Fishing Yosemite And The Surrounding Lakes

In order to be in compliance with California law, those that are 16 years of age and older must carry a fishing license with them. Those under the age of 16 must be with a licensed adult. Fishing licenses must be visably displayed as the rangers do check.

Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, German Brown and Golden Trout fish are available year around. Small Mouth Bass are caught when the water warms up from June through September. The fish are typically 12-16 long. Most people use bait, spinners and dry flies. Fly Fishing Yosemite in the streams for trout is by far the most popular by those who come here.

If you do not come with a California license, you may purchase them in the Yosemite Valley at the Village Sports Shop. Fishing licenses can also be purchased up at the Wawona General Store and at El Portal Mart. They are available seasonally at the General Store in Tuolumne Meadows.

There are a few rules to follow once you are here. You are not allowed to fish from the bridges. Fly fishing is very big here. If you fish from Happy Isles to Foresta Bridge in Yosemite Valley, it is catch and release if you catch a native rainbow trout. This area of the river is prohibited from using live bait. Lures and flies that are on barbless hooks are all that are allowed. The limit is 5 fish per day, 10 in possession.

You may fish year around in the many lakes and reservoirs. You may fish in the streams and rivers from the last Saturday in April till November 15th. In Yosemite valley, a lot of people fish in Mirror Lake/Mirror Meadow. This is consided a river and is covered with snow in the winter months.

The best fishing is above Yosemite at Tuolumne and Hetch Hetchy.

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