Lyell Canyonon Upper Tuolumne River (Yosemite National Park)
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
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 at Lyell Canyon
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
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 AmazonCalifornia season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.