Upper Tuolumne River (Yosemite National Park)
river in California
Above Hetch Hetchy, the river offers cold, clear water and a truly wild trout experience.
Pale Morning Dun
- 01Pale Morning Dun, Yellow Sally, and Caddisfly hatches are active in the late afternoons and evenings.
- 02Subsurface nymphing with midge and mayfly patterns will be increasingly effective as water temperatures drop.
- 03Focus on deeper pools and runs during the day, shifting to riffles and meadow edges during evening hatches.
- 04A dry-dropper rig is highly recommended to cover both surface and subsurface feeding lanes.
- 05Delicate presentations are crucial for the selective wild trout of the Upper Tuolumne River.
What to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Elk Hair Caddis
Several species of Caddisflies inhabit this section and can generate a lot of activity in the evenings through early October.
Buy at AmazonPMD (Pale Morning Duns)
Pale Morning Dun hatches are active in the fall, providing a key food source for opportunistic feeders.
Copper John
A general attractor nymph effective year-round in faster water, excellent for getting down to deeper holding lies.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives continue to hatch into the fall, especially on overcast days, making this low-profile dry fly excellent for selective trout.
Buy at AmazonYellow Sally
Small Yellow Stoneflies (Yellow Sallies) show themselves at this time of year, through early October.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round in these waters, and this weighted pattern is crucial for enticing finicky trout in colder water.
Buy at AmazonPheasant Tail Nymph
A versatile subsurface pattern, essential for prospecting runs and pools when fish are not actively rising, mimicking various mayfly nymphs.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Glen Aulin
Backcountry camp with excellent fishing upstream and downstream.
Lyell Canyon
Headwaters area known for smaller, wild trout and spectacular scenery.
Tuolumne Meadows
Iconic high-country meadow offering classic dry fly fishing.
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California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about Upper Tuolumne River (Yosemite National Park).
What flies work best on Upper Tuolumne River (Yosemite National Park)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Upper Tuolumne River (Yosemite National Park) right now are Elk Hair Caddis (80% confidence), PMD (Pale Morning Duns) (80% confidence), Copper John (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Upper Tuolumne River (Yosemite National Park)?
Upper Tuolumne River (Yosemite National Park) holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Upper Tuolumne River (Yosemite National Park) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Upper Tuolumne River (Yosemite National Park) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.