Tuolumne River - Below Hetch Hetchy - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Tuolumne River – Below Hetch Hetchy - Water Flow Chart
Tuolumne River – Below Hetch Hetchy - Weather report & radar
Tuolumne River – Below Hetch Hetchy - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Zebra midge |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Zebra midge |
| March | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Zebra midge |
| Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #18-#20 | Rusty Spinner | |
| April | Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #18-#20 | Rusty Spinner |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-#18 | Elk hair caddis | |
| May | Caddis | Evening | #14-#18 | Elk hair caddis |
| Stoneflies | All Day | #8-#12 | Golden stone | |
| June | Stoneflies | All Day | #8-#12 | Golden stone |
| Mayflies | Midday | #14-#16 | Adams fly | |
| July | Mayflies | Midday | #14-#16 | Adams fly |
| Terrestrials | All Day | #10-#14 | Ant patterns, Hopper patterns | |
| August | Terrestrials | All Day | #10-#14 | Ant patterns, Hopper patterns |
| September | Terrestrials | All Day | #10-#14 | Ant patterns, Hopper patterns |
| October | Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #18-#20 | Rusty Spinner |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Zebra midge |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Zebra midge |
Tuolumne River – Below Hetch Hetchy Access Points
The Tuolumne River below Hetch Hetchy offers some superior fly fishing spots which are easily accessible with the right information:
- Meral’s Pool: This is a favorite fishing spot amongst locals and is perfect for fly fishing. It’s located near the launch area for whitewater rafting trips.
- Camp 9 Bridge: Situated near Columbia, offers excellent river access and has an abundance of trout species around.
- Clavey River Junction: This spot is a bit of an uphill hike, but the potential for catching rainbow and brown trout makes it worth the effort.
While accessing these points, it is important to be aware of rules and regulations which include catch and release guidelines and restrictions on fishing gear. Always check the local regulations before fishing.
Tuolumne River – Below Hetch Hetchy Fishing Spots
Below Hetch Hetchy, the Tuolumne River provides plenty of excellent fly fishing spots for seasoned and newbie anglers alike.
- Cherry Creek: Known for its challenging rapids, the areas around this creek provide fantastic places for fly fishing.
- Clavey River: A confluence of Tuolumne River and Clavey River offers a perfect environment for Trout.
- Enchanted Pools: Located past Cherry Creek, these pools present serene locations to cast a line.
- Tuolumne Meadows: This area provides tranquil and scenic flatwater fishing areas. Take route 120 east of Yosemite National Park to reach this spot.
- Merced Lake: Though it takes a moderate hike to reach, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic high-elevation fly fishing opportunities.
Every site is unique, offering both a different setting and various species of fish. A fishing trip to Tuolumne River – Below Hetch Hetchy is sure to be unforgettable.
Tuolumne River – Below Hetch Hetchy Local Fish Species
- Tuolumne Trout: The resident trout of the Tuolumne River, the Rainbow Trout, and the Brown Trout are the most common and targeted fishes in the area.
- Mountain Whitefish: Also a resident of the Tuolumne River, the Mountain Whitefish is targeted by anglers for its great fight and taste.
- California Golden Trout: The state fish of California, Golden Trout are coveted by anglers for their beautiful coloration and impressive fight.
- Common Carp: Although not native to the area, these fishes are abundant and provide great sport for fly fishing enthusiasts.
- Pacific Lamprey: While not typically targeted for sport, these ancient fishes are a unique catch in the Tuolumne River.
- Western Sucker: Suckers are a common catch in the Tuolumne River, known for their hard fight.
- Channel Catfish: These bottom dwellers are great fun to catch on a fly rod and provide an interesting challenge.
- Sacramento Pikeminnow: These large, predatory fish are an exciting catch for any fly fisherman in the Tuolumne River.
About the Tuolumne River – Below Hetch Hetchy
Flowing through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in California is the Tuolumne River. Particularly enchanting is the section below Hetch Hetchy, a verdant valley that was dammed in the early 20th century to provide water to San Francisco, over 150 miles away.
The region’s history, however, goes much further back. Native Americans have inhabited the Tuolumne River area for over 3,000 years, cultivating its rich ecosystem.
During the Gold Rush era, the river held a crucial role as miners washed pans in its waters, hoping to strike it rich. Later, the construction of the O’Shaughnessy Dam converted the Hetch Hetchy Valley into a reservoir.
- Today, the river below Hetch Hetchy offers incredible opportunities for whitewater rafting, fishing, and camping, while its untouched wilderness teems with wildlife.
- Despite its altered state, the beauty and importance of the Tuolumne River endure.
The river’s tale is a tapestry of natural wonder, human desire, and endless transformation—a testament to the ever-changing relationships between nature and mankind.
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