Copyright 2011 James Marsh
Fly Fishing The Merced River California
The Merced River is one of the most overlooked trout
streams in the state of California. One reason is, it's
located in Yosemite National Park where visitors go for
the scenery, not fly fishing for trout. Even so, one of the
most scenic things in the park is the Merced River. Fly
fishing the Merced River is a wonderful experience. It
flows through one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The 145 mile long river flows from the base of the Sierra
Nevada into the Central Valley. It flows through Yosemite
Valley in a fast and wild way, through Merced Canyon
and into the lowland where it changes its appearance
drastically.
The Merced River originates in the Southeastern corner
of Yosemite National Park. Its headwarters begin at 7900
feet at the Clarke Range. It flows over Nevada and
Vernal Falls, picks up the water from Illilouette Creek and
flows through the main Yosemite Valley. It picks up water
from Tenaya, Yosemite, Bridalveil, and Pigeon Creeks
near the end of the valley. It then picks up the water
from Cascade Creek and then flows through the Merced
River Canyon and then outside the park. Its South and
North Forks join it a few miles outside the park.
Inside Yosemite National Park rainbow trout are
catch-and-release only. The brown trout limit is five per
day or ten in possession. Only artificial lures or flies with
barbless hooks may be used. The fish in the park are all
wild.
Just below the main valley, the river changes from its
long, slow pools to pocket water. It has some deep, fast
runs and plunges before entering the Merced River
Canyon. The canyon is about eight miles long. Highway
#149 runs along the river through the gorge and
provides some turnouts for parking. This area is difficult
to access due to steep rock walls. Where you can reach
the river it's deep and has large boulders. This stream
best fished just after the runoff ends in June or early
July.
Seasons:
The general trout season is from the last Saturday in
April through November 15.
Spring:
Springtime is usually tough fishing conditions. There's
some fishing opportunity prior to the runoff.
Summer:
Summertime is the best time for fly fishing the Merced
River. Just after runoff ends through the Summer is the
best period of time.
Fall:
Fly fishing the Merced River during the early Fall can
also be productive.
Fly Fishing Guide - Gear, Tackle and Flies
The Merced River is one of the most overlooked trout
streams in the state of California. One reason is, it's
located in Yosemite National Park where visitors go for
the scenery, not fly fishing for trout. Even so, one of the
most scenic things in the park is the Merced River. Fly
fishing the Merced River is a wonderful experience. It
flows through one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The 145 mile long river flows from the base of the Sierra
Nevada into the Central Valley. It flows through Yosemite
Valley in a fast and wild way, through Merced Canyon
and into the lowland where it changes its appearance
drastically.
The Merced River originates in the Southeastern corner
of Yosemite National Park. Its headwarters begin at 7900
feet at the Clarke Range. It flows over Nevada and
Vernal Falls, picks up the water from Illilouette Creek and
flows through the main Yosemite Valley. It picks up water
from Tenaya, Yosemite, Bridalveil, and Pigeon Creeks
near the end of the valley. It then picks up the water
from Cascade Creek and then flows through the Merced
River Canyon and then outside the park. Its South and
North Forks join it a few miles outside the park.
Inside Yosemite National Park rainbow trout are
catch-and-release only. The brown trout limit is five per
day or ten in possession. Only artificial lures or flies with
barbless hooks may be used. The fish in the park are all
wild.
Just below the main valley, the river changes from its
long, slow pools to pocket water. It has some deep, fast
runs and plunges before entering the Merced River
Canyon. The canyon is about eight miles long. Highway
#149 runs along the river through the gorge and
provides some turnouts for parking. This area is difficult
to access due to steep rock walls. Where you can reach
the river it's deep and has large boulders. This stream
best fished just after the runoff ends in June or early
July.
Seasons:
The general trout season is from the last Saturday in
April through November 15.
Spring:
Springtime is usually tough fishing conditions. There's
some fishing opportunity prior to the runoff.
Summer:
Summertime is the best time for fly fishing the Merced
River. Just after runoff ends through the Summer is the
best period of time.
Fall:
Fly fishing the Merced River during the early Fall can
also be productive.
Fly Fishing Guide - Gear, Tackle and Flies
| Type of Stream Freestone Species Rainbow Trout {Wild) Brown Trout (Wild) Size Small Location Yosemite National Park Nearest Towns Mariposa Merced Season Last Sat. in April through Nov. 15th Special Regulations: Catch and Release section that requires barbless artificial only. Access: Easy Non-Resident License State of California Weather National Weather Service Link Hatch Chart Perfect Fly Hatch Chart (Coming soon) Fly Fishing Guide - Gear, Tackle and Flies |
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Photo Courtesy of Stephen Lamb
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Merced
River
California
River
California
| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |