. Don't you love being on the water? [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. The interactive fishing map from Take Me Fishing is designed to help you take your fishing game to the next level. [78] The first dam on the Tuolumne River proper, near La Grange, was built in 1852 to divert water for hydraulic mining. 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. I love a black Zebra Midge, and Im convinced more fish have been caught on that nymph than perhaps any other. Like most other Sierra Nevada rivers, the Tuolumne has been extensively dammed to provide flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power. After the spawn the fish can be found in the cold pooling water of the river. This is where we put in for our popular class IV-V Main Tuolumne rafting trips. Below the O'Shaughnessy Dam, the Tuolumne River also is an excellent fishery for trout. Anglers who are familiar with Middle Tuolumne River and want to make a suggestion to the information provided are asked to use the suggest changes button below on this page. [84][85], As the population of the area grew, the Tuolumne River districts soon began to experience seasonal water shortages. Cold Canyon and Conness Creeks join in on the flow below the meadows and the river flows through beautiful Glen Aulin Valley. Youll get your pick of pools, pocket water, glides, and riffles to fish. For information about fishing on the Stanislaus National Forest click here. The Hetch Hetchy project, located inside Yosemite National Park, incited national controversy, and has been described as having forged the modern environmental movement in the United States. 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. Search for the best fishing spots near your location and check out all options. Crane Creek fishes best in the late spring and summer, as well as the fall before the weather starts to turn cold. This trail is 11.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,148 ft. The Tenaya Creek is just a short walk from there. The Sierra crest harbors a number of glaciers, including Lyell and Maclure Glaciers, the largest in Yosemite National Park. [86] Construction on the first Don Pedro Dam began in 1921 to store floodwaters of the Tuolumne proper, allowing for the extension of the irrigation season and to provide water during dry years. Several rafting companies serve the main Tuolumne, a Class IV+ (advanced) river with many rapids changing to Class V when the flow exceeds 4,000 cubic feet per second (110m3/s). If needed contact info -. If thats the sort of experience youre chasing, then look no further than the Merced River. By the time the river reaches Lake Don Pedro it has accumulated almost 90 percent of its total flow as precipitation run-off, snowmelt and groundwater base flow. The fishing is usually fast and furious, as is the case on most high-country trout fisheries. About 244,000 acre-feet (301,000,000m3) per year flows through the gravity fed Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct to serve San Francisco and its customer municipalities. The tailwater fishery below the dam eventually gives way to a freestone fishery as you wind your way down toward Groveland, CA. Share . The river . Zebra Midge in sizes 16-20. Be sure to keep a low profile and present your fly well. Preparation is the key to making the most of your fly fishing excursion to Yosemite. Long Leaders for these Selective Trout Thankfully, the Lyell Fork offers great fishing. After briefly passing through Glen Aulin, the river enters the spectacular 20-mile (32km) Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, where it forms three more major waterfalls California, LeConte and Waterwheel Falls. The Merced is still, in spite of its grandeur, a trout fishery. I decided it was time to have my own A River Runs Through It experience. The most unique of the Tuolumne rafting outfitters is Sierra Mac. While you can access Tenaya directly from North Pines Campground, that stretch sees a lot of attention from campers. Bring your own boat or rent boats and paddleboards at Pinecrest Lake. See Lyell . Use as your home location. About 16,500 acres (6,700ha) (1.3percent) of the watershed are urbanized, mostly in the Greater Modesto area. Directly below Don Pedro Dam is the La Grange Dam, where about half the river's natural flow is diverted into the Turlock and Modesto Main Canals to irrigate over 200,000 acres (81,000ha) in the Central Valley. Hiking back away from the crowds also provides better fishing success. Fly fishing the Tuolumne River can range from easy to very difficult,depending on which section of the huge river system you choose to fish.The Tuolumne River is formed by the confluence of the Dana Fork, which flows from the 13,000 foot Mount Dana, and Lyell Fork, which flows from the 13,000 foot Mount Lyell, in the Tuolumne Meadows (elevation 8600 feet) in Yosemite National Park. The San Joaquin River and the SacramentoSan Joaquin River Delta, which link the Tuolumne salmon runs to the Pacific, have also been affected by flow reduction and pollution. . [68], The Tuolumne River was the scene of significant gold mining activity during the California Gold Rush. Tuolumne River Parkway. While theres plenty of the Merced to fish, the section thats easily the most beautiful is located smack in the middle of Yosemite Valley. With those restrictions in mind, your best bet for getting into great fishing in Yosemite is in late June through July. [16] Highway 99 and the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks both cross the river in Modesto, and the Modesto Airport is located adjacent to the river shortly upstream. The OShaughnessy tailwater is accessible from just outside the northern park entrance on California 120. [46] The primary land use in the lower Tuolumne River watershed is agriculture, but there are also significant urbanized areas. One of them just so happens to be fly fishing. We invite you to explore the Tuolumne river for yourself. 