Dave's Sierra Fishing

Fishing Yosemite: The Lyell Fork

Fishing Yosemite: Lyell Fork Overview

Fishing Yosemite doesn't get much better than along the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River, running through scenic Lyell Canyon, near Tuolumne Meadows. You can start Fishing Yosemite as soon as the snow melts, usually in mid-June and keep coming back until the end of the season. Fishing Yosemite is a dream for many because of the spectacular scenery and the abundant wildlife. For fly fishermen the Lyell Fork offers miles and miles of meandering river bordered by fields of lush meadow. Although the John Muir Trail leads straight up the canyon along the Lyell Fork, most of the hikers are bent on covering miles, not lingering to try their luck at fishing Yosemite.

As soon as you hike a mile or two from the road you will be amazed to find that you have left most of the people behind and have the Lyell Fork to yourself. You could make your Fishing Yosemite outing a day trip or pick up a wilderness permit and camp at the upper end of the canyon.

Fishing Yosemite:

Approach to the Lyell Fork

To begin your Fishing Yosemite adventure, drive to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. At Tuolumne Meadows several trailheads connect with the John Muir/Pacific Crest Trail leading up the Lyell Fork. I prefer the trail near the post office. Hike half a mile up a campground road and pick up a side trail that within a few hundred yards connects with the John Muir Trail. Turn left on the JMT and you are on your way to fishing Yosemite along the Lyell Fork.

You soon see the Lyell Fork on your left, a broad meandering stream. I usually hike a mile or two to get beyond the reach of most of the people before I begin my day of fishing Yosemite. From there you can fish your way up the canyon for 9 miles, only gaining 500 feet in elevation the entire distance.

In My Creel:

For Fishing Yosemite on the Lyell Fork in mid-summer I took nothing but nymphs and flies. You certainly could work the pools with a light spin casting rig, but it's such an ideal fly fishing location that it seems a shame to do anything else. I had my best luck with the following:

Recommended Books for the Lyell Fork and Yosemite

• Yosemite Trout Fishing Guide, Steve Beck. Complete information about fishing all parts of Yosemite from the lower Merced River to the Lyell Fork Suggestions for which flies to use, when the hatches usually occur, and stories about early fishing in Yosemite.
• High Sierra Fly Fishing, Basics to Advanced Tactics, Billy Van Loek. This is the book I go back to again and again to improve my technique fishing the high Sierra. A great resource on which flies to use and how to fish the high lakes and streams.
• California's Best Fishing Waters. From Wilderness Adventures Press. 182 detailed maps of the best fishing rivers and streams in California.
• Trout Fishing the John Muir Trail, Charles S. Beck, Steve Beck. This handy guide lists Bear Creek as one of its top 20 trout fishing streams on the John Muir Trail. Includes fly suggestions. A resource well worth reading before you venture out.

Fishing Yosemite: Lyell Fork Sidetrips

Two miles up the trail you will come to the turnoff to Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. The trail follows Rafferty Creek which offers good stream fishing. After 7 miles and a 1400-foot climb you will reach Evelyn Lake. I have always passed it by, but others tell me it can offer some great fishing for rainbows. I have also heard that during the caddisflies hatch things get exciting Evelyn Lake. It can serve as a jumping off place to even more backcountry fishing.

After hiking 6.5 miles up the Lyell Canyon to reach the turnoff to both Evelyn (yes, the same one as mentioned above, just a different trail) and Ireland lakes. You can reach Evelyn Lake by hiking 5 miles and climbing 1700 feet. Ireland Lake, with a few more trees and much better fishing, is 4.5 miles and 2000 feet up the trail.

Fishing Yosemite: Accommodations and Supplies:

Lodging is available, of course, at nearby Tuolumne Meadows and in Yosemite Valley, but it is often hard to get a reservations and the prices can be steep. From Tuolumne Meadows, however, it is only a few miles over Tioga Pass and down to Lee Vining and the June Lake area where you will find numerous motels, lodges, and some vacation rental cabins. There are also motels and lodges outside the northern park entrance station on Highway 120.

Campgrounds abound in Yosemite, but finding an empty campsite is always a trick. Again, if you drive over Tioga Pass and outside the park you will find campsites on the eastern side of the pass. They, too, can be crowded in summer and fall.

For backpackers there are a number of hurdles to overcome. The first is to obtain a wilderness permit. Some of the daily allotment of permits can be reserved ahead of time. The rest are issued on a first come, first served basis. Next you must hike at least four trail miles from Tuolumne Meadows before you can camp. Be sure to carry an approved bear canister for your food. Many good campsites can be found along the Lyell Fork.

Long before I head out fishing I spend time on Orvis' website checking out their quality gear. On your way to Fishing Yosemite on the Lyell Fork you can pick up fishing supplies at

• The General Store in Tuolumne Meadows or Crane Flat
• Yosemite Village Sport Shop, Yosemite Valley
• Curry Village Mountain Shop, Yosemite Valley
• Bell's Sporting Goods, Lee Vining
• Ernie's Tackle and Ski Shop, June Lake
• Sportsmen's Den, Highway 41, Oakhurst
• Lucky Logger Liquors, 5188 No. Highway 49, Mariposa