Rondy: Lyell Fork Backpack in Yosemite National Park
Dates: September 9-13, 2020
Leader: Steve Hegedus mailto:steveheggie@gmail.com
Number of anglers (including leader): 4
Description: This Yosemite high country Rondy is a three night backpacking trip to fly fish (walk & wade) The Lyell Fork of The Tuolumne River over approximately 18 miles round trip. This Rondy is limited to 3 experienced backpackers (4 including the leader). On the first day we will backpack from the trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows and up Lyell Canyon to establish our first night of camping about 8-9 miles from the trailhead. The Lyell Fork meanders through Lyell Canyon across open meadows and forested areas. On the remaining days. we will work our way back down the canyon and relocate our campsite at least one other night, depending on conditions. On the final day, we will pack out at least 4 miles while still allowing time to fish along the way; the park service does not allow any camping in the first 4 miles of the trail. The Lyell Fork has wild rainbow, brown and brook trout.
While this is a three night Rondy, anticipate being away from home for at least four nights. The plan is to spend the night of September 8th in nearby Lee Vining (about 20 miles from the trailhead) to allow for some acclimation to the elevation, then begin the hike the morning of the 9th in Tuolumne Meadows. The hike starts at an elevation of 8,600' with a net elevation gain of about 400' over the 8-9 mile first day hike. While the trail is relatively level, with some rolling up and down sections, all participants should be in requisite physical condition to backpack at elevation.
You must also be an experienced backpacker and have the ability to hike with your pack and gear. The leader is an experienced backpacker, however, the expectation is that all participants in this Rondy will be self-sufficient. There will be a pre-meeting to discuss logistics, gear, shared food, etc. The date for this pre-meeting is TBD.
You will need all the normal backpacking gear to take care of yourself on the trail. We can share some gear such as stoves, water filters, etc. In September, expect lower flows with spring creek-like fishing conditions using long leaders and dry flies. Deeper pools and undercut banks can offer nymph and streamer tactics. Greg Vinci's 'Flyfisher's Guide to California' has a chapter on the Lyell Fork and is a good resource to prepare yourself.
Lastly, the application date for the wilderness permit lottery is at the end of March 2020 and the date for this Rondy will be confirmed around that time. If we do not get a permit for a Sept 9th start date, I will apply for an alternate three nights in the window between September 9th - 26th. At times, the Park Service may restrict the number of backpackers on a permit and should that occur, those who registered for this Rondy first will have priority.
Suggested Gear: 3-5 wt single handed fly rods, with floating line.
Cost: The registration fee for this Rondy is $25.
In addition, at the time of the trip, we will split the costs of the Yosemite National Park $30/vehicle entrance fee and the $25 wilderness permit fee.
Other expenses will include your transportation, food/supplies, gear and the lodging in Lee Vining before the trip.
Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds. In the event that a member is, for any reason, unable to attend, he may resell his slot (rod) to another GGACC member (by first pulling from the waitlist if one exists). It is the sole responsibility of the member to manage this transaction. This is not the responsibility of the leader or club.