Swimming
Besides the outdoor pools available to the public during summer at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge swimming is permitted in all bodies of water in the park except Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and above waterfalls.

Swimming in the Merced River is a great way to cool off--but help protect the river by entering and exiting only on sandy beaches. Swimming in rivers is not without hazards, including swift currents, cold water, and hazards within the river (e.g., trees). See Water ways for more information.

Rafting
Rafting along the Merced River is popular during summer. You can rent a raft (typically in June and July, but it varies from year to year, depending on water level) or bring your own. (Other nonmotorized vessels, such as kayaks, are also permitted.)

Rafting is permitted on the Merced River between Stoneman Bridge (near Curry Village) and Sentinel Beach Picnic Area between 10 am and 6 pm under the following conditions: the river stage (depth) must read less than 6.5 feet at Sentinel Bridge and the sum of air temperature and water temperature must be more than 100°F. You must have a personal flotation device immediately available for each occupant of the raft.

Rafting is also permitted on the South Fork of the Merced River in the Wawona area.

Some visitors enjoy kayaking the calm waters of Tenaya Lake.

Fishing regulations
Fishing regulations for Yosemite National Park follow those set by the State of California, including the requirement that people 16 or older have a valid California fishing license.

The season for stream and river fishing begins on the last Saturday in April and continues through November 15. The only exception is Frog Creek near Lake Eleanor, where fishing season does not open until June 15 to protect spawning rainbow trout. All lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year-round.

There are some special regulations that apply within the park:

• No live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs, or roe may be used or possessed.
• Fishing from bridges and docks is prohibited.
• In Yosemite Valley and El Portal (Happy Isles to Foresta Bridge):
  • Rainbow trout are catch-and-release only.
  • Brown trout limit is five per day or ten in possession.
  • Only artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks may be used; bait fishing is prohibited.
  • Mirror Lake is considered a stream and is only open during stream fishing season.

Fishing supplies
Fishing supplies, including fishing licenses, are available at the Yosemite Village Sport Shop, Curry Village Mountain Shop, and at the general stores in Wawona, Crane Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows.

The California Department of Fish and Game web site lists current sport fishing license fees.