Wednesday June 3, 2026
SF Gate —
On May 26, Yosemite National Park announced sweeping changes to its fishing regulations, including year-round access and expanded opportunities for anglers to fish the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. These new regulations are meant to bring the park into closer compliance with existing state regulations, according to park officials, but represent a significant departure from longstanding policies that halted fishing during the winter months as a respite for sensitive species.
“These updates expand recreational opportunities while maintaining our responsibility to protect Yosemite’s natural resources,” Yosemite National Park Superintendent Ray McPadden said in a news release. “Visitors can now enjoy fishing throughout the year, including in areas like Hetch Hetchy, with regulations that are easier to understand and more consistent with state guidelines.”
Rules around fishing within Yosemite are typically set by park officials in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Together, the two agencies are tasked with creating opportunities for recreation while also protecting at-risk fish populations. The park’s many streams — accounting for more than 1,700 miles — and high-elevation lakes are world-class trout fishing destinations, where anglers can catch native rainbow trout alongside introduced brown, brook and golden trout.