Dana Fork Toloumne River

Back on 8/19, we headed to Yosemite, where I was able to get some more fishing in on my California trip. Fished 3 rivers total, the Merced River, which runs through Yosemite Valley, as well as the Dana Fork and Lyell Fork which runs through Tulmoulene Meadows. The Merced River wasn't anything too special. It was very clear, but very slow moving in the main tourist area that I visited. I saw 1 school of trout, but it was very tight casting conditions and there were a ton of tourists around. Tuolumne Meadows on the other hand is literally what dreams are made of. Crystal clear plunge pools with a scenic backdrop of grasses, trees, and mountains. Every pool, run, and riffle was loaded with fish. I must've spooked hundreds of 6-10" trout as I walked up the banks. Not to mention there was a ton deer around just making it an amazing experience. I only landed 2 fish, a brown and a brook on a small bwo emerger. I didn't tie a fully new leader from the day before, so it was hard to present a gentle dry fly without spooking the fish. The walmart rod did not help with the presentation either. I had a very limited time to fish out in Cali, but it was well worth it. The pictures truly don't do this place justice, as it is just a trout fisherman's paradise. I am going to take another trip here at some point, solely focusing on fishing, trying to catch some golden trout and other native species. I really wanted to land a native rainbow out here, but unfortunately, I ran out of time. If anyone has a chance to go to Yosemite, make sure to visit Tuolumne Meadows. Even if you don't have a rod, you just can't beat the views.

1st Brookie