Wildflowers and Fishing

Late February marks the beginning of the glorious wildflowers that speckle the landscapes of Mariposa county each year.  An abundance of color increases through April and May, and the best time to view the flowers varies from year to year according to the weather. John Muir, the famous naturalist, studied botany here and throughout Yosemite National Park.  There are over 50 to 60 species to observe among the oak-grasslands including poppies, brodiaes and goldfields.  Also, there are areas along seeps and streams that provide conditions for a strikingly different flora.  Here are found the common monkey flowers, shooting stars, fiesta flowers, waterfall buttercups and many others. 

Dry shaded ground under the oaks and manzanita shrubs provide another specialized habitat to which certain plants are adapted.  Fairy lanterns, baby blue eyes and Indian pinks may be found.  Along the rivers characteristic flora is quite different from most of the trail side areas.  Many of the plants, such as buttonbush, California fuchsia and Sierra sweet bay bloom late in season after the river level has dropped.  Near the Merced and in its deep canyons a profusion of color and variety flowers has remained one of the most naturally preserved areas of beauty in Mariposa county.

Fishing trails are recommended for native trout where only flies without barbs are permitted.  Checking with the Forest Service and reviewing the rules will reveal the real sport of catch and release, a method of fishing assuring native fish will survive for future generations.  Fishing trails are marked in the wild for length and designated difficulty.

Fish Camp Bridge is located on Big Creek which winds into Yosemite National Park from the south.  From Hwy 41, leave your car at the bridge and fish downstream using flies and spinners. This is best in the early spring. There is a campground downstream approximately 2 to 3 miles.

Merced River from Forest Rd., Hwy 41, is also near Fish Camp and goes up to Hogan Mountain.  Almost at 7 miles up the road, look for "Iron Creek" trial which goes down to the Merced River.  The trail is about 2 1/2 miles in length down the Merced River.  there are some large fish in this river.  Use flies. Try using a split shot and a bouncing nymph (Prince Nymph) along the bottom. In the early spring, before the water gets warm, it is possible to catch a brown trout.

Merced River from Briceburg, Hwy 140 is the turn off before the bridge behind the Mariposa County Visitors Center.  Cross over the old hanging bridge to where there are primitive campgrounds on the river.  The trail follows the old Yosemite Railroad bed. There are several large pools and opportunities to fish large brown and rainbow trout is possible.  This area is open year round and is a 'wild trout" area.

Merced River from El Portal, Hwy 140 is best in the fall.  There are many pools to fish using flies.  Parking places are plentiful.  The water can be fast, so caution must be taken.

Lake McClure Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area is accessed from Coulterville on Hwy 132.  A cold water lake, McClure makes a particularly good trout habitat. There are several campgrounds and boat rental areas.  It is only 27 miles from the city of Merced.