Fishing & Fly Fishing

Try your hand at fly fishing with Sierra Fly Fisher - the first NPS-approved guided service ever permitted to fish Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

Fishing in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

The rivers, lakes and creeks found in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks delight anglers of all ages and abilities. Kings Canyon's Lewis Creek, Bubbs Creek and the Motor Nature Trail (Cedar Grove) are popular spots, as is Hume Lake, where the U.S. Forest Service stocks trout. Fishing licenses are required for anglers age 16 and older.

At Sequoia, fly fishing is much more than a sport - it is an art, a craft, and a science. People here have been casting imitation insects upon the water, hoping to hook a big one, for thousands of years. But for all its mystique, one thing is crystal-clear: learn a few basic skills, and you will be rewarded with many wonderful hours on the water.

Sierra Fly Fisher - the first National Parks-approved Sequoia fishing guide service to ever be permitted to fish the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks - offers guided half-day and full-day excursions. All gear is provided and Sierra Fly Fisher's expert guides offer a great introduction to the sport for beginning anglers - even if you don't know the difference between a caddis and a nymph.

For more information on fly fishing in Sequoia National Park or to book your next Sequoia fishing trip, visit SierraFlyFisher.com.

What You Need To Know

Guides

Growing up in Central California gave Jimmie Morales many opportunities to fish great waters at a young age. Currently, he and his select team cover these West Slope Sierra waters from Yosemite's upper Tuolumne and Merced Rivers, south to the San Joaquin, Kings, and Kaweah Rivers. Sierra Fly Fisher provides guiding on both lower and higher elevation waters allowing for year-round opportunities. Better yet, Sierra Fly Fisher guide service prides itself on targeting primarily wild fish.

Pricing

Full day, $450.00 for one or two people, and $150.00 for each additional angler, lunch included.
Half day, $325.00 for one angler and $75.00 for each additional angler.

*Gratuity is always appreciated.

Scheduling

Starting times will vary as to the best time determined by location, season, fish activity, and length of day. Generally, a 9:00 a.m. start time is a good rule of thumb. Half-day bookings can also be arranged for afternoon to dusk. Half days are 4 hours and full days are 8 hours.

Travel

Quality waters exist between 10 minutes and an hour from the main lodges. Sierra Fly Fisher works hard to minimize excessive drive time. Rest assured that with half day bookings they tend to lean towards the closer destinations. With full day bookings they may experiment with two close locations or explore further destinations. These details can be fine-tuned and finalized when you make your booking or when you meet with your guide at the beginning of your fishing trip. It's always up to the client.

What to Wear and Bring

Wear neutral colors (NOTHING BRIGHT), comfortable, quick drying shorts and shirt, light jacket, hat, sunscreen, and extra socks. Sierra Fly Fisher will provide wading shoes, and sizes will have to be provided ahead of time. We provide bottled water. On full day trips we also provide a meal. Feel free to bring your own snacks and if there are those in your party who may not be terribly keen on fishing, we have found that relaxing activities such as reading and nature viewing help keep the day enjoyable for all.

Fishing Licenses

Sierra Fly Fisher does not provide licenses; they are available online. All angling adults over 16 must carry one. There are different licenses, including one-day licenses, so you need not always pay full price. Go to: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing#758845-descriptions--fees

How Hard is Fly Fishing?

Fly fishing is a unique approach to fishing. We focus on imitating insects on which the fish feed, and much of the fishing is done on smaller waters and in close quarters. This means that the long, difficult and dramatic casts like you see in the magazines or in "A River Runs Through It" are not generally necessary. In other words, fly fishing is good for both beginners and the experienced! We are always entertained to see who takes to the sport, and find great pleasure in sharing the sport with anyone and everyone. High Sierra trout are not too selective. These mountain streams are also simply beautiful.

Transportation

Transportation is not provided in the National Park. Guests will meet at a pre-arranged location or follow the guide. Outside the Park, transportation may be provided. This is for legal reasons.

Gear

All gear is provided: rods, reels, leader, tippet, and flies. If guests prefer using their own equipment, Sierra Fly Fisher encourages it to be used.

What Are We Fishing For?

Rainbow trout are native to the Sierra Nevada. We also enjoy targeting wild brown trout, brook trout, and in some instances, golden trout. Many of these waters have short growing seasons so don't expect trophies, but do expect unusually colorful, wild fish.

Where Are We Going?

Sierra Fly Fisher is the first National Parks approved guiding service to ever be permitted to fish Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. They have been granted access to a select set of streams and rivers. We are very happy with the choices. These include sections of Clover Creek, Wolverton Creek, various stretches of the Kaweah and Kings rivers, and more. Several are very near Wuksachi Lodge, Lodgepole, Cedar Grove, and Mineral King.