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Reports designed and built by Biehl UX Design

Lower Merced River

Below Merced Falls Dam

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Weather

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Access Points

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Latest 32 Hour Adventure

Image of32-Hour Adventure: Lundy Lake - July, 2024

32-Hour Adventure: Lundy Lake - July, 2024

For those looking for a destination for a 32 hour trip, consider looking into Lundy Lake. It is located thirty minutes south on 395 from Bridgeport, and is only a two and half hour drive from the shop. There are many dif...

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62°F

Feels like 60°F, clear sky

4 mph NE

1008 hPa

Waxing Crescent

Suggested gear for fishing Lower Merced River

Outcast Double Action Hand Pump

Outcast Double Action Hand Pump

$59.99

Cortland Trout Indicator - Fire Orange/Olive/Pale Yellow

Cortland Trout Indicator - Fire Orange/Olive/Pale Yellow

$99.95

Echo Stillwater Fly Rod

Echo Stillwater Fly Rod

$525.00

Orvis Wide Mouth Hand Net

Orvis Wide Mouth Hand Net

$149.00

Cortland Trout Boss - Green/Yellow

Cortland Trout Boss - Green/Yellow

$89.95

Simms Men's Tributary Waders- Basalt

Simms Men's Tributary Waders- Basalt

$300.00

Patagonia Guidewater Sling 15L

Patagonia Guidewater Sling 15L

$259.00

Korkers Darkhorse Wading Boots w/ Felt & Kling-On Soles

Korkers Darkhorse Wading Boots w/ Felt & Kling-On Soles

$209.99

Aire Large Oar Stop

Aire Large Oar Stop

$28.00

Airlock Indicators 3 Pack

Airlock Indicators 3 Pack

$8.99

Outcast OSG Clearwater

Outcast OSG Clearwater

$1649.00

Gator Bush Machete

Gator Bush Machete

$79.99

Lower Merced River Fishing Report - May 17th, 2026

The lower Merced is currently running at 186cfs, which is down slightly from last week. This is a great flow for anglers looking to walk and wade this section of river, with plenty of accessible water throughout the system. Some currents may still be moving swiftly, so caution should still be used while wading. The weather this week is expected to be much warmer, with highs reaching into the low to mid 90s for the majority of the week.

Fishing Conditions & Tactics

Fishing on the lower Merced has continued to produce solid reports, and this stretch remains one of the better options for anglers looking for comfortable wading conditions. At these flows there is a great mix of water suited for both indicator nymphing and euro nymphing.

Longer, slower runs will be ideal for indicator setups, while faster pocket water and seams will fish best with a euro rig. Covering water and adjusting tactics based on the type of run you are fishing will lead to the most success.

Recommended Flies

  • Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymphs
  • Frenchies
  • OCD Caddis
  • Blowtorches

Overall Outlook

Even with many anglers starting to look toward higher elevation fisheries, the lower Merced continues to fish well and remains at an excellent wading flow. Early mornings will likely provide the most comfortable conditions during the warmer weather. If you plan to target this area this week, make sure to bring sunscreen, sun protection, and plenty of water for the hot temperatures ahead.

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The lower Merced is currently running at 186cfs, which is down slightly from last week. This is a great flow for anglers looking to walk and wade this section of river, with plenty of accessible water throughout the syst...

More Reports

170cfs