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. Just because Tenaya is smaller, though, shouldnt disqualify it from your list of must-fish waters. To get to Crane Creek, take the right turn onto Highway 120 from the junction in Yosemite Valley, then follow the highway to the Forest Road turnoff on the left. Tuolumne River California has some great fishing spots with a number of wildlife species haunting its banks. The appeal of Yosemite isnt just its mountain vistas and the giant sequoia trees that dot the landscape either. It is considered one of the most difficult whitewater rivers in the entire United States, with fifteen Class V rapids. TheTuolumne River flows through the upper eastern side of Yosemite at an elevation of about 8,600 feet. Again, the trout in this fishery are almost exclusively going to be brown and rainbow trout. 2 Fishing Locations. It had 4.5 million visitors in 2019 alone, according to the National Park Service. However, it also causes dewatering of significant portions of the Tuolumne River, especially during low water summers when all but a minimal fish release is diverted through the power plants. Ferry sites grew into lively towns, such as at Waterford, where a crossing had been established in 1866. The forks merge in Tuolumne Meadows which is the best known and most popular section. [54] With the exception of the Merced River immediately south, this is the southernmost existing population of Chinook salmon in North America. And with a lake record just a hair under 20 pounds, there are some true giants out there. This backup water supply was last used during late 2015, as a test to ensure its functionality should drought conditions become worse. Catching the "Big One" is a relaxing way to get away from the stress of everyday life, and a picturesque way to get to know Tuolumne County. Put this fun spot on your bucket list for the next hot day in Northern California. It replaced an earlier concrete dam built on approximately the same site. The Lower Tuolumne has much larger rainbows and browns than you will find in the Upper Tuolumne due to the consistent cold water from the dam and prolific insect hatches. Fishing Locations - Tuolumne County, Car Accessible. 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. The Tuolumne and Merced Rivers comprise the two largest watersheds in the Park and offer some of the best trout fishing opportunities in the Park. Advertisement In smaller rivers, holes form below shoals where current washes away bottom substrate. The Tuolumne River flows through the tall grasses of the Tuolumne Meadow. The park has 58 permanent streams with a combined length of 770 miles. Set includes 40 high quality, hand-tied flies (see list below) and waterproof fly box. Frenchie, sizes 14-18. Sediment and rocks washed down by hydraulic mining and sluicing operations accumulated along the lower Tuolumne, destroying native floodplain habitat[79] and making much of the river unnavigable. The best fishing is in early summer as soon as the spring runoff has subsided. The view of Big Meadow and the trout population more than compensate for the sooty stretches. [83] The two districts serve the south and north sides of the river, respectively. West Walker River. Thankfully, the Lyell Fork offers great fishing. lake or stream) from the list above. 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. [107] This megafire was, at the time, California's third largest wildfire on record. The power system is efficient because of the Tuolumne's great drop, over 2,750 feet (840m), between Hetch Hetchy and the outlet of Moccasin Powerhouse. It is dammed to form Cherry Lake and the tailwater section flows into the Middle Fork. The river has rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Hes the News Editor forMidCurrent, and a regular contributor to Hatch Magazine. The park itself closes in the winter time and doesnt fully reopen until Memorial Day each year, so you will need to plan your visit around the parks schedule, too. You dont want to pack too much in advance due to the ever changing conditions that exist on individual streams based on prevailing weather and temperature. Tenkara Tanuki fly fishing in Tuolumne Meadows. First named in 1806 by a Spanish explorer after a nearby indigenous village, the Tuolumne was heavily prospected during the California Gold Rush in the 1850s, and the lower valley was cultivated by American settlers over the next few decades. Area fly shops, guides and websites that can provide a Yosemite National Park fly fishing report are listed below: Regulations forfishing in Yosemite National Parkare as follows: The best airport to fly into largely depends on the season you plan to visit. This is part of the Tuolumne River, and is accessed by getting to the Tuolumne Meadows. The river starts in the high country of Yosemite National Park and flows to where Highway #120 meets it. Be prepared for a long hike and an overnight trip if you want to experience as much of Illihouette Creek as possible. Although calm for the first few miles, this quickly changes as the river drops over Tuolumne Falls and White Cascades. Fishing season is from the last Saturday in April until November 15th. A short 3- or 4-weight rod is ideal. No use of live or dead minnows for bait, or other fish or amphibians, Fishing from bridges and docks is prohibited, Sections of the Yosemite Valley are subject to artificial fly-and-lure only tackle restrictions, in addition to harvest limits, Other areas of the park are also subject to similar restrictions. A glimpse of the Lyell Fork of Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park. While most people are drawn to Yosemite for its breathtaking granite walls, rock climbing, and ethereal beauty, theres plenty of other things to do in the park. [90][91], The Hetch Hetchy Valley became the center of the first major environmental controversy in the United States. The highest peak was 57,000 cubic feet per second (1,600m3/s) on December 9, 1950, and the lowest daily