Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa 

5.0
(20 reviews)
 5004 California 140, Mariposa, CA 95338, United States–

Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa 

Mariposa, CA, United States
–
12
5.0
(20 reviews)

Get on the water with 'Tight Line Lyle' to experience the majesty of Yosemite National Park and Sierra Nevada rivers like never before by starting your fly fishing journey, or taking your game to the next level. Your adventure awaits, book now!

Our watershed is loaded with wild Trout and provide opportunities a short walk from the car, or all the way to backcountry waters at high elevation where you rarely see another person much less another angler, not to mention the productive honey holes only a local expert can show you.

The fly fishing kool-aid will be pouring out of the firehose of fishy knowledge, it will be up to you to decide how deeply to drink. The number 1 goal of every trip is safety, followed by having fun and catching fish; the 3rd goal, as important as the 2nd is YOU WILL LEARN TO FLY FISH! Experienced fly anglers should expect to add new dimensions to their game and tools to their box.

Rainbows, Browns, & Brook Trout and more, and more can be found, depending on conditions and location. Any fish you catch will be released; many areas restrict harvesting fish. We hope you will come to love/appreciate our wild and native Trout & keep'em alive and wet!

We welcome large groups as large as 12-24+ (advanced notice preferred). You'll be fishing without a boat, so expect to make your way on foot at least part of the time and come dressed for current weather conditions.

In most cases transportation is not provided, expect to meet at the fishing grounds and drive between fishing locations as needed. We offer walk/wade fly fishing. Float/drift trips are not permitted by park regulations or offered.

I will reach out prior to our trip to confirm details, yet am always available for questions.

-Fishing License Required for ages 16 and older
-Wear quick-dry clothing in neutral/earth tones (no bright colors)
-Recommended to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.

Get in touch today and start planning your unforgettable day on the water!

Get on the water with 'Tight Line Lyle' to experience the majesty of Yosemite National Park and Sierra Nevada rivers like never before by starting your fly fishing journey, or taking your game to the next level. Your adventure awaits, book now!

Our watershed is loaded with wild Trout and provide opportunities a short walk from the car, or all the way to backcountry waters at high elevation where you rarely see another person much less another angler, not to mention the productive honey holes only a local expert can show you.

The fly fishing kool-aid will be pouring out of the firehose of fishy knowledge, it will be up to you to decide how deeply to drink. The number 1 goal of every trip is safety, followed by having fun and catching fish; the 3rd goal, as important as the 2nd is YOU WILL LEARN TO FLY FISH! Experienced fly anglers should expect to add new dimensions to their game and tools to their box.

Rainbows, Browns, & Brook Trout and more, and more can be found, depending on conditions and location. Any fish you catch will be released; many areas restrict harvesting fish. We hope you will come to love/appreciate our wild and native Trout & keep'em alive and wet!

We welcome large groups as large as 12-24+ (advanced notice preferred). You'll be fishing without a boat, so expect to make your way on foot at least part of the time and come dressed for current weather conditions.

In most cases transportation is not provided, expect to meet at the fishing grounds and drive between fishing locations as needed. We offer walk/wade fly fishing. Float/drift trips are not permitted by park regulations or offered.

I will reach out prior to our trip to confirm details, yet am always available for questions.

-Fishing License Required for ages 16 and older
-Wear quick-dry clothing in neutral/earth tones (no bright colors)
-Recommended to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.

Get in touch today and start planning your unforgettable day on the water!

Lyle Burlingame
Captain
Lyle Burlingame
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Half Day Fly Fishing – Merced River
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Brook Trout
US $550
Private tour: 2 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
20 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (27)

All reviews (20)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 20 reviews
Linde Knierim
Linde Knierim
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
We Loved It!
Half Day Fly Fishing – Merced River on July 10, 2026 • 5 adults • 1 child

Captain Lyle was very knowledgeable & patient! We took our 4 boys fly fishing on the Merced River & he did a very thorough job explaining how to fly fish & teaching us some “tricks of the trade.” The boys caught some beautiful fish…our favorite was the “rainbow.” And the scenery was incredible! Thank you Mr. Lyle!

Reported catch:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brown Trout
Christy Davie
Christy Davie
us
Arizona, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Lyle was great! Would highly recommend
Half Day Fly Fishing – Merced River on April 22, 2026 • 2 adults

Great morning with Lyle-would highly recommend. we hooked up a couple of times just couldnt bring it in bit good spot and easy for new anglers. beautiful location and Lyle was very patient with us. Trio is great for all ages. If you want to learn abouy fly fishing Lyle is your Captain!

Bryan Ramsey
Bryan Ramsey
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
We had a fantastic time!
Half Day Fly Fishing – Merced River on June 27, 2026 • 3 adults

One of the best fishing trips we’ve had! Our guide Lyle was great and very knowledgeable.

