Merced River (Yosemite Section)
river in California
While subject to snowmelt and crowds, the Merced in Yosemite provides a breathtaking backdrop for targeting wild trout, with regulations varying by section.
River flow last 30 days
What's working on Merced River
- 01Low and Clear Flows: The Merced River is running very low, forming distinct pools and shallow runs, demanding stealth and accurate casting.
- 02PMD Hatches at Dusk: Look for brief but consistent Pale Morning Dun hatches in the late afternoon and evening, offering dry fly action.
- 03Subsurface Nymphing is Key: Midges, Copper Johns, and Hare's Ear Nymphs are effective subsurface patterns given the active nymph populations.
- 04Streamer and Egg Opportunities: Woolly Buggers fished in deeper pools, and Blood Dot Eggs below potential spawning areas, can entice larger trout.
- 05Terrestrials Still Viable: On warmer fall days, hoppers like Schroeder **Where to Focus:** Anglers seeking success on the Merced River this week should concentrate their efforts on the shallow runs that transition into deeper drop-offs at the head of pools. These transition zones often hold actively feeding trout. Prioritize pockets of faster water, even in these low-flow conditions, as the increased current provides trout less time to evaluate your presentation, which is critical in the often gin-clear water. Deeper pools connected by these runs are also prime spots for subsurface presentations. **Tactical Tip:** For optimal results, employ a dry-dropper rig, pairing a high-floating terrestrial pattern like a Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper or a PMD dry fly with a small midge or mayfly nymph as a dropper. Ensure your drifts are precise and drag-free due to the extreme clarity of the water. Alternatively, in the deeper pools, swinging small olive or black Woolly Buggers or similar streamers can entice aggressive strikes from larger resident trout.
Past reports week by week
6 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
PMD (Pale Morning Duns)
Pale Morning Duns are actively hatching in fall, providing a key food source for opportunistic feeders.
Zebra Midge (Black)
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round, highly effective in low, clear fall conditions.
PMD Sparkle Dun
PMD emergers are crucial during fall hatches, and this pattern is excellent for fish feeding in the film.
Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper
Terrestrial activity can still be strong in early fall, providing a substantial food source along grassy banks.
Copper John
A versatile, year-round searching nymph, effective in faster current and mimicking general aquatic insects.
Buy at AmazonHare's Ear Nymph
An essential general mayfly nymph, consistently effective subsurface for opportunistic trout.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating baitfish and leeches in colder fall waters.
Blood Dot Egg
Capitalizes on fall egg season for trout feeding below potential spawning areas.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Curry Village (Merced River)
Accessible from lodging areas, offering convenient fishing in the main valley.
El Capitan Meadow (Merced River)
A scenic spot to access the Merced, especially good for dry fly fishing during hatches.
Pohono Bridge (Merced River)
Offers good access to wadeable sections with beautiful views, often holding active trout.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Yosemite Rivers Fly Shop
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California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Quick answers
Common questions about Merced River (Yosemite Section).
What flies work best on Merced River (Yosemite Section)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Merced River (Yosemite Section) right now are Frenchie (95% confidence), Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph (95% confidence), Blowtorches (90% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Merced River (Yosemite Section)?
Merced River (Yosemite Section) holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Merced River (Yosemite Section)?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Merced River (Yosemite Section) are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Merced River (Yosemite Section) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Merced River (Yosemite Section) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.