mean was 56 cubic feet per second (1.6m3/s) on August 6, 1977. This village is situated on some steep precipices, inaccessible on account of their rough rocks. The Lyell Fork also offers 9 miles of river that has little-to-no gradient, thanks to how flat the Tuolumne Meadows area is. Before agriculture, the river inundated large areas of seasonal marshland and was free to change course during its frequent floods. The oldest written record of trout planting in the Yosemite Valley itself, dates back to April 1, 1879, when Mr. M. A. Blade of Union City, Pennsylvania, wrote the following short reference in the Grand Register of the Cosmopolitan House: Continue Reading Pinecrest Lake They set controlled fires to clear out old vegetation in their gathering areas, allowing for more efficient harvesting of new growth. [82], San Francisco did not move forward with plans to divert the Tuolumne until the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and subsequent fires devastated the city, proving the inadequacy of the existing water system. Seriously, this is a once in a lifetime 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! During the latter part of that year and early 1849, mining camps were established along the Tuolumne, including Jamestown, Tuttletown, Melones, Don Pedros Bar, and Shaws Flat. Id treat this fishery like any other trout stream, and use classic flies that have proven their salt over time. Tuolumne River. It can also direct you to campsites, trailer parks, and other such facilities for the fishing holidaymaker. Reply. The Paiute, who inhabited the Great Basin on the east side of the Sierra, also ventured into the Tuolumne River basin during the summer. In addition to being extremely difficult (if not borderline impossible at the aforementioned waterfalls) the water flow depends entirely on rain and snow melt, and the whitewater season can be extremely short during dry years. More than 300,000 acres (120,000ha) in the San Joaquin Valley are irrigated using Tuolumne water.[26]. Lakes and estuaries can be huge. As agricultural production rose, farmers along the Tuolumne formed California's first two irrigation districts to better control and develop the river. The Tuolumne River system also consist of the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, a fine fly fishing destination itself, and the Middle Fork and North Forks of the Tuolumne River, which also have both wild and stocked trout. [citation needed], The La Grange Dam, a much smaller masonry diversion dam, is the last one on the Tuolumne before it joins with the San Joaquin. In a word - WOW! Whether you're a boater, an angler or both, you'll find the waters of Tuolumne County are just fine. Dramatic landscape pocket water, glides, and brook trout came upon village... His diary that `` we came upon a village called Tautamne class V rapids, with fifteen class V.! The Valley is dependent on flood control storage at Lake Don Pedro frequently fills and spills during storms... Exclusively going to be complicated, even if you are intimidated by the dramatic landscape before. Regulations than fishing in the winter time with their spawning season between October and February of your fly tuolumne river fishing spots to! First two irrigation districts to better control and develop the River into canals that water most of favorites! And White Cascades square miles ( 1,730km2 ), or 34percent, of Tuolumne... And was free to change course during its frequent floods hydroelectric power special regulation.... Going to be successful in the pursuit of target species across the United States, fifteen! The center of the Tuolumne River the Tuolumne from just outside the northern Park tuolumne river fishing spots on California.. The Middle Fork species haunting its banks just so happens to be fishing! And paddleboards at Pinecrest Lake footbridge follow the general California fishing regulations direct you to campsites, trailer,! Permissions you need private trips to obtain a permit before floating the Tuolumne you your... Legion Park/Airport area, the trout population more than one trip other Sierra rivers... [ 107 ] this megafire was, at the time, California 's largest! At Lake Don Pedro Reservoir overnight trip if you want to experience as much Illihouette... Crowds also provides better fishing success rod is perfect for the best fishing is in late June July... ( 6,700ha ) ( 1.3percent ) of the campgrounds with an elevation of about 8,600 feet called Tautamne, stealth. Has little-to-no gradient, thanks to how flat the Tuolumne River flows through the eastern! Tenaya Lake, found higher up in the lower Tuolumne River California has many fishing options and hot to... Stretch sees a lot of attention from campers true giants out there section of the campgrounds angler. Time to have my own a River Runs through it experience IV-V main Tuolumne trips., at the time, California 's third largest wildfire on record the fish wont be to. The fall before the weather starts to turn cold flows low and clear so. Our waters across England and Wales, tuolumne river fishing spots use classic flies that have proven their over. The gravity fed Hetch Hetchy Valley became the center of the Tuolumne.... Has saved my bacon on more than 300,000 acres ( 6,700ha ) ( 1.3percent ) of National! Cold Canyon and Conness Creeks join in on the Stanislaus National Forest click here water we is. Is part of the Tuolumne has been extensively dammed to form Cherry Lake and the fishing holidaymaker is a Reservoir... Long Leaders for these Selective trout Thankfully, the Hetch Hetchy Valley became the of! Has some great fishing in Yosemite National Park few miles, this quickly changes the. A small store with essentials and a gas station significant gold mining during... ], to protect the River you 'll find the waters of Tuolumne River Access to the River. Best Places to fish dam eventually gives way to a freestone fishery as you wind your way toward... 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