Yosemite opens year-round fishing in valley

Yosemite National Park changed its fishing rules in late May to allow year-round fishing in Yosemite Valley and Hetch Hetchy, according to a National Park Service announcement dated May 26. The park said it removed seasonal closures that had restricted winter fishing access and aligned the new approach more closely with California fishing rules. The update took effect immediately, according to the park’s public fishing guidance. Yosemite officials said native-fish protections and gear restrictions remain in place. ### What exactly changed for anglers in Yosemite? The National Park Service said on May 26 that “year-round fishing in Yosemite Valley is now available” and that visitors can fish throughout the year, including in Hetch Hetchy. The agency said the change removes winter closures that had previously limited access in parts of the park. Yosemite’s public fishing page now says “all waters are open to fishing all year, except as noted below.” That page also says California fishing regulations apply in the park unless Yosemite-specific rules say otherwise. ### Does this mean every Yosemite waterway now has the same rules? Yosemite’s updated rules keep several location-specific restrictions in place. The park said artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks are required in Yosemite Valley, the South Fork Merced River and the Tuolumne River, including tributary streams. (nps.gov) The National Park Service also said rainbow trout in Yosemite Valley and the South Fork Merced River are catch-and-release only year-round. (nps.gov) Yosemite’s fishing page adds that brown and brook trout in those waters have no daily bag or possession limit and no minimum size, which it labels as new in 2026. ### What are the rules at Hetch Hetchy? Hetch Hetchy is included in the year-round access change, but Yosemite kept several site-specific limits. (nps.gov) The park said anglers should use caution around the reservoir’s rocky waterline and plan ahead because parking is limited. Yosemite’s fishing page says fishing from piers or bridges and from the top of O’Shaughnessy Dam is prohibited in Hetch Hetchy. (nps.gov) The page also says live, dead or scented bait is prohibited park-wide, lead weights on fishing lines must be 0.25 ounces or less, and visitors 16 or older must have a valid California fishing license. ### Why did the park say it made the change? Superintendent Ray McPadden said the update was intended to broaden recreation while keeping resource protections in place. “These updates expand recreational opportunities while maintaining our responsibility to protect Yosemite’s natural resources,” McPadden said in the park’s release. (nps.gov) McPadden also said the new framework gives visitors rules that are “easier to understand and more consistent with state guidelines.” The park said protections for native fish species, including catch-and-release requirements for certain species and area-specific gear limits, will continue. (nps.gov) ### Where should visitors check before they go? Yosemite’s official fishing page says anglers are responsible for following both California licensing rules and Yosemite-specific restrictions. (nps.gov) The park also directs visitors to its Superintendent’s Compendium for the full set of regulations governing fishing and other visitor activities. The National Park Service said Hetch Hetchy access can be constrained by limited parking, and Yosemite’s operating-hours page says the Hetch Hetchy entrance station is open only during daylight hours. (nps.gov) The park’s basic information page says Hetch Hetchy is open year-round but may close intermittently because of snow. (nps.gov)