Merced River Fishing Report

European Nymphing Rod

The Merced River continues to be challenging due to high water levels and record breaking snowmelt. Currently, the river is around 6ft. at Pohono Bridge and is expected to stay at that level for the following week making it challenging for anglers with experience or not

I got out yesterday to explore and found a few spots to fish, but not enough to take a guided trip out. I ended up using my 10ft. Echo European Nymphing Rod and found a few fish in the softer, deeper water. Hares Ears and Black Leeches were productive.

It was good to see fish and land a few rainbow trout along with some smallmouth bass. The name of the game is nymphing. Euro nymphing or fishing under an indicator can be productive, but don’t expect large numbers of fish.

Beginning sometime in August the Merced River should really turn on and I expect it to fish strong into the Fall. September and October should be solid with the October caddis beginning to hatch sometime in September. Always my favorite hatch of the year.

The high elevations are about to turn on and Tioga Rd. should be opening next weekend. The Tuolumne River along with alpine lakes should be great this season. Expect great dry fly fishing and mosquitoes. The fish have had a short season so far and will be hungry.

Tight Lines,

Greg