The lower Merced is currently running at 236cfs, which is down slightly from last week. This is a great wading flow and provides very approachable conditions throughout much of this stretch. The weather this week is expected to be cooler, with highs in the low to mid 60s, along with a storm bringing precipitation early in the week.

Fishing Conditions & Tactics

At these water levels, there is a lot of productive water for anglers fishing an indicator rig, with numerous deeper runs that are perfectly suited for that approach. While there are still some runs that favor a euro nymphing setup, there is slightly less water that caters to that tactic at current flows. With solid conditions and stable flows, now is a great time to get out on the lower Merced. We’ve been having consistent success on this stretch, and reports from other anglers have been equally positive. As always, getting your flies down quickly will be key to success. Running thinner tippet such as 5x or 6x will help improve sink rate without needing to add additional weight.

Recommended Flies

• Hare’s Ear Nymphs
• Prince Nymphs
• GTI Caddis
• Pheasant Tail Nymphs

Overall Outlook

With steady flows and favorable conditions, this stretch is fishing well and should continue to do so through the week. As always, use caution when wading, as currents can still be swift in deeper runs. Plan to bring layers for cooler temperatures and possible rain early in the week.