Merced River Yosemite / California Rafting, Fly Fishing

The Merced River begins in Yosemite National Park at 11,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada. Flowing freely through this beautiful region of California, the Merced offers exciting white-water rafting and first-class fly-fishing. Much of the water flows along Highway 140, where many wonderful fishing holes can be found.

In spring the Merced roars with snow-melt runoff, making flows reach 25,000 CFS and more. During this time fly-fisherpeople should exercise caution.

Anglers can catch brown and rainbow trout along with small-mouth bass. Squawfish, hardhead, western sucker and sculpin also live in the river. Rainbow trout are stocked by the California Department of Fish and Game in portion of the river between the South Fork and the Foresta Bridge.

Catch and release fishing is allowed year-round with barb-less hooks.

Class II and IV rapids can be braved on the Merced River during the rafting season of Late April to July (depending on river runoff). Boaters needn't acquire a permit.

Just 30 minutes away from Mariposa off of Highway 140, the Merced offers public access to put-in boats at Redbud, Cranberry, Briceburg and Indian Flat. Take-outs are at Briceburg, McCabe Flat, Railroad Flat and Bagby Reservoir. Boats must be portaged at North Fork Falls.