Merced River - Happy Isles Bridge - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Merced River – Happy Isles Bridge - Water Flow Chart
Merced River – Happy Isles Bridge - Weather report & radar
Merced River – Happy Isles Bridge - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Morning and Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-20 | BWO Emerger | |
| February | Midges | Morning and Afternoon | 18-22 | Red and Black Zebra Midges |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-20 | Parachute BWO | |
| March | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | BWO Emerger, Parachute Adams |
| Stoneflies | All Day | 12-16 | Pats Rubberlegs | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | BWO Emerger, Parachute Adams |
| Caddis | All Day | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X Caddis | |
| May | Little Yellow Stones | All Day | 14-16 | Yellow Sally, Stimulator |
| Caddis | All Day | 14-18 | X Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis | |
| June | Little Yellow Stones | All Day | 14-16 | Yellow Sally, Stimulator |
| Pale Morning Duns | Morning and Afternoon | 14-18 | PMD Dry Fly, PMD Emerger | |
| July | Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X Caddis |
| Little Yellow Stones | All Day | 14-16 | Yellow Sally, Stimulator | |
| August | Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X Caddis |
| Terrestrials | All Day | 10-14 | Chernobyl Ant, Hopper Patterns | |
| September | Terrestrials | All Day | 10-14 | Hopper Patterns, Beatle Patterns |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-20 | Parachute Adams, BWO Emerger | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-20 | Parachute Adams, BWO Emerger |
| Terrestrials | All Day | 10-14 | Hopper Patterns, Beatle Patterns | |
| November | Midges | Morning and Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-20 | BWO Emerger | |
| December | Midges | Morning and Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-20 | BWO Emerger |
Merced River – Happy Isles Bridge Access Points
The Happy Isles Bridge over the cinematic Merced River offers one of the best access points for fly fishing enthusiasts. Here are some specific suggestions for a rewarding experience:
- Firstly, the area downstream of the Happy Isles Bridge is not commonly congested with other anglers, providing the solitude that makes fly fishing all the more enjoyable.
- Secondly, the backdrop offered to those fishing towards the western access of the Bridge is a scenic blend of nature’s best designs. A variety of fish including trout await beneath the surface in this section of the river.
- Finally, ease of access is another bonus point. The journey to the site is an easy-to-moderate hike from the Curry Village parking area in Yosemite Valley.
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Happy Isles Bridge truly combines the best of Merced River fly fishing spots – tranquility, scenery, and accessibility.
Merced River – Happy Isles Bridge Fishing Spots
If you’re planning a bit of fly fishing, the Merced River by the Happy Isles Bridge is a great option. Aside from the breathtaking view, you can find various hot spots teeming with fish.
- Swinging Bridge Picnic Area: This spot is upstream from the bridge. Look for the deep pools and eddies the fish love.
- El Capitan Bridge: Less crowded than other areas, the El Capitan Bridge gives you easier access to several productive seams and riffles.
- Sentinel Beach Picnic Area: An outstanding area for evening fishing with mayfly and caddisfly hatches in the late summer and fall.
- Cascade Creek Confluence: This area provides excellent fishing opportunities where Cascade Creek meets the Merced River. Nymphs and dry flies work exceptionally well here.
- Pohono Bridge: The currents below this bridge typically hold good amounts of rainbow and brown trout.
Merced River – Happy Isles Bridge Local Fish Species
- Trout:
- Brook Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Brown Trout
- Salmon:
- Chinook Salmon
- Coho Salmon
- Mountain Whitefish
- Sacramento Sucker
- Pikeminnow
- Sculpin
- Chub
About the Merced River – Happy Isles Bridge
The Merced River – Happy Isles Bridge in Yosemite National Park brings together charming history and stunning natural beauty. The bridge, initially built in the 1920s, is steeped in history. It crosses the vigorous Merced River, a lifeline for Yosemite’s ecosystems.
During the great floods of 1997, the original bridge was destroyed only to be rebuilt later, preserving its rustic, timber frame aesthetics. A few interesting facts:
- The bridge leads to the trailheads for Vernal and Nevada falls, drawing countless nature enthusiasts.
- The area around the bridge features the idyllic Happy Isles Nature Center.
- Merced River, coursing beneath the bridge, begins its 145-mile long journey in the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
Visitors are often captivated by the breathtaking views from the rerouted Happy Isles Bridge – a testament to nature’s resilience and man’s respect for it.
Community Contributions
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