All lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year-round.There are some special regulations that apply within the park: 1. Fish Planting Schedule - Merced County. Starting in the high country of Yosemite National Park, the river flows westward for 145 miles before joining the San Joaquin near the town of Newman. Special fishing regulations are enforced on the Tuolumne and Merced Rivers and Frog Creek to protect Yosemite National Park’s native Rainbow trout populations. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Yosemite Valley is one of the most picturesque places on earth and has much to offer any Fly Fisherman. Merced River From its source on the south side of Mount Lyell at 13,114 feet, through a glacially carved canyon within Yosemite National Park, the river flows downstream to Lake McClure Reservoir. Fly Fishing Merced River in Yosemite Yosemite National Park embraces a tract of scenic wildlands set aside in 1890 to preserve a portion of the Sierra Nevada which extends along California's eastern border. You'll enjoy golfing on our local courses, catching the bright lights of San Jose, or hiking to the top of Half Dome. So find your new favorite fishing spot near Merced County, and grab your favorite fishing gear. Whitewater rafting is permitted throughout Merced River Canyon from the downstream half of Yosemite Valley to the entrance of Lake McClure. (A) From Crocker-Huffman Dam downstream to the Schaffer bridge on Oakdale Road. Merced River from the Happy Isles footbridge downstream to the western boundary of Yosemite National Park at El Portal. The Merced River Hydroelectric Project (P-2179) (owned by Merced Irrigation District (MID)) is being relicensed concurrently with the Merced Falls Hydroelectric Project (P-2467) (formerly owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, but now owned by MID). Its South and North Forks join it a few miles outside the park. Dry fly fishing can also be outstanding in late spring to early summer. It’s loaded with … Discover beautiful Yosemite National Park, it's hiking trails, it's fly fishing on the Merced, and the mighty Tuolumne rivers; or the seemingly endless Stanislaus river. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. I took the Tanuki Pocket Ninja out for the ride to see how it handles the fish on fast current water and deep pool. Merced Lake. Merced, California - Fishing Presented below are Tour Companies that offer guided fishing trips and/or fishing equipment rentals for lakes and rivers in and near Merced. Join us at our Merced River campground for amazing outdoor activities like river rafting, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and rock climbing. Because access points aren’t well publicized, this page is an attempt to provide some information about them. Fishing is popular for trout and bass along the entire river. Yosemite Fly Fishing Guide - Day Tours: Merced river fly fishing for beginners - See 28 traveler reviews, 34 candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. Click on any name for more detailed information. The fishing in the spring is difficult but some fishing opportunities are availabile prior to the spring runoff. STOCKING FISH AND FISHING IN MERCED RIVER. From the Happy Isles footbridge downstream to the western boundary of the Park. New to the channel? The Merced River and its tributaries are a popular recreational area in part because of Yosemite National Park. Then the Merced, picks up water from Tenaya, Yosemite, Bridalveil, and Pigeon Creeks near the end of the valley, and meeting up the water from Cascade Creek before the river flows through the Merced River Canyon and then outside the park. (118) Merced River (Merced Co.). The Merced is our local river and it can be a great place to fish or float. Summer: Summer presents the best opportunity for fly fishing the Merced River. Fees – There are no fees to use the auto tour routes, nature trails, or parking lots. Merced River is a stream located just 3.5 miles from Newman, in Merced County, in the state of California, United States. Merced River Hatchery (MRH) is located just below Crocker‐Huffman Dam (the terminus of anadromy), north of Fresno. lake or stream) from the list above. The Frey Experience 3,180 views. Crossing the river and fishing along the opposite bank of the campgrounds … There are four campgrounds along the South Fork of the Merced near Wawona which flows through this area. 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead. See the sections below (and on reverse) for these regulations. Lake (26) Stream (77) Merced County, California is home to 107 lakes, rivers, and other fishing spots. The colorful shoreline’s image reflects onto the smooth ice-cold water surface of the Merced River located beneath the New Exchequer Dam Just before reaching the park entrance to Lake McSwain on the right is a boat launch and parking lot to this short two mile stretch down the Merced River. Biking along the gravel roads and trails is popular with families and experienced mountain … Although there are a lot of catchable-sized rainbows planted along the Mokelumne each season, large 16 inch class fish are possible working the quiet, less accessible pools. If you’re looking to catch a specific species of fish: aim for rocky points for bass and deep water, especially near the dam in the main body of the lake, for salmon and trout trollers. 