Reported catch:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Ryan Olson
Ryan Olson
us
California, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Lyle is great!
Half Day Fly Fishing – Merced River on June 10, 2026 • 4 adults

Lyle was a great guide, patient with a beginner family of 4. highly recommend him!

Nicolas Savoia
Nicolas Savoia
us
California, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Lyle
Half Day Fly Fishing – Merced River on December 30, 2025 • 4 adults

Lyle was amazing! He was able to very effectively teach my brother and I amazing amounts of flyfishing knowledge that will stay with me for life. I highly recommend him. Thank you Lyle!

FAQs about Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa

Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa offers the following trip to customers:
  • US $475 per group, additional US $75 per person after 1 guest - Half Day Fly Fishing – Merced River (4 hours)
Trips booked with Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures (Flies, Streamers, Nymphs)
  • Drinks
  • Lunch (Lunch with full day)
  • Fly fishing equipment (Bringing your own gear is encouraged if possible)
Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa offers the following types of fishing:
  • River fishing
  • Lake fishing
  • Backcountry fishing (Reach out for backcountry planning)
Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Fly fishing
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa include:
  • Brook Trout
  • Brown Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)

Your captain

Lyle Burlingame
Lyle Burlingame
Mariposa, California, United States
3 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
25 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since August 2023
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Lyle's fondest childhood memories revolve around chasing fish on the lakes and rivers of northern Minnesota with his father and brother. The childhood pastime has evolved into nearly four decades dedicated to exploring the outdoors and living a fishing lifestyle. After he first picked up a fly rod in 2013, his passion for fishing would regularly flirt with obsession. After moving to Mariposa in 2021 and spending over 200 days a year on the water, Lyle took a leap of faith in leaving his career as a Healthcare IT Consultant to be a full time fly fishing guide. As a teaching guide, one of Lyle's primary goals (after safety, having fun, and catching fish) is for each client to end the day having learned new knowledge and skills that will bring confidence and success while discovering the vast fulfillment found in fly fishing. Lyle enjoys guiding all skill and ability levels; from first-timers and kids to discussing advanced techniques and concepts with adept anglers. As a dedicated student of the water, I know there are always many things the river can teach us, regardless of our age, walk of life, gender, or skill level. Nature is the best medicine, I believe one pinnacle of that is being on the other end of a tight line to a Trout on the fly rod! I've witnessed fly fishing's healing powers in my life firsthand, and want to share that with others as much as possible. In that spirit, I want you to feel comfortable asking questions, take the pressure off and come ready to have an unforgettable day on some of the most beautiful water California has to offer. Book now and let's get you, your friends, and your family some Tight Line Therapy, come hang out with the Trout!
Lyle Burlingame
Lyle Burlingame
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
3
reports
25
reviews
2023
member since
~1h
response
Lyle's fondest childhood memories revolve around chasing fish on the lakes and rivers of northern Minnesota with his father and brother. The childhood pastime has evolved into nearly four decades dedicated to exploring the outdoors and living a fishing lifestyle. After he first picked up a fly rod in 2013, his passion for fishing would regularly flirt with obsession. After moving to Mariposa in 2021 and spending over 200 days a year on the water, Lyle took a leap of faith in leaving his career as a Healthcare IT Consultant to be a full time fly fishing guide. As a teaching guide, one of Lyle's primary goals (after safety, having fun, and catching fish) is for each client to end the day having learned new knowledge and skills that will bring confidence and success while discovering the vast fulfillment found in fly fishing. Lyle enjoys guiding all skill and ability levels; from first-timers and kids to discussing advanced techniques and concepts with adept anglers. As a dedicated student of the water, I know there are always many things the river can teach us, regardless of our age, walk of life, gender, or skill level. Nature is the best medicine, I believe one pinnacle of that is being on the other end of a tight line to a Trout on the fly rod! I've witnessed fly fishing's healing powers in my life firsthand, and want to share that with others as much as possible. In that spirit, I want you to feel comfortable asking questions, take the pressure off and come ready to have an unforgettable day on some of the most beautiful water California has to offer. Book now and let's get you, your friends, and your family some Tight Line Therapy, come hang out with the Trout!

