Private Fly Fishing in Yosemite High Country: Tuolumne Meadows

Cast for wild trout on remote alpine lakes and streams, far from the crowds.

A private, guided fly fishing adventure in Yosemite National Park's high country above 8,000 feet, where you fish for rainbow, brown, brook and golden trout in the Tuolumne and Merced River watersheds. The guide provides all equipment, waders, rods and tackle; transportation from your meeting point; lunch; and your fishing license and park entrance fees. A full day spent on untouched alpine lakes and streams near Tuolumne Meadows, with stops at Tenaya Lake and other high country waters.

Step-by-step itinerary

Fly fishing in Yosemite high country

• Begin at Echo Adventures Basecamp
• Fish at Tenaya Lake
• Fish near Tuolumne Meadows or high country lakes

The experience

You start at Echo Adventures Yosemite Basecamp and head into the high country with a local, experienced guide who knows where the wild trout are holding. The day is built around fishing: casting on remote alpine lakes and streams that most visitors never reach, far enough up that the crowds thin out completely. You'll fish at or near Tuolumne Meadows and stop first thing at Tenaya Lake, then move to other high country waters the guide selects based on conditions and what's biting that day.

Everything you need comes with you: waders, boots, rod, reel and terminal tackle all provided, so you show up ready to fish. Lunch is included, and your guide handles the logistics: the fishing license, the park entrance fee, the route planning. The day runs about ten hours, which means you're on the water during prime fishing hours and back with time left in your afternoon or evening.

This is catch and release fishing, so the trout go back. The views of Yosemite's tallest peaks frame the whole day, and the altitude (above 8,000 feet) means the air is thin and the light is clear. You don't need to have fly fished before. The guide will show you what to do. What you do need is moderate fitness to handle the terrain and the elevation, and the willingness to spend a full day casting on cold, clear water.

What’s included

• Private guide.
• waders, boots, rod, reel and terminal tackle.
• pickup and drop-off from your meeting point.
• lunch.
• fishing license.
• Yosemite National Park entrance fee.
• all taxes and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 100

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Echo Adventure Cooperative, Inc

Is this one for you?The full day, about ten hours, is built around fishing, so you need a free morning and afternoon. If you're arriving mid-day or leaving early, this won't fit your schedule. Moderate fitness is required for the terrain and elevation above 8,000 feet.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

10 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What trout species will I have a chance to catch?

Rainbow, brown, brook and golden trout live in the Tuolumne and Merced River watersheds where you'll be fishing. The guide knows which species are active in each water and will position you accordingly.

Do I need to bring my own fly fishing gear?

No. Waders, boots, rod, reel and terminal tackle are all included. You arrive at the basecamp and the guide outfits you for the day.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is provided as part of the day, though the specific menu is not detailed. Plan to eat on the water or during a break at one of the fishing spots.

Will I fish at Tuolumne Meadows the whole day?

Tuolumne Meadows is one of the main fishing areas, but the day also includes Tenaya Lake and other high country lakes and streams. Your guide chooses the water based on conditions and where the trout are most active.

How does the pickup work?

You'll be picked up from a designated meeting point and transported to Echo Adventures Yosemite Basecamp, then into the high country. Drop-off is back at your meeting point at the end of the day.

Is the fishing license included?

Yes. Your fishing license and Yosemite National Park entrance fees are both included in the price, so you don't arrange or pay for them separately.