Fishing
Fishing
Whether catching that very first fish or already an avid angler, visitors will reel them in at numerous lakes and streams in the southern Yosemite area. Trout are planted frequently during spring and summer months. Explore an alpine lake, follow a meandering stream or rent a boat. There's no limit to the enjoyment of fishing here. Anglers can test their skills during two free fishing days when a valid fishing license is not required. Contact the California Department of Fish & Game (www.dfg.ca.gov/) 559-243-4005 for more information.
Fly Fishing is one of the preferred ways to catch fish in the southern Yosemite region. Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides offer outstanding instruction to the area's many streams and lakes. Your day or half day trip is suited for all levels and will include all equipment and an expert guide.
Bass Lake is a 3,376-foot elevation reservoir with facilities ranging from U.S. Forest Service campgrounds to cabins to a full service hotel. Fishing for kokanee salmon is good during fall and winter months.
Manzanita Lake, located two miles north of North Fork on Willow Creek, is stocked throughout the summer with catchable size rainbow trout and is a nice family picnic and fishing area.
Mammoth Pool, at 3,330 feet elevation, is located on the San Joaquin River 40 miles east of North Fork and is eastern Madera County's largest trout lake. Two-pound German Brown trout are common, and Browns up to 15 pounds live in the reservoir. Catchable-size rainbow trout and Eastern Brook trout are stocked during the summer.
Hensley Lake on the Fresno River near Madera is an easily accessed 1,600-surface acre foothill reservoir operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Bass, blue gill, red-ear sunfish, crappie and catfish are available. The lake is stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout during winter. You'll find camping sites, day-use areas for picnicking and boat launching ramps.
Eastman Lake has fish similar to those of nearby Hensley Lake. This 1,600-acre lake is also operated by the Corps of Engineers and offers camping, picnicking and boat launching facilities. Bald eagles nest near the upper end of the lake, which is closed to access during their nesting season.
Though the lakes and streams of eastern Madera County are relatively unknown to many, they have wild trout and offer excellent fly fishing. There are beautiful streams and high mountain lakes throughout Madera County. These waters support brook, brown, rainbow and the golden trout - California's state fish. The Merced River from the South Fork upstream to the Foresta bridge, Big Creek, Willow Creek. Fish Creek. Rack Creek, Chiquito Creek and Granite Creek are roadside waters that are stocked with rainbow trout during the summer. Iran Lakes, Bare Island Lake, Grizzly Lake and the Star Lakes are good choices for anglers seeking the solitude and pristine beauty of High Sierra still water fishing.
For more information on Yosemite Sierra, go to www.yosemitethisyear.com.
For more information on California, go to www.visitcalifornia.com.
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