Frequently Asked Questions About Yosemite

FISHING

Where can I find a good place to fish?
Are there guided fishing trips?
What are the fishing regulations?

Where can I find a good place to fish?
In general, fishing is poor in Yosemite Valley. Fishing is generally better in the high country. The Merced River is stocked west of the park boundary. Lakes in surrounding national forest units are regularly stocked.

Are there guided fishing trips?
The Yosemite Mountaineering School will be offering guided fishing trips starting in 2000. Call the Mountaineering School for details.

What are the fishing regulations?
License: Visitors 16 years and older must have a valid annual or per-day California State fishing license. One adult accompanying a child under 16 years needs a license even though the adult may not be fishing. Licenses must be visibly displayed on clothing. Licenses are available year-round at the Village Sports Shop, the Wawona Store and the El Portal Market, and seasonally at the Tuolumne Meadows Store.

Fishing Season: Last weekend in April through November 15 in all park rivers and streams. Lakes may be fished year-round but are not typically accessible in winter. Mirror Lake is considered a river and open to fishing during fishing season. A 2-mile stretch of the Merced River in El Portal is designated as a Wild Trout Stream and has a year-round season using only barbless hooks.

Regulations: No fishing from bridges. The portion of the Merced River in Yosemite Valley is restricted to the use of artificial flies and lures having barbless hooks (no bait) and catch-and-release for the native rainbow trout.