This weeks post will break down a section of the mighty Merced River in Yosemite. The Section we will be highlighting is referred to as the "Bridalveil Falls Section".
Highlights: This section has the highest concentration of riffles and runs on the Merced, with water levels varying from 2 feet to 15-20 feet in depth and its open to fishing from the last Saturday in April to the 15th of November.
Time: The best time to fish the Bridalveil Falls section is during the month of June and October/November, sometimes in late April early May if we get a late snow melt. It's tricky because June can be to early still if their is high snow back in the high country and we get a late or prolonged run off and October/November can be to late if we don't get enough snow. We like to use the area in the attached photo to dictate how this section is going to be fishing, if the water level at this location, just past the main Bridalveil Falls lookout on the South side drive, is around 2-3 feet, the fly fishing should be great.
Location: The Bridalveil Falls Section of the Merced starts at the Bridalveil Falls pull out on the North Side road as you exit Yosemite, and heads East before stopping at the beginning of El Capitan Meadow.
Tips/Hints: Expect to see a lot of cars and people on the sides of the river, as this is not a secluded section of water, but the great thing is the water is usually never crowded with anglers. Unless you see trout rising to a hatch, we'd recommend bouncing nymphs off the bottom. Look for large boulders in the river and fish the side seams and when you get to any of the deep sections(15-20 feet), start chasing the lunkers by chucking streamers and wooly buggers.
YFFG Flies of Choice: (Drys) Yellow Stimulators sizes 10 to 14, BWO sizes 16 to 20 and Tan Caddis size 14 to 18. (Nymphs) Black and green Turds sizes 10 to 14, Flash back Hares Ears sizes 14 to 18 and Copper Johns size 16.
This is a great section to fly fish in the valley and it will certainly put you on some aggressive Native Rainbows and wild Browns. Message us with any questions or if you need any other help with fly fishing in Yosemite.
Highlights: This section has the highest concentration of riffles and runs on the Merced, with water levels varying from 2 feet to 15-20 feet in depth and its open to fishing from the last Saturday in April to the 15th of November.
Time: The best time to fish the Bridalveil Falls section is during the month of June and October/November, sometimes in late April early May if we get a late snow melt. It's tricky because June can be to early still if their is high snow back in the high country and we get a late or prolonged run off and October/November can be to late if we don't get enough snow. We like to use the area in the attached photo to dictate how this section is going to be fishing, if the water level at this location, just past the main Bridalveil Falls lookout on the South side drive, is around 2-3 feet, the fly fishing should be great.
Location: The Bridalveil Falls Section of the Merced starts at the Bridalveil Falls pull out on the North Side road as you exit Yosemite, and heads East before stopping at the beginning of El Capitan Meadow.
Tips/Hints: Expect to see a lot of cars and people on the sides of the river, as this is not a secluded section of water, but the great thing is the water is usually never crowded with anglers. Unless you see trout rising to a hatch, we'd recommend bouncing nymphs off the bottom. Look for large boulders in the river and fish the side seams and when you get to any of the deep sections(15-20 feet), start chasing the lunkers by chucking streamers and wooly buggers.
YFFG Flies of Choice: (Drys) Yellow Stimulators sizes 10 to 14, BWO sizes 16 to 20 and Tan Caddis size 14 to 18. (Nymphs) Black and green Turds sizes 10 to 14, Flash back Hares Ears sizes 14 to 18 and Copper Johns size 16.
This is a great section to fly fish in the valley and it will certainly put you on some aggressive Native Rainbows and wild Browns. Message us with any questions or if you need any other help with fly fishing in Yosemite.
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