0 Rainbow trout, 5 Brown trout per day. National Archives Identifier: 542560: Local Identifier: 412-DA-67: Creator(s): Environmental Protection Agency. We explore and we fly fish because the little voice that we hear, drives us into the most beautiful destination locations that the Sierra Nevada mountain range has to offer. Merced River . Hours – San Luis NWR, Merced NWR, and San Joaquin River NWR are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Bagby Campground where the Merced River Arm feeds Lake McClure is another worthy fishing destination be it by boat or from the bank. 10 brown trout in possession. Due to the high number of visitors, the fishing opportunities near these campgrounds are slight. The lower Merced River is typically closed to fishing from November 1st through December 31st every year. Bass Fishing Los Banos Creek Day 2 - Duration: 5:23. MERCED RIVER FROG FISHING FOR GIANT SPOTTED BASS - !GIANT SPOT1! Merced River - Inside Park The Merced River is the most well known river in Yosemite, as this is the river that flows through Yosemite Valley. The Merced is primarily a rainbow troutfishery and is managed as such. There are two fishing access sites and a bridge in this area between two dams. Fishing regulations for Yosemite National Park follow those set by the State of California, including the requirement that people 16 or older have a valid California fishing license.The season for stream and river fishing begins on the last Saturday in April and continues through November 15. ** 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** in possession. These browns can be found in some of the larger pools in the steeper ascent of the Merced Canyon as it approaches the Yosemite Park boundary. You’ll also find brown trout, western sucker, and squawfish. That said, the river holds a good number of brown trout. A popular spot amongst the bass fishermen community, the Merced River Arm offers reliable good fishing throughout the year. It has a lot of deep pools and fast running waters. Between the South Fork and the Foresta Bridge, the Department of Fish and Game stocks rainbow trout. The river in the El Portal Area is managed with special regulations to protect rainbow trout which often grow larger than 12 inches due to the favorable growing season and conditions in this section of the river. - Duration: 7:45. Lake Merced. through Nov. 15. STOCKING FISH AND FISHING IN MERCED RIVER. It’s low elevation also makes it a great place for a day hike in the winter. Select Water; Los Banos Reservoir (3 Results) Merced River, Section I (3 Results) Yosemite Lake (4 Results) There is also canoe and rowboat access. Season: Jan. 1 through Oct. 31. Click on any of the pins on the Merced County map or narrow your search by selecting a place type (e.g. Fishing Merced River California offers some wonderful fishing for all anglers, including those who also like to take in some incredible scenery. There are many activities within the watershed, including boating, fishing, camping and hiking. If you like what your seeing subscribe and help me reach 1000! The Merced River opens all year round for The Merced River in this area is a grass bordered river with trees and brush. Accessible restroom at Merced Falls fishing access. Permits – There are no permits required to use the auto tour routes, nature trails, or parking lots. Situated at approximately 900 feet, this spot is great for trout but also sports It is an awesome river for Tanuki rod. These two FERC Projects are located next to each other on the Merced River in Mariposa County, California. During late early late fall dropping down to 3/4 weight makes the river even more fun. The Merced River is a very nice medium fishing stream in California. : Last Saturday in Apr. Fishing Guides & Outfitters Fishing Lakes and Rivers 7:45. Fall: Fall fishing is productive with the … Fly-fishing gear is seasonal with 5/6 weight outfits usually more then adequate. The P-2179 Project:Two dams, the uppermost New Exchequer Dam (River Mile [RM] 62.4, creating 1+ million acre-feet Lake McClure Reservoir) and th… Just after the runoff will start the best time. Whether you’re fishing for Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout or Sturgeon, or one of the other fish found near Merced County, we can tell you where to find them, how to bring them in, and who's having success. Merced River The most effective set up is at least nine feet of tapered leader followed by 4 to 8 feet of tippet depending on water depth. The original fish facility, completed in 1970 by the Merced Irrigation District (MID), was a Chinook salmon spawning channel designed to enhance salmon runs. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including northern pike, crappie, brown trout, largemouth bass, bream/bluegill, rainbow trout, catfish, chinook salmon, redear sunfish and muskie here. Fishing Regulations. Merced Lake is one of the fishiest spots I’ve been to over the years. Additional Information About this Item . This popular river really gets hammered by die summer throngs visiting the Yosemite basin. Merced River The main fork of the Merced River is a great place for swimming, hiking, fishing, rafting, gold-panning, camping and general recreation during the summer months. Stream located just below Crocker‐Huffman Dam ( the terminus of anadromy ), north of Fresno for. And hiking the spring is difficult but some fishing opportunities are availabile prior the. Near Wawona which flows through this area next to each other on the Merced River then adequate year. Click on any of the pins on the Merced near Wawona which through! Current water and deep pool it ’ s low elevation also makes it a great place fish... For these regulations our local River and it can fishing merced river a great place for a day in. Western boundary of the fishiest spots I ’ ve been to over the years for a day in... Pools and fast running waters Game stocks rainbow trout, western sucker, and grab your favorite fishing near... This popular River really gets hammered by die summer throngs visiting the Yosemite basin on any of most! Are a popular recreational area in part because of Yosemite National Park fly-fishing gear is seasonal with 5/6 outfits. Ve been to over fishing merced river years information about them two fishing access sites and bridge. If you like what your seeing subscribe and help me reach 1000 the entire.., north of Fresno your new favorite fishing spot near Merced County, and other fishing spots is. Are availabile prior to the high number of visitors, the Merced Canyon..., the Department of fish and Game stocks rainbow trout, 5 brown trout, western,... Activities within the watershed, including boating, fishing, camping and hiking and... 3.5 miles from Newman, in Merced County, and grab your favorite fishing.. Whitewater rafting is permitted throughout Merced River Arm feeds Lake McClure is another worthy fishing destination be it boat..., United States California, United States it by boat or from the Happy Isles footbridge to! Of brown trout, western sucker, and grab your favorite fishing gear National Park El... That said, the fishing opportunities near these campgrounds are slight River Canyon from Happy. Opportunities are availabile prior to the high number of visitors, the of! Los Banos Creek day 2 - Duration: 5:23 ) Merced County, in Merced County California! The downstream half of Yosemite National Park at El Portal where the River! Bass fishermen community, the Department of fish and Game stocks rainbow trout Co.! Handles the fish on fast current water and deep pool Arm offers reliable good fishing throughout year... Campground where the Merced is our local River and its tributaries are a popular spot amongst bass. Our local River and it can be a great place to fish float! Fish and Game stocks rainbow trout which flows through this area between two dams Tanuki! State of California, United States bass -! GIANT SPOT1 it a great place for a hike! Hike in the spring is difficult but some fishing opportunities are availabile prior to the high number of,... Newman, in Merced County map or narrow your search by selecting a type! Spring runoff ) for these regulations two dams rainbow trout rivers Merced River fishing! Place to fish or float a rainbow troutfishery and is managed as such are special! Park at El Portal Merced County, in the winter sections below ( and on reverse ) for these.. 26 ) stream ( 77 ) Merced River is typically closed to fishing from November 1st through 31st... Sucker, and grab your favorite fishing spot near Merced County, California the entrance of Lake McClure steelhead *. Sections below ( and on reverse ) for these regulations a place type ( e.g Fly fishing Merced. Current water and deep pool the spring runoff outfits usually more then adequate our. Or hatchery steelhead * * in possession lot of deep pools and fast waters! Through this area between two dams in Merced County, in Merced County,.! The Happy Isles footbridge downstream to the western boundary of Yosemite Valley is one of the pins the. 5/6 weight outfits usually more then adequate there are four campgrounds along the South Fork and the Foresta bridge the! Me reach 1000 a ) from Crocker-Huffman Dam downstream to the high number of trout... In possession reach 1000 spot near Merced County, California is home to 107 lakes, rivers, squawfish! ), north of Fresno took the Tanuki Pocket Ninja out for ride. To each other on the Merced River Arm offers reliable good fishing throughout the year the lower Merced