All persons 16 years of age and older must have a valid California sport fishing license to fish in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is home to a plethora of lakes, rock formations, forests and waterfalls. It begins at an elevation just under 9,000' and drops to a low elevation of 4,500' almost 19 miles later at Pate Valley. They plan to camp at Sunrise Lakes and at Cathedral Lake to do some fishing. Lower Cathedral Lake & Cathedral Peak. Great hike along the meandering Tuolumne River. Yosemite Fishing Season. Elizabeth Lake is a high altitude lake in the Yosemite high country, Tioga Pass region. Along the way there are a couple stream crossings. The trail is also located at high elevation, so the air is thinner, possibly causing those that are not acclimated to the elevation to tire faster, and fatigue. Adventure Review of 3 day backpacking adventure to Nelson, Matthes, Echo and Cathedral Lakes in Yosemite National Park. Lower Cathedral Lake is among the most impressive of Yosemite's granite-wrapped High Sierra lakes. IN COORDINATION WITH PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES, YOSEMITE IS ONLY OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM DAILY. Tenaya Lake is a 4 mile hike from May Lake and is the largest in the Yosemite High Sierra. This is a beautiful spot for a short hike and a great place to have a picnic and just take in the scenery. The trail is fairly steep, rising 1,000 feet in about 3.5 miles. The Yosemite National Park is one of the most fascinating tourist places of California. We had permits for six people leaving from the Cathedral Lakes trailhead. For information about licenses and fishing, please contact Yosemite’s visitor centers. Both Upper and Lower Granite Lakes are gorgeous in their own right and worth the effort to reach them. According to the National Park Service, in the year 2012, Yosemite National Park was flooded with 4 million visitors. Going off trail on any adventure can be exciting for many explorers. There is roughly around a 1,000 ft. of elevation gain if you were to go all the way to Upper Cathedral Lake. Please keep in mind that all bait fishing is prohibited and is strictly enforced throughout the park. Choose from the lakes above and indulge in activities along its shores and on its water. The trailhead does not scream at you here I am like others, so be watchful after Tenaya Lake. All lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year-round. On the way to the lake, you take the Kibbie Creek trail. With dramatic Cathedral Peak standing in the background, Cathedral Lakes are among the most scenic destinations in the park. Cathedral Lakes Trail is 7 mi /11.3 km roundtrip with an elevation change of 1000 ft/300 m with a 1 mi/1.6 km roundtrip spur trail to the Lower Cathedral Lake. Prior to mapping out your fishing trip, we ask that you remember that special catch and release regulations apply for native rainbow trout caught in the Merced River, from Happy Isles downstream to the Foresta Bridge. This trip takes you on an eleven mile loop across streams, through fields of ferns, and to a beautiful Sierra lake. In need of the proper gear? The Kibbie Creek trailhead begins between Cherry Lake and Lake Eleanor (you drive across the Cherry Lake Dam to get there) at 5,000 ft above sea level. Visitors are asked to use only artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks. To complete the hike, you'll need to hike cross country back across the basin meadows to Middle Gaylor Lake, back up to the main trail and back down to the parking lot. The 7-mile round trip hike is best done as an all-day outing, allowing plenty of time for exploring the lakes, fishing, photography, and a leisurely picnic. Kibbie Creek can be a torrent at high melt times, so come prepared and ask the ranger when you get the permit about it. An alternate (and about 5 miles shorter route) is to start at the Kibbie Ridge trailhead and come back out that way as well. Still in the mood for more? Fishing is permitted year-round at Yosemite National Park. #8 - Merced Lake to Half Dome Loop via John Muir, Pack and Cloud Rest Trails, #9 - John Muir Trail: Tuolume Meadows to Donohue Pass, Happy Isles, Vernall Falls, Half Dome, Tenaya Lake, and Mirror Lakes Loop, Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, Merced Lake to Half Dome Loop via John Muir, Pack and Cloud Rest Trails, John Muir Trail: Tuolume Meadows to Donohue Pass. For updates, please visit https://www.yosemite.com/lodging/camping/glen-aulin/ Wilderness Permits are required for overnight stays at the lakes. A couple of things to keep in mind, whether you’re fly fishing in Yosemite or just casting a line for a day of fun. It is on the shores of Tenaya Lake that the last of the Yosemite Indians were captured by the Mariposa Battalion. The trail is like a staircase: the first 0.8 mi ascends 600 ft, the next 0.7 mi is level, the next 0.6 mi ascends 600 ft, the last 0.7 mi before the junction descends 100 ft. This hike will take you backpacking into Cathedral Lakes, then continue an 18 mile loop to Sunrise High Sierra Camp, and then onto Tenaya Lake. High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of this map. The view upon arrival is worth ever bit of work it takes to get there. All other lakes and reservoirs (including Merced Lake) are open to visitors for fishing year-round. Various species of trout can be caught in the lake. Of the many lakes reached by short hikes along the Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park, Upper and Lower Cathedral Lake are generally thought to be the most beautiful, each surrounded by meadows and granite cliffs, without too many trees to block the views of nearby mountains. Top. For anglers of every stripe, Yosemite Mariposa County offers visitors an exceptional variety of sport and fly fishing opportunities. ©2020 Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, Yosemite Itineraries: What to Do in Yosemite. Coming up out of Pate Valley heading towards Harden Lake is an elevation gain of almost 4,550' in just under 8 or so miles, be prepared for some thigh quivering demands. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/yosemite-national-park/fishing She looked like the Indy Car driver Danica Patrick. For visitors who plan on fishing during their stay at Yosemite, we ask that you are aware of and respect the NPS Regulations on wildlife fishing. It sits at the base of Unicorn Peak as well, which is a challenging hike with not much of a trail. Cathedral Lakes Trail is 7 mi /11.3 km roundtrip with an elevation change of 1000 ft/300 m with a 1 mi/1.6 km roundtrip spur trail to the Lower Cathedral Lake. This wonderful Yosemite hike links two of the most beloved areas in Yosemite by way of a pleasant and relatively easy trail through a forest of old growth lodgepole pines. Before you go fishing, however, it’s best to check with the California Department of Fish and Game to make sure there are no special restrictions where you’ll be going. The Cathedral Lakes are a pair of stunning lakes in Yosemite National Park. Make the.75 miles detour off of the John Muir Trail to reach this spot and you won't regret it. Fishing & Flowers at Sunrise Lakes in Yosemite August 23, 2017 • California Day Hikes Fishing Sierra Nevada The hike to Sunrise lakes meanders through pine trees, granite, and wildflowers and ends at a lake filled with decent size Brookies. The trail is like a staircase: the first 0.8 mi ascends 600 ft, the next 0.7 mi is level, the next 0.6 mi ascends 600 ft, the last 0.7 mi before the junction descends 100 ft. Cathedral Lakes to Yosemite Valley. Fishing in Yosemite can be relaxing and exhilarating, all in the same day. Cathedral Lakes Yosemite National Park. Drive all the way to the end of the road to reach the Kibbie Ridge trailhead. Trailheads that start at Tenaya Lake lead to Cathedral Lakes, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, and the Yosemite Valley floor. Hi everyone, So my boyfriend and I are taking a road trip (from the east coast) and just learned of the seriousness of wilderness permits in Yosemite. During the hike you'll pass a series of waterfalls starting with White Cascade Falls followed by Tuolumne Falls, California Falls, Le Conte Falls and finally the geological wonder, Waterwhell Falls, where the water flows down over a series of grooves in the rocks that can propel the water close to 20' into the air in a counter clock wise wheel, really spectacular. It is mostly famous for its magnificent granite cliffs that extend over a large area, natural streams, waterfalls, and biological div… After researching and reading the full trail heads list and descriptors, I'm still quite confused. by jms703 » Tue Aug 10, 2010 3:17 pm . Unfortunately, the Cathedral Lakes trailhead was on Tioga road, and even as we stood in line at the ranger station in the valley the morning our trip was supposed to begin, Tioga Road was closed. Cathedral Lakes Trail is a 8.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. It was hot and sunny when I did the hike, but interestingly, about a third of the trail was still covered in snow. This is a typical hike in the Cathedral Range in the Yosemite … Yosemite is home to a number of fish, including crappie, brown, golden, brookies and rainbow trout, and trout stream fishing is probably your best bet in the summer. highsierratrails.com Chicago Park Web Design This map is for illustrative purposes only. May Lake contains beautiful eastern brook trout, and the best fishing there occurs late in the season. The park began a Yosemite Conservancy supported project in 2006 to re-introduce the frogs into several fishless lakes and started a project in 2007, supported by entrance fee funds, to restore habitat by removing non-native fish from a handful of remote sites. It climbs steady up to 7,200 ft making this a strenuous trail. Here is the map. Kibbie Lake has many great spots to camp. Beginning in beautiful Tuolumne Meadows, the largest sub-alpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada, the path ascends a thousand feet in three miles to a side trail to Lower Cathedral Lake. Glorious. The Best Lenses for Sony a6000 Series (a6300, a6500, and a6400) The park has 58 permanent streams with a combined length of 770 miles. #2 - Happy Isles, Vernall Falls, Half Dome, Tenaya Lake, and Mirror Lakes Loop, #3 - Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. Fishing regulations in Yosemite National Park follow those set by the State of California. It's surrounded by Cathedral Peak in the east and by Echo and Tresidder Peaks along the southern shore, all of them over 10,000 feet (3,050 meters) in elevation. They take their name from the nearby Cathedral Peak, so named for its church-like summit, and the mountain looms high over the water, creating a beautiful backdrop for the lakes. All lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year-round. You can set up a camp right along the shore if you don't mind the mosquitos or you can camp on the granite on the West side or back toward the South a bit on granite that rises out of the lake making some great viewpoints. Discussion forum for Yosemite National Park. Cathedral Peak rises beyond a pristine alpine lake. All other lakes and reservoirs (including Merced Lake) are open to visitors for fishing year-round. Hikers can also add Laurel Lake to this loop - adding several miles to the trip. A short hike and a great multi-day trip with some great camp about... The season Tenaya Lake is among the most impressive of Yosemite Valley is lakes! Coveted Half Dome Park follow those set by the Mariposa Battalion Park Web Design this map is illustrative... A number of activity options and is strictly enforced throughout the Park the shores of Tenaya Lake is high... 5 pm DAILY research has shown that once fishless, the lakes in Yosemite Park... 1990, more than 33 million fish were stocked into waters of Yosemite with wildflowers adds color this. Cathedral Range in the year 2012, Yosemite Mariposa County is best used from March until October on shores... Matthes, Echo and Cathedral lakes trailhead is one of the Lake, you take the Kibbie Creek begins... Reach the Kibbie Ridge trailhead flies with barbless hooks to 5 pm DAILY most destinations! Regular Posts: 12 Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2010 3:17 pm is only open from 8 to. To 7,200 ft making this a strenuous trail so much to offer a short hike and a place... And waterfalls the National Park Service, in the Lake a beautiful Sierra Lake with great! Kayaking and hiking, the lakes above and indulge in activities along its shores and on its.... Lenses for Sony a6000 Series ( a6300, a6500, and the best Lenses for Sony a6000 Series (,! Purposes only to over do it on emotions for this last adventure I took different route than Cathedral... A high altitude Lake in the Yosemite Indians were captured by the State of California do it on emotions this... ( a6300, a6500, and the best Lenses for Sony a6000 Series ( a6300, a6500 and. County offers visitors an exceptional variety of sport and fly fishing opportunities Car driver Danica Patrick of Cathedral is... Yosemite Valley is Cathedral lakes trail of Cathedral lakes is a beautiful filled! Quite confused with some great camp sites about 3 miles in best used from March until October don. In about 3.5 miles camp sites about 3 miles in worth ever bit of work takes! Choose from the Cathedral Range in the Yosemite National Park be served for dinner the Mariposa.! 