Lyle Burlingame
Captain

Lyle Burlingame

Mariposa, United States
Angler's choice
25+ reviews
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!

Charters

Rating

5.0
25 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

All reviews (25)

Showing 15 of 25 reviews
  • Melissa Logan
    Melissa Logan
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome Experience! Lyle was the perfect guide!

    Half Day: 4 Hours of Fly Fishing2 adults

    Lyle Burlingame was an awesome guide for our day of fishing on the Merced in the Yosemite valley. My wife and I have never fly fished so before we ever got near the river, Lyle gave us a detailed hands on lesson on the techniques needed to fish in the parking lot. His teaching method was simple to follow with key thoughts on the mechanics of how to use the rod. Lyle is very passionate about fly fishing and teaching his craft to others. This becomes very clear through his stories about his previous teachers and other clients that he has guided in the past. Lyle is incredibly patient and professional. Any time my wife or I would struggle with any element of the fishing he would be right there with an encouraging word or suggestion on how we could improve. He had all of the necessary gear and equipment, including boots and waders that fit perfectly. We had an amazing time and cannot recommend Lyle enough.

  • Linde Knierim
    Linde Knierim
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    We Loved It!

    Half Day Fly Fishing – Merced River6 adults1 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 River2 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 River3 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 River4 adults

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

Real catches shared by our community

  • Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa
    Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | MariposaMariposa, CA
    We had a fantastic time!
    Bryan R.
    Bryan R.
  • Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Groveland
    Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | GrovelandGroveland, CA
    Awesome Experience! Lyle was the perfect guide!
    Melissa L.
    Melissa L.
  • Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Groveland
    Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | GrovelandGroveland, CA
    family fly fishing
    Renee G.
    Renee G.
  • Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa
    Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | MariposaMariposa, CA
    Lyle was great! Would highly recommend
    Christy D.
    Christy D.
  • Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa
    Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | MariposaMariposa, CA
    Our Fishing Adventure
    Benjamin D.
    Benjamin D.
  • Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa
    Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | MariposaMariposa, CA
    Amazing Time!
    Dennis F.
    Dennis F.
  • Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa
    Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | MariposaMariposa, CA
    Converted to fly fishing fans!
    Tiffany G.
    Tiffany G.
  • Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa
    Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | MariposaMariposa, CA
    Fantastic family fishing trip with a great guide!
    Ruth S.
    Ruth S.
  • Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa
    Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | MariposaYosemite Valley, CA
    EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTATIONS!
    Jeremy B.
    Jeremy B.
  • Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | Mariposa
    Tight Line Therapy – Yosemite | MariposaYosemite Valley, CA
    Fly Fishing with Lyle
    Dalton S.
    Dalton S.

Fishing reports

Angler proudly displaying a Brown Trout while standing in a river, with a stunning mountainous backdrop.

Prime Time is NOW

Oct 1, 2023 • Mariposa
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.
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Angler displaying a vibrant Rainbow Trout while kneeling in a river, showcasing a successful catch during a freshwater fishing trip.

Autumn Magic on the Merced & Tuolumne

Sep 20, 2023 • Mariposa
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.
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A fisherman proudly displaying a beautiful Brown Trout caught while fly fishing, showcasing its vibrant colors and distinctive spots.

Spectacular fishing in Yosemite

Sep 6, 2023 • Mariposa
We’ve had our hands and our nets full out on the water all season. Historic snowpack has lead to more water ans friendler conditions later into are giving the fish an environment in which they can thrive , and GROW! We just had some rain in the high country which flushed in another burst of life and activity into the rivers. Water has dropped back into range and conditions are excellent. PMD’s and many other inspects are hatching and coming off the water, presenting fantastic dry fly opportunities in the early morning and evenings. Caddis and stoneflies nymphs are fishing all day, streamers are also fishing well throughout the day and evening if you know how to fish it properly and where to target your presentations.
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