Lower Merced River Fishing
Downstream from El Portal
Although the stretch of Merced River from El Portal to the South Fork is not within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park, it is often a fishing destination for anglers staying in the park. This part of Merced River offers convenient access with Highway 140 tracing its course. Special fishing regulations govern this section of the Merced River.
For the short section from the Yosemite National Park boundary at El Portal to the Foresta Bridge, fishing is allowed all year with barbless, artificial lures or flies. Rainbow trout are catch and release. Below the Foresta Bridge fishing is allowed year-round also, although during the off-season (Nov. 16 to opening day in April), the limit is two.
The Merced River here alternates between long riffles and pocket water. Most of it can easily be fished from the shore. It is usually a good early season fishing destination when upper streams are still snowbound. Once the spring runoff begins in April the water can become rougher.
Lower Merced River
Steve Beck's Yosemite Trout Fishing Guide, shown below, discusses this section of the Merced River, describing the hatches and giving suggestions for the best flies to use.
Other Nearby Featured Trips in Yosemite National Park:
- Crane Creek - a good early season stream in Foresta
- Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River - in Tuolumne Meadows find easy access to the meandering Lyell Fork.
- Merced River - in Yosemite Valley with all its wonders
- Upper Merced River - head out with your backpack and explore beautiful sections of the river from Little Yosemite Valley to Merced Lake.
Lower Merced River
In My Creel
- #16 Olive Caddis
- #16 Zug Bug nymph
- #14 Elk Hair Caddis
- #16 Adams
- Rooster Tail
- Mepps 1/8 oz. silver Little Wolf
- Bear Valley spinner
For Fishing Yosemite on the Lower Merced River I tried out a number of flies and then gave my spin casting outfit a whirl, depending on the conditions of the water.
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Recommended Books, Lures, and Flies for Fishing the Lower Merced River
- California's Best Fly Fishing: Premier Streams and Rivers from Northern California to the Eastern Sierra, Chip O'Brien. An up-to-date guidebook, complete with maps, detailed descriptions of fishing locations, analysis of the seasonal differences which affect fishing, and fly patterns.
- Leland Lures Trout Magnet Neon Kit Advertised to catch anything that swims and will out-fish any lure on the stream for trout.
- South Bend SBKAW14 Kastaway Trophy Pack 1/4 Oz, Multi Great for Trout, Panfish and Bass.
- Mepps Lure Assortment Available in a variety of sizes, perfect for Sierra lakes and streams.
Lower Merced River
