I’ve never fished the Merced (near Yosemite) despite driving by it numerous times on my way to the National Park so I chose it as my destination. I also knew that there was a fun, twisty road I could take that was not too far out of the way.
Curvy Highway 49, near Bear Valley. Since it was a weekday, I had the road practically all to myself. Over 20 miles of smiles!
The scenic Merced River flows out of Yosemite, carrying the snow melt from the high country peaks. This time of the year however, it’s a gentle flow unlike spring and early summer when kayakers and rafters can enjoy Class 4+ rapids.
Highway 140 takes you right along the river, hugging it for over a dozen miles – all the way to the park’s western entrance.
After finding a good looking stretch of water, I park, ditch the riding gear, pull on some shorts and string up the flyrod.
Here fishy, fishy, fishy…take my little fly!
Success! A nice rainbow fooled by (for you fly-fisher people out there) a #14 caddis emerger imitation.
A fun day of riding, fishing and shooting. I can’t wait for my next trip.
