Photo of Merced River, downsteam from Yosemite, CA

Lower Merced River Fishing

Mariposa County


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, Mariposa County, California

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:


Lower Merced River, Mariposa County, California

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.



Recommended Books, Lures, and Flies for Fishing the Lower Merced River




Lower Merced River, Mariposa County, California

Lower Merced River

Making Your Way to the Lower Merced River

To reach the section of the Merced River from El Portal downstream to the convergence with the South Fork, drive from Mariposa east toward Yosemite on Highway 140 about 29 miles.

If you are already in Yosemite, you would simply head west on Highway 140, leaving the park. Continue until you are past El Portal.

Lodging

Lodging is available, of course, in Yosemite Valley at Yosemite Lodge, Camp Curry and the Ahwahnee Hotel. Prices are steep and you should make reservations early. Another option is the Wawona Hotel, located 4 miles from the park's southern entrance.

You can save money by staying outside the park in El Portal where there are several large, excellent motels. Another possibility is to stay in nearby Midpines (22 miles west on Highway 140) or even Mariposa (29 miles).


High Sierra Trails

Nevada Fall, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, Yosemite, California

Nevada Fall, Liberty Cap, Half Dome

High Sierra Trails website logo


Camping

Campgrounds abound in Yosemite, but finding an empty campsite can be difficult during peak season. About half of Yosemite National Park's campgrounds are on a reservation system. Reservations for them are essential from April through September. The first-come, first-serve campgrounds often fill up by noon during busy times.

California's Best Camping

For complete information about more campgrounds in and around Yosemite, see

California's Best Camping website logo

Fishing Supplies

On your way to Fishing Yosemite on the Merced River you can pick up fishing tackle at

  • Yosemite Village Sport Shop, Yosemite Valley
  • Curry Village Mountain Shop, Yosemite Valley
  • The General Store in Wawona, Tuolumne Meadows or Crane Flat
  • Sportsmen's Den, Highway 41, Oakhurst
  • Lucky Logger Liquors, 5188 No. Highway 49, Mariposa