Tuolumne River - Blw La Grange Dam - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Tuolumne River – Blw La Grange Dam - Water Flow Chart
Tuolumne River – Blw La Grange Dam - Weather report & radar
Tuolumne River – Blw La Grange Dam - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Morning, Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Parachute Adams | |
| February | Midges | Morning, Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon, Evening | 18-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Parachute Adams | |
| March | Caddis | Morning, Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-18 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Parachute Adams | |
| April | Golden Stoneflies | Morning, Evening | 6-10 | Golden Stone Nymph, Stimulator |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon, Evening | 14-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Parachute Adams | |
| May | Pale Morning Duns | Morning, Afternoon | 14-16 | PMD Emerger, PMD Dry Fly |
| Golden Stoneflies | Evening | 6-10 | Golden Stone Nymph, Stimulator | |
| June | Pale Morning Duns | Morning, Afternoon | 14-16 | PMD Emerger, PMD Dry Fly |
| Caddis | Afternoon, Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis | |
| July | Terrestrials | All Day | 8-12 | Hopper Patterns, Ant Patterns |
| Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis | |
| August | Terrestrials | All Day | 8-12 | Hopper Patterns, Ant Patterns |
| Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis | |
| September | Terrestrials | All Day | 8-12 | Hopper Patterns, Ant Patterns |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon, Evening | 16-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Parachute Adams | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon, Evening | 16-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Parachute Adams |
| Midges | Morning, Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| November | Midges | Morning, Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Parachute Adams | |
| December | Midges | Morning, Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Parachute Adams |
Tuolumne River – Blw La Grange Dam Access Points
The Tuolumne River below La Grange Dam offers an incredible fly fishing opportunity. Here are some of the best access points:
- Bond Flat Road: This road runs along the river and provides multiple spots to access the water. Park near the roadside and hop in.
- Tuolumne River Regional Park: This park, off of Shaws Flat Road, provides an excellent access point, with easy paths leading down to the river.
- Jamestown Road: An access point lies just south of the Jamestown Road bridge, providing another easy entry to the river.
- Sonora: Sonora is a city that lies on the river, making it a convenient access point. The city’s Dragoon Gulch trail offers access to various fishing spots on the river.
Tuolumne River – Blw La Grange Dam Fishing Spots
The Tuolumne River, below La Grange Dam, offers fabulous opportunities for fly fishing enthusiasts. These are the prime locations:
- Waterford Community Park: This public fishing spot has easy river access and abundant fish population.
- Roger’s Point: A boat-in only access near La Grange, known for its large salmon and rainbow trout.
- Modesto Reservoir: Fish off shore or rent a boat to access prime fishing territory located near Waterford.
- Bond Flat Road: A less crowded location with superb natural surroundings and diverse fish types.
- Basso Bridge: Accessible year-round, popularly known for trout and largemouth bass.
Tuolumne River – Blw La Grange Dam Local Fish Species
- Chinook Salmon: Fly fishing enthusiasts consistently keep their eyes peeled for Chinook salmon as they represent a formidable species in the Tuolumne River.
- Steelhead Trout: This particular species migrates from the ocean to freshwater for spawning and provides an exciting catch for anglers.
- Rainbow Trout: Renowned for their energetic fights and beautiful coloration, Rainbow Trout can be found in various sections of the Tuolumne River.
- Brown Trout: Brown Trout is the preferred choice for many fly fishermen on the Tuolumne River due to its elusive nature and size.
- Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat trout, although not as prolific, can make for an exciting catch in the Tuolumne River for the skilled angler.
- Large Mouth Bass: These fish are known for their aggressive bites and the strong fight they put up when caught on a fly rod.
- Small Mouth Bass: While they are smaller than their large mouth cousins, small mouth bass are another popular target for fly fishing enthusiasts on the Tuolumne River.
- California Roach: While frequently overlooked by many anglers, the California Roach can be a fun target for fly fishing due to their eagerness to bite at various types of flies.
About the Tuolumne River – Blw La Grange Dam
The Tuolumne River below the La Grange Dam is rich with diverse ecology and a mélange of colorful history. Starting as a calm, unassuming body of water, it builds momentum to swell into a raging torrent during peak seasons. The La Grange Dam, built in 1893, added a dramatic twist in its narrative swing, altering the river’s flow.
- The early Native American tribes used the river for sustenance, attributing it deep spiritual significance.
- In the 1849 gold rush, La Grange became an exciting hive of activity. The river was exploited for placer mining, a method involving washing soil and gravel to extract gold.
- The construction of the La Grange Dam was aimed at facilitating irrigation and supporting agriculture. Its subsequent operation for over a century bears testimony to its engineering prowess.
Today, the Tuolumne River — Blw La Grange Dam gives us a glimpse into the complex relationship between mankind and nature, a history lesson underscored by waves.
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