Tuolumne River - Above Hetch Hetchy - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Tuolumne River – Above Hetch Hetchy - Water Flow Chart
Tuolumne River – Above Hetch Hetchy - Weather report & radar
Tuolumne River – Above Hetch Hetchy - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Daytime | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Winter Stoneflies | Morning | 14-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| February | Midges | Daytime | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | BWO Emerger | |
| March | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | BWO Emerger, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| Little Black Stoneflies | Morning | 16-18 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| April | Caddis | Afternoon | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | BWO Emerger | |
| May | Golden Stoneflies | Daytime | 6-10 | Golden Stonefly Nymph |
| Mayflies | Afternoon | 12-16 | Pheasant Tail Nymph | |
| June | Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Golden Stoneflies | Daytime | 6-10 | Golden Stonefly Nymph | |
| July | Terrestrials | Daytime | 8-12 | Hopper Patterns |
| Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| August | Terrestrials | Daytime | 8-12 | Hopper Patterns |
| Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| September | Terrestrials | Daytime | 8-12 | Hopper Patterns |
| Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | BWO Emerger |
| October Caddis | Evening | 6-8 | October Caddis Pupa | |
| November | Midges | Daytime | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | BWO Emerger | |
| December | Midges | Daytime | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Winter Stoneflies | Morning | 14-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph |
Tuolumne River – Above Hetch Hetchy Access Points
The Tuolumne River, above Hetch Hetchy, is a prime location for fly fishing. Below are the best access points:
- Meral’s Pool: An ideal spot situated downstream from Lumsden Bridge.
- South Fork Tuolumne River: Offers excellent opportunities for fly fishing. Access from Groveland along Ferretti Road.
- Cherry Creek: A wild place with challenging fishing. Accessibility is limited due to steep terrain.
- Middle Fork Tuolumne River: Best accessed by a trail at Carlon Day Use Area.
Remember to obtain required permits and to adhere to all fishing regulations. Practicing Catch and Release helps to maintain a healthy fish population in the river.
Tuolumne River – Above Hetch Hetchy Fishing Spots
The Tuolumne River above Hetch Hetchy offers some exceptional spots for fly fishing, thanks to its pristine waters and thriving fish populations.
- Poopenaut Valley: Often overlooked by anglers, Poopenaut Valley besides the river provides a serene and less-traveled fishing area teeming with trout.
- South Fork: The South Fork of the Tuolumne River boasts a bountiful supply of Brown and Rainbow trout. The steep canyon walls make for a picturesque fishing setting.
- Cherry Creek: Cherry Creek is a tributary of the Tuolumne River; its fast-flowing rapids and deep pools abundant with various species of trout make it a favorite among fly fishers.
- Granite Creek: This tributary is known for its remote location and healthy trout population. Its challenging rapids add a sense of adventure.
- Tioga Road: This spot is perfect for anglers looking for less rugged terrains. Trout are plentiful in this part of the river, which flows alongside Tioga Road.
Tuolumne River – Above Hetch Hetchy Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout: Rainbow Trout are present in large numbers in the Tuolumne River watershed. They are a sport fish species and provide a challenging fly fishing experience. They are characterized by their silver color with a pinkish band on the side and speckles over their entire body.
- Brook Trout: Brook Trout thrive in the cool, clear waters of the Tuolumne River. They are smaller than other trout species and have a dark green to brown color with a distinctive marbled pattern.
- Brown Trout: Brown Trout are also favored among fly fishers in the Tuolumne River due to their size and the fight they put up when hooked. They have a golden brown body with large black and red-orange spots.
- Mountain Whitefish: Mountain Whitefish are a native species that inhabit the deeper pools and runs in the river. They can provide an interesting diversion for fly fishers.
- Western Pikeminnow: Though not as popular as trout, the Western Pikeminnow in the Tuolumne River can still offer a fun challenge for fly fishers.
- Hardhead: Hardhead is another native fish that can be found in the river. They are a cyprinid fish and have large, robust bodies that can give a good fight when hooked.
- Golden Trout: Golden Trout are native to California and are also found in the Tuolumne River. They are not as common as other species but are highly prized by fly fishers due to their beautiful golden-yellow color and the challenge they present.
- Sacramento Sucker: Sacramento Suckers are not traditionally targeted by fly fishers, but can provide an interesting challenge due to their strong, stubborn fight when hooked.
About the Tuolumne River – Above Hetch Hetchy
The Tuolumne River is a majestic stream of water that starts above Hetch Hetchy, in the high Sierra Nevada, California. The river, stretching about 150 miles, has a rich history and captivating beauty.
The Native Americans were the first to experience this watercourse around 10,000 years ago, giving it the name ‘Tuolumne’, which denotes ‘cluster of stones’.
- Gold Rush Era: In mid 19th century, during the California Gold Rush, the river saw a swarm of miners and settlers. Along its banks flourished vivid communities and trading posts.
- Hetch Hetchy Reservoir: The river’s most significant historical event may be the creation of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in the early 20th century, providing San Francisco with a reliable water supply.
Today, the Tuolumne River remains a major water source while also serving as a recreational draw for hikers, rafters, and wildlife enthusiasts.
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