Yosemite Fishing

Yosemite Fishing

Yosemite National Park Fishing

Yosemite National Park enforces a strict and complex set of fishing regulations designed primarily to protect its fragile aquatic ecosystems and native species. Beyond the standard requirement for a valid California fishing license, anglers must navigate a web of rules that vary significantly by location and season. For instance, while lakes are generally open year-round, stream and river fishing is typically restricted to a specific season (late April to mid-November). Furthermore, the park prohibits all live or scented bait—requiring the use of artificial flies or lures with barbless hooks—and mandates catch-and-release for rainbow trout in Yosemite Valley to preserve the wild population. These extensive measures are not just bureaucratic hurdles; they are critical conservation efforts to maintain the balance between recreational use and the recovery of threatened species like the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog.

We highly recommend getting a Fishing Guide .

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Fishing Regulations in Yosemite: The "Fine Print"
Fishing inside the park is a privilege that comes with strict responsibilities. Unlike fishing in Bass Lake or other state waters, Yosemite National Park has unique federal rules designed to protect native species.
  • No Bait Allowed: This is the big one. No live or dead minnows, worms, processed bait (PowerBait), or scented oils are permitted in any reservoir, lake, or stream. You must use artificial flies or lures only.
  • Barbless Hooks Required: To protect the fish, you must use barbless hooks. If your lures have barbs, they must be pinched down completely with pliers before you cast.
  • The "Valley Rule": In Yosemite Valley (from Happy Isles to Foresta Bridge), all native Rainbow Trout are Catch-and-Release only. You must release them immediately and unharmed.
  • Seasons: While lakes are generally open year-round, streams and rivers typically have a limited season (opening the last Saturday in April and closing November 15).
  • Your responsibility: The Regulations listed here may have changed and it's your responsibility to know before fishing in the Park. Official Regulations 
Sierra Fly Fisher

Fishing inside Yosemite National Park

Sierra Fly Fisher  The "Dean" of Yosemite Fly Fishing. As one of the few Orvis®-Endorsed guides in the region, Jimmie Morales brings over 30 years of experience to the park’s most technical waters. If you are looking for a strictly catch-and-release, hike-in fly fishing challenge on the Merced or Tuolumne, this is the gold standard..

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What You'll Catch (And How to Catch Them)

  1. Rainbow Trout: Found in the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers. In the Valley, these are wild, smart, and easily spooked. Recommended Gear: 3-5 wt fly rod or ultra-light spinning gear.
  1. Brown Trout: Often found in the deeper pools of the Merced River. They are notoriously picky and active in low-light conditions.
  2. Brook Trout: The prize of the high country. You’ll find these vibrant fish in high-elevation creeks and alpine lakes like the Dana Fork or various hiking destinations off Tioga Road.
  3. Golden Trout: The "Ghost of the Sierra." These rare beauties are found only in high-altitude lakes (10,000+ ft), requiring significant hiking to access.
  4. Your responsibility: The Regulations listed here may have changed and it's your responsibility to know before fishing in the Park. Official Regulations 

The "Warning"

 (Safety & Difficulty)
A Note on Difficulty

Fishing Yosemite is not like fishing a stocked pond. The fish here are wild and pressure-sensitive. You will likely be hiking over slippery granite rocks, wading in freezing snowmelt water, and casting around heavy brush.

Wading Safety:

The Merced River is swift and cold. Felt-soled boots or aggressive rubber wading boots are highly recommended.

Bear Awareness:

You are in bear country, you need to constantly check your surroundings. Never leave gear unattended on the bank and be cautious about the scent from handling fish. 

Want a Relaxing Day on the Water Instead?

Does hiking with waders and pinching barbs sound like too much work for a family vacation?
We get it.

Just 20 minutes south of the park gate, Bass Lake offers a completely different experience:
Bait is Welcome:

Use worms, PowerBait, or whatever works!

Keep Your Catch:

We love sending families home with fresh fish for dinner.

Comfortable Boats:

No wading over slippery rocks—just relax on our pontoon boats or rent a pontoon at Miller's Landing®

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Bass Lake Fishing
South Gate Yosemite

 Fish Bass Lake Instead of Yosemite because of strict Yosemite Fishing regulations, allowing you to skip the red tape and the barbless hooks. At Bass Lake, just 20 minutes from the south gate, you can use live bait, keep your catch, and enjoy a relaxed day on the water with Bass Lake Fishing Guides.

For over 25 years Todd Wittwer and the Bass Lake Fishing Guides have been the closest destination to Yosemite for Charter boat fishing for family and friends. Just outside the south gate of Yosemite you can catch Rainbow Trout and Kokanee (Sockeye) Salmon for dinner at Bass Lake, California.

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Featured Guide: Todd Witwer of Kokanee.net
The Local Authority on Kokanee Salmon & Bass Lake Trolling

If you are looking to master the art of deep-water trolling, Todd Witwer is the name to know. With over 30 years of experience fishing the Sierra, Todd is one of the premier guides for targeting Kokanee Salmon—the "landlocked Sockeye" that are prized for their incredible fight and table fare.
  • The Experience: Todd doesn't just put you on fish; he teaches you the technical side of the sport. From operating electric downriggers to reading advanced sonar and fine-tuning lure depth, a trip with him is a masterclass in modern trolling.
  • The Boat: You’ll fish comfortably aboard the "ProFishent," a custom 22-foot Tri-Toon decked out with state-of-the-art electronics, making it perfect for families or serious anglers who want plenty of space.
  • Two Lakes, One Guide: Todd follows the fish! He typically guides Bass Lake in the early spring (March–April) when the trout bite is hot, then moves his operation up the hill to Shaver Lake (via Kokanee.net) from late April through October to chase trophy Kokanee.
  • Why we recommend him: Todd is fantastic with beginners and families, ensuring everyone—from kids to grandparents—gets comfortable with the gear. If you want to catch the best-tasting fish in the lake, give Todd a call.
  • "Note: Todd is a specialist who moves with the seasons. Catch him at Bass Lake in the Spring for Trout, or book him at Shaver Lake in the Summer for his signature Kokanee trips."
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Between Yosemite & Sequoia/Kings

Meet Todd Wittwer: The Professor of High-Sierra Trolling There is a difference between a boat driver and a fishing guide. Todd Wittwer prides himself on being a teacher. With over 25 years of experience and a deep history working with Fish & Wildlife on Kokanee pen projects, Todd knows the biology of these fish as well as he knows the lake bottom.

A trip with Todd is hands-on: you won’t just watch him fish; you'll learn how to read advanced sonar, operate downriggers, and understand the subtle art of "matching the hatch" at 50 feet deep. From targeting trophy Brown Trout (like the 16-pounder his client landed in 2025!) to filling the cooler with delicious Kokanee Salmon, Todd creates a comfortable, safe, and educational environment for families and serious anglers alike.

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JoeFish Guide Service

Yosemite Fishing Outside West Gate

Joefish Guide Service offers year-round access to the best inland lakes and the San Joaquin/Sacramento Delta.

Target Species: Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow & Brown Trout, and Striped Bass (both land-locked and anadromous).

Prime Locations: Expert guidance on Mother Lode lakes and the Delta.

The Joefish Promise Captain Joe guarantees "100% effort on the water," dedicated to giving you the most successful and enjoyable fishing experience possible.

Unmatched Experience & Safety Captain Joe Aksamit offers over 40 years of local fishing knowledge, including 25 years as a professional guide. He is a USCG licensed Captain who is fully insured, bonded, and certified in CPR and first aid, ensuring a safe and professional adventure.

Ready to book? You can contact Captain Joe

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