Copyright 2011 James Marsh
Fly Fishing East Fork of the Carson
River California
The East Fork of the Carson River begins as a spring in
the Carson/Iceberg Wilderness. It flows all the way from
the high mountains to the high desert rattlesnake
country. The river is generally divided into its upper,
middle and lower sections consisting of forty miles of
beautiful scenic country. It ends at the lower area wild
trout zone between Hangman's Bridge and the Nevada
State line.
The rivers flows change with the varying annual snow
pack. This means that fly fishing the East Fork of the
Carson River changes some from year to year. Access
to the uppermost sections can be difficult when there's a
heavy snowpack. Fly fishing the East Fork of the Carson
River greatly depends on the water levels that vary from
the melting snow.
Lahontan Cutthroat still exist in limited numbers. A rare
species called Paiute Cutthroats, an endangered
species, still exist. Carson Falls prevents the Paiute
strain separate from other species. The stream above
Carson Falls is closed to fishing. The section below
Carson Falls and the area upstream from Wolf Creek is
difficult to access. It's probably the least fished water
available. Some areas can be easily access from your
vehicle, others by walking distances varying from a short
ways to a long distance and by backpacking and
horseback trips. As a general rule, the easier the
access, the more challenging the fishing. Much of the
East Fork of the Carson River requires good
presentations using long, light leaders and tippets.
The headwaters can be reached via the "Dumont
Meadows" trial. The lower section of its headwaters can
be accessed from the "Silver King" trail. You should
obtain a good topo map of the area prior to fishing the
headwaters. The middle section from Silver Creek to
Wolf Creek is not as difficult to access. It's also the most
fished section. Access to the lower section wild trout
area from Hangman's Bridge to the Nevada State line is
easy from highway #89 near Markleeville.
The river has several tributaries that hold trout. Among
the best are Silver King Creek, Wolf Creek, Silver Creek,
Pleasant Valley Creek and Noble Creek.
Seasons:
Excellent fishing is provided throughout the season
Spring:
Spring is good prior to runoff
Summer:
Summertime is the best and most popular time starting
just after the runoff ends
Fall:
Fall is a good time, especially on the lower river
Fly Fishing Guide to the East Fork of the Carson
River California:
Fly fishing the East Fork of the Carson River depends
highly on keeping up with the changing water and
weather conditions.
River California
The East Fork of the Carson River begins as a spring in
the Carson/Iceberg Wilderness. It flows all the way from
the high mountains to the high desert rattlesnake
country. The river is generally divided into its upper,
middle and lower sections consisting of forty miles of
beautiful scenic country. It ends at the lower area wild
trout zone between Hangman's Bridge and the Nevada
State line.
The rivers flows change with the varying annual snow
pack. This means that fly fishing the East Fork of the
Carson River changes some from year to year. Access
to the uppermost sections can be difficult when there's a
heavy snowpack. Fly fishing the East Fork of the Carson
River greatly depends on the water levels that vary from
the melting snow.
Lahontan Cutthroat still exist in limited numbers. A rare
species called Paiute Cutthroats, an endangered
species, still exist. Carson Falls prevents the Paiute
strain separate from other species. The stream above
Carson Falls is closed to fishing. The section below
Carson Falls and the area upstream from Wolf Creek is
difficult to access. It's probably the least fished water
available. Some areas can be easily access from your
vehicle, others by walking distances varying from a short
ways to a long distance and by backpacking and
horseback trips. As a general rule, the easier the
access, the more challenging the fishing. Much of the
East Fork of the Carson River requires good
presentations using long, light leaders and tippets.
The headwaters can be reached via the "Dumont
Meadows" trial. The lower section of its headwaters can
be accessed from the "Silver King" trail. You should
obtain a good topo map of the area prior to fishing the
headwaters. The middle section from Silver Creek to
Wolf Creek is not as difficult to access. It's also the most
fished section. Access to the lower section wild trout
area from Hangman's Bridge to the Nevada State line is
easy from highway #89 near Markleeville.
The river has several tributaries that hold trout. Among
the best are Silver King Creek, Wolf Creek, Silver Creek,
Pleasant Valley Creek and Noble Creek.
Seasons:
Excellent fishing is provided throughout the season
Spring:
Spring is good prior to runoff
Summer:
Summertime is the best and most popular time starting
just after the runoff ends
Fall:
Fall is a good time, especially on the lower river
Fly Fishing Guide to the East Fork of the Carson
River California:
Fly fishing the East Fork of the Carson River depends
highly on keeping up with the changing water and
weather conditions.
| Type of Stream Freestone Species Rainbow Trout (Wild) Brown Trout (Wild) Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (Native) Whitefish Size Medium, 40 miles long Location Northern California Nearest Towns Carson City Markleeville Season Year-round Access: Good Special Regulations Yes, you should keep a constant check on them Non-Resident License State of California Weather National Weather Service Link Hatch Chart Perfect Fly Hatch Chart (coming soon) Fly Fishing Guide to the East Fork Carson River USGS Stream Flow: |
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East Fork
Carson
River
California
Carson
River
California
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Photo Courtesy of Steven Lamb
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| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |