Apology in advance for a little anti-California'ish rant.
One of the things that is most challenging for me is getting good information about fishing here in the Yosemite Valley. If you know the area ... You know that even though Oakhurst, and the "local" fly shop is just over the hills ... you also know that the [often narrow] two lane roads, hills and curves puts that a little more than an hour away from El Portal, not really convenient. Traveling anywhere in this area takes time and requires actual planning. So to the point, it's not easy to get to the fly shop and pick up things, or even "hang out" and get all the latest and current info.
I rarely see fishermen here. In fact, I can probably count the number of times on a few hands. It's does not appear to be a fly fishing destination from my point of view. I cannot go to a local fishing spot and chat it up with someone about what's happening on the river.
Yesterday I walked the river near El Portal and was amazed to find a huge Salmonfly hatch going off. Seriously? I have never read, heard or been told that there was a Salmonfly hatch to even think about here in the valley. I would think this to be documented somewhere, but I have not found it. Mayflies, caddis and other good eating are also going on. The river is starting to rise [a little] with fall run off, so it occurs to me that soon it will get blown out and my enthusiasm will have to take a break, at least here nearby on the middle Merced. I can still go up into the park after the last Saturday in April, but I do not expect much action ... since everything I have read, heard or been told is that the fishing is not great. And I can and am willing to go up to the high country for some small stream action, but I don't have any experience with the area ... and there is still snow up there!
Having come from one of the greatest fly fishing areas in the USA (and lived in several others), the Roaring Fork Valley ... this is all [still] new to me and challenging to learn due to the circumstances. I have found the locals to be so tight lipped it's almost annoying. You would never have to ask someone in CO twice about where or what to fish ... they would be gushing with information and probably ask you over for a beer. But then, since I have only seen a couple fly fishermen on the river, that's probably not going to happen. In all my years of fishing, I have never been in an area that SHOULD have great fishing and a vibrant enthusiastic fishing community. It seems weird to me.
I am a 99% catch-and-release fisherman. The only time I will keep a fish is if my wife specifically asks me when I'm leaving the house to bring 1-2 back. I am not a treat to a "primo" fishing hole.
To those who have offered tips and advice I thank you sincerely ... there is hope.