The fish you can target

Brook Trout
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Brook Trout
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)

Real catches by this captain

  • Angler engaged in a thrilling moment while reeling in a fish in a river setting, showcasing the excitement of fly fishing.
    Fish 1
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Bryan R.
    Bryan R.
    One of the best fishing trips we’ve had! Our guide Lyle was great and very knowledgeable.
  • Two anglers casting lines while fly fishing along a rocky riverbank, showcasing a serene fishing environment.
    Christy D.
    Christy D.
    Great morning with Lyle-would highly recommend. we hooked up a couple of times just couldnt bring it in bit good spot and easy for new anglers. beautiful location and Lyle was very patient with us. Trio is great for all ages. If you want to learn abouy fly fishing Lyle is your Captain!
  • A young angler proudly displaying a freshly caught trout while sitting on a rocky shore.
    Fish 1
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Benjamin D.
    Benjamin D.
    Lyle was a fun and very entertaining fishing guide. Very knowledgable and was able to put my son and I on fish. It was a trip that my son and I will always remember.
  • An angler proudly displaying a Rainbow Trout while fishing in a scenic river environment, with fellow anglers visible in the background.
    Fish 1
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Dennis F.
    Dennis F.
    Lyle and Stevie were very knowledgeable and took the time to coach us through the technics, also put us on the fish! 🎣🤟🏽
  • Angler proudly displaying a Rainbow Trout while fishing in a rocky, rain-soaked environment.
    Fish 1
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Tiffany G.
    Tiffany G.
    We had the best day with Lyle fly fishing for trout. My husband is a keen sea angler at home in the UK, but novice fly-fisher, I'm not a keen Fisher and had booked the trip planning to just hike along and take some pictures. Lyle was so enthusiastic though he got me fishing. He was very patient and thorough with his instructions. He handled our different levels of ability with ease, taught us lots of different techniques and got us on the fish. We would definitely recommend for all levels, and even those that don't think they like fishing 😉 we will be booking with Lyle again!
  • A young angler proudly displaying a Rainbow Trout while fishing in a scenic river setting, accompanied by an adult.
    Fish 1
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Ruth S.
    Ruth S.
    It was our first fly fishing experience and we could not have been in better hands. Lyle has great enthusiasm as well as knowledge and was so encouraging and patient with all of us but especially our 13 year old son - who caught a fish within minutes! He took us to a few beautiful places where fish were biting and taught us more than we ever expected to learn in a few short hours. It was a magical morning that made some very special memories.
  • Two anglers engaged in fishing at a rocky riverbank, with one preparing to catch a fish while the other holds a fishing rod.
    Jeremy B.
    Jeremy B.
    Lyle was the absolute best instructor we could have asked for! Me and my gf had never fly fished before and he was very informative and patience from the beginning. We went over all of the basic casting techniques, how to read the water, manage the line, set up your flies, and so much more. Lyle was such a cool and down to earth guy and I can’t thank him enough for showing us such a great day. I feel like the lessons he taught us today just made us want to keep coming back again and again just to soak up as much knowledge as we can from him. I highly recommend anyone on the fence about needing a guide to just go for it and you will not be disappointed. Thanks so much again for everything and I cannot wait to get back up here. See you soon!
  • Angler proudly displaying a Brown Trout while standing in a river, with a stunning mountainous backdrop.
    Fish 1
    Brown Trout
    Fishing for trout in the greater Yosemite area couldnt be better. Fall is in the air and fish are looking to pack on weight for spawning and winter. Dominant brown trout are at their most active over the next month or two. Tons of action on dries, nymphs and streamers to be had. Caddis and golden stone still hatching as well.
  • Angler holding a landing net with a freshwater catch in a rocky stream.
    Fish 1
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Dalton S.
    Dalton S.
    Fishing with Lyle was truly a life changing experience. I had picked up a fly rod a few years and have been trying to learn on my own. Lyle taught me more about fly fishing trout in four hours than eight years of books, online videos, and practicing on my own. Not only did he improve my cast, but we went through multiple presentations (dry flies, nymph rigs, droppers, streamers), he showed me how to read the water, and how to present the flies on the given conditions. After our trip together, I feel like I can confidently get on the water on my own and have success. The skills I learned fishing with Lyle have turned an interest into a life-long obsession. Lyle provided excellent gear, custom tied flies, and managed multiple rods to ensure we were fishing with what the fish were eating. Another note: the waters of Yosemite are crystal clear, cold, and refreshing. The views are unbelievable. We were fishing in paradise for trout. I cannot recommend this guide enough. Looking forward to our next trip to Yosemite to fish again!
  • Angler displaying a vibrant Rainbow Trout while kneeling in a river, showcasing a successful catch during a freshwater fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Fall 2023 was a fantastic way to end the season, historic snowpack lead to great water all year which increased the amount of food available to trout, resulting in healthier populations than we've seen in years as far as fish numbers as fish size. The caddis hatch was strong with October Caddis starting in mid-late September and running through early November. Streamers fish very well late season as fish look to put on weight pre spawn, and trout also become more aggressive, especially brown trout. This will be your last window to connect to a good fish inside Yosemite as the park closes to fishing on November 15th. Outside the park remains open to fishing all year.

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Lake Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Flies, Streamers, Nymphs
Drinks
Lunch
Lunch with full day
Fly fishing equipment
Bringing your own gear is encouraged if possible

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child friendly
Catch and release mandatory
We don't kill fish on guided trips

How you can pay

Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.

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Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa
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