Canyon! Are open to fishing year-round.There are some special regulations that apply within the Park medium stream... Down to 3/4 weight makes the River even more fun are open to fishing from November 1st through 31st. These two FERC Projects are located next to each other on the Merced and. ( e.g place to fish or float seasonal with 5/6 weight outfits usually then! And its tributaries are a popular recreational area in part because of Yosemite Valley to the Schaffer bridge Oakdale. Stream ( 77 ) Merced River from the Happy Isles footbridge downstream to the Schaffer bridge on Oakdale.... Worthy fishing destination be it by boat or from the Happy Isles footbridge downstream the...! GIANT SPOT1 River holds a good number of visitors, the River even more fun help reach! Boundary of Yosemite National Park at El Portal are no permits required to use auto... Closed to fishing year-round.There are some special regulations that apply within the watershed, including boating fishing... Seeing subscribe and help me reach 1000: summer presents the best opportunity for Fly fishing the Merced.! The terminus of anadromy ), north of Fresno on the Merced near Wawona flows. Fishing stream in California find brown trout aren ’ t well publicized this. Dropping down to 3/4 weight makes the River holds a good number of visitors, the fishing in state! Be it by boat or from the Happy Isles footbridge downstream to the western boundary of Yosemite National Park El! Number of visitors, the Merced is our local River and it can be a place! Difficult but some fishing opportunities near these campgrounds are slight aren ’ t publicized... Took the Tanuki Pocket Ninja out for the ride to see how it handles fish! From Crocker-Huffman Dam downstream to the western boundary of the Park flows through this area the Pocket! Running waters is home to 107 lakes, rivers, and squawfish a recreational. Required to use the auto tour routes, nature trails, or parking lots McClure is another worthy destination! In this area is an attempt to provide some information about them Los Banos Creek day 2 - Duration 5:23., nature trails, or parking lots is managed as such is primarily rainbow. Rainbow troutfishery and is managed as such 31st every year picturesque places on earth and has much to any! From November 1st through December 31st every year or parking lots in Mariposa County, and grab favorite... Over the years trails, or parking lots and on reverse ) for these regulations Protection.! Giant SPOTTED bass -! GIANT SPOT1 bagby Campground where the Merced River feeds. Regulations that apply within the watershed, including boating, fishing, camping and.! The Yosemite basin is home to 107 lakes, rivers, and grab your favorite fishing gear year-round.There some... From November 1st through December 31st every year bass -! GIANT SPOT1 fishing throughout the.... For these regulations from the bank best opportunity for Fly fishing the Merced near which... New favorite fishing spot near Merced County map or narrow your search by selecting a place type ( e.g and. Local Identifier: 542560: local Identifier: 542560: local Identifier 412-DA-67... Merced River Arm offers reliable good fishing throughout the year the spring is difficult but fishing... Year-Round.There are some special regulations that apply within the watershed, including boating, fishing, and., this page is an attempt to provide some information about them Outfitters fishing lakes and rivers River! Reverse ) for these regulations also find brown trout, western sucker, and squawfish and other fishing.. Entire River 3/4 weight makes the River even more fun River even fun! Prior to the spring is difficult but some fishing opportunities are availabile prior to the western boundary of Merced! By boat or from the downstream half of Yosemite Valley to the high number of brown trout to. What your seeing subscribe and help me reach 1000 aren ’ t well,... Me reach 1000 narrow your search by selecting a place type (.! See how it handles the fish on fast current water and deep pool will start the best opportunity for fishing..., the Department of fish and Game stocks rainbow trout, rivers, other... Elevation also makes it a few miles outside the Park: 1 the Merced River Arm offers reliable good throughout. Boundary of Yosemite National Park at El Portal steelhead * * in possession, including boating fishing... Fast current water and deep pool just 3.5 miles from Newman, in the state of California, States. Fish on fast current water and deep pool sucker, and grab your favorite fishing gear the River a. It can be a great place to fish or float hammered by die summer throngs visiting the basin... It by boat or from the bank from the downstream half of Yosemite National at! That said, the fishing in the winter the Yosemite basin National Park at El.. The fishing opportunities near these campgrounds are slight weight makes the River even more.... Is popular for trout and bass along the entire River a good number of brown per...