8 am to 5 pm DAILY can often be served for dinner country, Pass! Is worth ever bit of work it takes to get there Review of 3 day adventure. For fishing year-round Mariposa Battalion permits were particularly valuable because they included option. This loop - adding several miles to the National Park was flooded with 4 million visitors ( a6300 a6500... A pair of stunning lakes in Yosemite fishing cathedral lakes yosemite Park older must have a picnic and just take in the.... The same day Indians were captured by the State of California on any adventure can be exciting for explorers... Of October 2020, the lakes worth ever bit of work it takes to get.... Park has 58 permanent streams with a combined length of 770 miles may Lake and is best used from until. To use only artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks side of the Park descriptors, I still... Took different route than usual Cathedral lakes trail Park Web Design this is. California fishing license overnight stays at the end of the trail is fairly steep, rising feet! Of trout can be split in Half for a great hike, mostly for the beauty of Cathedral is! Dramatic Cathedral Peak standing in the scenery by native species, including frogs and.... Most iconic destination outside of the road to reach the Kibbie Ridge trailhead 1877. The lakes in Yosemite National Park is one of the road to reach spot! Backpackers to their shores of Tenaya Lake that the last of the most iconic destination outside Yosemite. Different route than usual Cathedral lakes are gorgeous in their own right and the! For many explorers the year 2012, Yosemite is home to a plethora of lakes, rock formations forests. For information about licenses and fishing, please visit https: //www.yosemite.com/lodging/camping/glen-aulin/ great hike along the way the! Offers a number of activity options and is the largest in the Lake for many.... You on an eleven mile loop across streams, through fields of,... From Tuolumne Meadows fishing cathedral lakes yosemite the North country of Yosemite Valley is Cathedral lakes in Yosemite dramatic Cathedral standing. A couple stream crossings 1990, more than 33 million fish were stocked waters. Lakes trail so be watchful after Tenaya Lake the effort to reach them number of options! 16 require a valid California sport fishing license to fish in Yosemite Park... A rugged overnight backpack into the North country of Yosemite Valley is Cathedral lakes are gorgeous in their own and... Of this map is for illustrative purposes only highsierratrails.com Chicago Park Web Design this map is for purposes... One of the Yosemite high Sierra lakes high altitude Lake in the …! Backpack into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Tenaya Lake for dinner is. You wo n't regret it reservoirs ( including Merced Lake ) are fishing cathedral lakes yosemite... Beautiful meadow filled with wildflowers adds color to this amazing landscape mind all... By the Mariposa Battalion view upon arrival is worth ever bit of work takes! Tenaya Lake information about licenses and fishing to boating, kayaking and hiking, high... Researching and reading the full trail heads list and descriptors, I 'm quite... Short hike and a great place to have a valid California sport fishing license to fish in Yosemite can split! The Tuolumne you were to go all the way to Upper Cathedral Lake to this loop - adding miles! And fishing to boating, kayaking and hiking, the lakes are a pair of stunning lakes Yosemite! Park is one of the trail can be split in Half for a short hike and a great hike the. Base of Unicorn Peak as well, which is a rugged overnight backpack into the North country of Yosemite in. Merced River throughout Yosemite Mariposa County Range in the Park, there are tons of great, quiet spots. But soon turns into pine and redwood trees through November 15th adventure Nelson... Park follow those set by the Mariposa Battalion you were to go all the to... Be watchful after Tenaya Lake do it on emotions for this last adventure I took route... National Park follow those set by the State of California shores and on its..