Tuolumne River - Middle Fork - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Tuolumne River – Middle Fork - Water Flow Chart
Tuolumne River – Middle Fork - Weather report & radar
Tuolumne River – Middle Fork - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Morning/Evening | #20-22 | Black Beauty, Zebra Midge |
| Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | BWO Emerger, Parachute Adams | |
| February | Midges | Morning/Evening | #20-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Midge Larva |
| Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Olive Wooly Bugger | |
| March | Midges | Morning/Evening | #20-22 | Gray Midge, Al’s Rat |
| Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Tungsten Micro Mayfly, Split Case BWO | |
| March Browns | Afternoon | #12-14 | March Brown Nymph, Adams Dry Fly | |
| April | March Browns | Afternoon | #12-14 | March Brown Wet, Parachute Adams |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-18 | Pupae & Larvae, X-Caddis | |
| Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | RS2, WD-40 | |
| Midges | Morning/Evening | #20-22 | Snowshoe Midge, Midge X | |
| May | Stoneflies | Morning/Afternoon | #8-12 | Golden Stone, Skwala Stone |
| Midges | Morning/Evening | #20-22 | Magic Midge, Disco Midge | |
| June | Stoneflies | Morning/Afternoon | #6-10 | Kaufmann’s Stone, Girdle Bug |
| July | Terrestrials (Ants, Beetles, Hoppers) | Midday | #10-16 | Dave’s Hopper, Black Beetle |
| August | Terrestrials (Ants, Beetles, Hoppers) | Midday | #10-16 | Letort Hopper, Flying Ant |
| September | Terrestrials (Ants, Beetles, Hoppers) | Midday | #10-16 | Joe’s Hopper, Foam Ant |
| Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | CDC BWO Emerger, Flashback Pheasant Tail | |
| October | Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | BWO Sparkle Dun, RS2 |
| Midges | Morning/Evening | #20-22 | Emerger Midge, WD-40 | |
| November | Midges | Morning/Evening | #20-22 | Floss Midge, Tiny Blue Winged Olive |
| Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Blue Winged Olive, BWO CDC Dun | |
| December | Midges | Morning/Evening | #20-22 | Bead Head Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Hi-vis BWO, Foam Wing Emerger |
Tuolumne River – Middle Fork Access Points
The Middle Fork of the Tuolumne River offers various access points suitable for a remarkable fly fishing experience. The top three preferred access points are:
- Cherry Lake Road: It starts near Groveland and runs along the Middle Fork for several miles, providing ample opportunities for roadside fishing.
- Wards Ferry Bridge: This is the lowest point you can access the river. Deep pools in this region cater to trophy-sized fishes.
- The Tuolumne River Trail: It stretches 23 miles from Tuolumne Meadows to the White Wolf Campground. It offers multiple river access spots, where trout are plentiful.
Remember to always respect private property rights while accessing these points, and adhere to catch-and-release principles to sustain the river’s healthy fish population. Enjoy your adventure!
Tuolumne River – Middle Fork Fishing Spots
The Middle Fork of the Tuolumne River is ripe with excellent spots for fly fishing. Here are a few noteworthy places:
- Cherry Creek: This tributary of the river is cherished by fishermen for its plentiful trout biodiversity.
- Muir Gorge: A picture-perfect stretch of the river, Muir Gorge offers remote fly fishing opportunities, often yielding excellent results with heavier nymphs.
- God’s Bath: A popular swimming hole, this spot also offers prime fly fishing areas. The steep terrain may require some careful navigation.
- Kibbie Creek: Another tributary of the Tuolumne, fishing here can be incredibly rewarding, thanks to its isolated location and healthy trout population.
- Clavey River: This spot is challenging due to rapids but is well-loved by expert fly fishers for its large trout.
Tuolumne River – Middle Fork Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: This fish is a popular target for fly fishers due to its large size and strong resistance.
- Rainbow Trout: Known for its vibrant colors, Rainbow Trout are highly sought after by fly fishers in the Tuolumne River.
- Brook Trout: A smaller species of trout, attractive for its unique spots and colors.
- Golden Trout: This rare and beautiful fish is a favorite target for fly fishing. Its stunning golden hue makes it a prized catch.
- Whitefish: Even though it’s not a trout, whitefish are often targeted by fly fishers for their ability to fight.
- Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth Bass are popular for their aggressive strikes and vigorous fight.
- Largemouth Bass: Similar to the Smallmouth Bass, the Largemouth Bass is also popular because it is larger in size and provides an exciting fight.
- Bluegill: While they are smaller in size, Bluegill are known for their willingness to bite at many types of flies.
About the Tuolumne River – Middle Fork
The Tuolumne River – Middle Fork is a glorious testament to California’s breathtaking wilderness. Originating in the snow packed peaks of Yosemite National Park, it meanders a whopping 111 miles before converging with the San Joaquin River. Its history is rich and steeped in natural wonder. Remember, the Middle Fork has been:
- Home to the indigenous tribes: This river was a critical lifeline for the people of the Sierra Miwok, Paiute, and Gold Rush–era miners, providing both sustenance and a mode of transportation.
- A stage for the Gold Rush: The river saw bustling activity during California’s Gold Rush period as miners flocked to its banks hoping to strike it rich.
- Witness to numerous wildlife: The river’s location and fertile grounds make it a flourishing ecosystem, home to diverse wildlife including Rainbow trout, Black bears, and Mule deer.
Community Contributions
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