Tuolumne River - Above Kirkwood Bridge - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Tuolumne River – Above Kirkwood Bridge - Water Flow Chart
Tuolumne River – Above Kirkwood Bridge - Weather report & radar
Tuolumne River – Above Kirkwood Bridge - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Trico Spinners, Griffith’s Gnats |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Trico Spinners, Zebra Midges |
| March | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Trico Spinners, Zebra Midges |
| Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #14-18 | Blue Wing Olive | |
| April | Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #14-18 | Blue Wing Olive |
| Caddis | Afternoon | #14-18 | Holy Grail Caddis | |
| May | Caddis | Afternoon | #14-18 | Holy Grail Caddis |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | #8-12 | Golden Stone | |
| June | Stoneflies | Morning | #8-12 | Golden Stone |
| Mayflies | Mid-day | #14-18 | Adams | |
| July | Terrestrials | Mid-day | #8-12 | Hopper patterns |
| August | Terrestrials | Mid-day | #8-12 | Ants, Beetles |
| September | Terrestrials | Mid-day | #8-12 | Ants, Beetles |
| October | Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #14-18 | Blue Wing Olive |
| November | Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #14-18 | Blue Wing Olive |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Trico Spinners, Griffith’s Gnats |
Tuolumne River – Above Kirkwood Bridge Access Points
The Tuolumne River, Above Kirkwood Bridge, presents certain prime access points for fly fishing:
- Sierra Mac River Trips Launch Site: An easy access point for beginners with provision of guided tours.
- Meral’s Pool: Located approximately 1.5 miles downstream of Kirkwood Bridge. Known for abundant aquatic insects which attract a variety of fish species.
- North Fork Confluence: Roughly 2.5 miles downstream of Meral’s Pool. Pristine waters and rich with several types of trout.
- Lumsden Bridge: Situated upstream of the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. Famously known for its brown trout population.
- Cherry Creek Confluence: Approximately 1 mile downstream from Lumberton Bridge. Rocky terrain but ideal for catching large, native trout.
Please note that the water levels and fish abound vary seasonally. Always comply with local fishing laws and respect the fragile ecosystem.
Tuolumne River – Above Kirkwood Bridge Fishing Spots
Fly fishing in the Tuolumne River, specifically above the Kirkwood Bridge, is a remarkable experience. Several hot spots serve as a haven for anglers.
- Cherry Creek: A genuinely wild tributary of the Tuolumne River, Cherry Creek presents a cast and hike type adventure for experienced anglers. Full of rainbows and browns.
- Clement Junction: Situated a few miles above the Kirkwood Bridge, this spot is abundant with wild trout.
- Preston Falls: A 4-mile trail above the South Fork of the Tuolumne offers a remarkable fishing experience. This trail is also a great angle for Brown and Rainbow Trout.
- Lost Claim Campground: This waterway is an excellent locale for beginners with abundant trout.
- Middle Fork: A bit of a journey, but loaded with large Rainbow and Brown Trout plus stunning views.
Remember to pack your fly fishing gear and your California fishing license to enjoy these fabulous locations.
Tuolumne River – Above Kirkwood Bridge Local Fish Species
- Trout: The river houses various types of trout including Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout.
- Mountain Whitefish: A species that is well-adapted to fast flowing river sections.
- Pacific Lamprey: This primitive fish is sometimes pursued as a challenge due to its unconventional feeding habits.
- Striped Bass: Although not the dominant species in the Tuolumne River, it offers a thrilling fishing experience due to their size and strength.
- Steelhead: This sea run form of Rainbow Trout is considered a prized catch because of their fight when hooked and their taste.
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, Chinook are one of the larger species targeted by fishermen in the Tuolumne River.
- Green Sturgeon: Tuolumne River is habitat home for Green Sturgeon, a species dating back to the dinosaurs.
- Smelt: Known for their unique dance-like spawning, Smelt offers a different kind of fly fishing experience on the river.
About the Tuolumne River – Above Kirkwood Bridge
The Tuolumne River is a crown jewel tucked within the heart of California. Nested above Kirkwood Bridge, it offers an echo of serene wilderness and history.
Originating from Sierra Nevada’s glacial high country, the Tuolumne River runs 150 miles long, traversing through picturesque valleys and canyons along its path. The upper stretches were home to people of the Me-Wuk tribe, who subsisted on the abundant fish and game.
- The river took center stage during the Gold Rush, serving as a water and transportation route for aspiring miners and settlers.
- In the 19th century, it was harnessed for its hydraulic energy potential, driving the development of the region.
- Furthermore, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir was created by damming a portion of the river, securing San Francisco’s water supply until today.
Today, it’s a prized site for rafting, wilderness camping, and fishing, all while resonating with America’s rich cultural and natural history.
Community Contributions
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