Photo of Lyell Fork, Yosemite National Park, CA

Lyell Fork Fishing
Yosemite National Park


Lyell Fork Fishing

Yosemite National Park

Map

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 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.

Lyell Fork, Yosemite National Park, California

Lyell Fork

Nearby Featured Trips around Yosemite:

  • Crane Creek - a good early season stream in Foresta
  • Merced River - fish amidst the grandeur of Yosemite Valley
  • Tenaya Creek - fish an often overlooked stream in Yosemite Valley, in the shadow of Half Dome
  • Upper Merced River - fish from Little Yosemite Valley upstream to Merced Lake


Lyell Fork, Yosemite National Park, California

Lyell Fork

In My Creel

  • #16 parachute PMD
  • #14 Adams
  • #14 Brown Elk Caddis
  • #16 Light Cahill (Fly Fishing Place)
  • #14 Prince Nymph
  • #14 Peeking Caddis
  • South Bend Super Duper

For fishing the Lyell Fork in mid-summer I took some nymphs and flies, along with my spin casting rod and reel. Much as I enjoy fly fishing the Lyell Fork, I always like to mix it up with a little spin casting.

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Lyell Fork, Yosemite National Park, California

Lyell Fork


Making Your Way to the Upper Merced River in Yosemite's 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 trailhead at the Wilderness Center. There is a good parking lot there and the trailhead is clearly marked. Follow the John Muir Trail for a a little over a mile, crossing bridges over the Dana Fork and then the Lyell Fork (known as Twin Bridges). At the trail junction, turn left 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.

Lodging and Camping

Lodging is available at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge (tent-cabins) and at several lodges in Yosemite Valley. Be sure to make your reservations early. From Tuolumne Meadows, 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 are plentiful 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, but nothing like in Yosemite National Park.

California's Best Camping

For complete information about campgrounds around Yosemite, see

California's Best Camping website logo

For backpackers there are a number of hurdles to overcome. The first is to obtain a wilderness permit. Some of the daily allotments 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. You also might consider a side-trail up to one of the neighboring lakes to the west of the valley.

High Sierra Trails

Half Dome, Nevada and Vernal Falls, Yosemite, California

Half Dome, Nevada and Vernal Falls, Yosemite

High Sierra Trails website logo


Fishing Supplies

On your way to Fishing Yosemite's 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
  • Beaver'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