Copyright 2009 James Marsh
Fly Fishing The West Walker River
California
The West Walker River forms in the Eastern Sierras near
Yosemite at around 11,000 feet in the Emigrant
Wilderness. Lahontan cutthroat trout were the native trout
but the stream has mostly brown trout, brook trout and
rainbow trout. It is a heavily stocked stream. There are
also some Mountain Whitefish. It's water flows into Topaz
Lake and is used for irrigation. It eventually flows into the
East Fork in Mason Valley and the water from both
streams end at Walker Lake.
Much of the river is in a roadless area. Leavitt Meadows
off California highway 108 is the closest road point to the
headwaters. This is a good area with pocket water
consisting of riffles and large pools.
There's also a public access at Pickle Meadows located a
mile off of highway #108. There is parking and a trail that
leads to the river.
There's a mile long public access to the river in Hoye
Canyon. Another access exist in Wilson Canyon and the
BLM Rest Area.
Access south of the town of Walker is fairly easy. The
river flows along highway #395 for several miles and all of
the above public places can be easily reached from there.
The river flows through private property for much of its
length.
This is a pure freestone stream that depends on rain and
melting snow for its water. The levels can vary drastically.
It's usually late June before the river falls into a normal
flow. It can become very low and clear in the late summer
and early fall. Either situation, high or low water, can
make it difficult to fish.
Seasons:
The West Walker River starts fishing good about the time
the other local waters are slowing down.
Spring:
The river is usually high and very dingy to muddy.
Summer:
Late Summer is a prime time to fish the West Walker
Fall:
Early Fall is also a prime time for fly fishing the West
Walker River. The water is low and clear and the stream
is easy to fish.
Fly Fishing Guide to West Walker River:
This stream is a real pleasure to fish and wade. (Click
Here To Continue)
California
The West Walker River forms in the Eastern Sierras near
Yosemite at around 11,000 feet in the Emigrant
Wilderness. Lahontan cutthroat trout were the native trout
but the stream has mostly brown trout, brook trout and
rainbow trout. It is a heavily stocked stream. There are
also some Mountain Whitefish. It's water flows into Topaz
Lake and is used for irrigation. It eventually flows into the
East Fork in Mason Valley and the water from both
streams end at Walker Lake.
Much of the river is in a roadless area. Leavitt Meadows
off California highway 108 is the closest road point to the
headwaters. This is a good area with pocket water
consisting of riffles and large pools.
There's also a public access at Pickle Meadows located a
mile off of highway #108. There is parking and a trail that
leads to the river.
There's a mile long public access to the river in Hoye
Canyon. Another access exist in Wilson Canyon and the
BLM Rest Area.
Access south of the town of Walker is fairly easy. The
river flows along highway #395 for several miles and all of
the above public places can be easily reached from there.
The river flows through private property for much of its
length.
This is a pure freestone stream that depends on rain and
melting snow for its water. The levels can vary drastically.
It's usually late June before the river falls into a normal
flow. It can become very low and clear in the late summer
and early fall. Either situation, high or low water, can
make it difficult to fish.
Seasons:
The West Walker River starts fishing good about the time
the other local waters are slowing down.
Spring:
The river is usually high and very dingy to muddy.
Summer:
Late Summer is a prime time to fish the West Walker
Fall:
Early Fall is also a prime time for fly fishing the West
Walker River. The water is low and clear and the stream
is easy to fish.
Fly Fishing Guide to West Walker River:
This stream is a real pleasure to fish and wade. (Click
Here To Continue)
| Type of Stream Freestone Stream Species Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Brook Trout Lahontan Cutthroat (Few) (Most all the trout are Stocked) Size Small Location Eastern Sierra Nearest Towns Walker Bridgeport Season April 25 to November 15 Access: Good Non-Resident License State of California Weather National Weather Service Link Hatch Chart Perfect Fly Hatch Chart Fly Fishing Guide Hatches and Flies Fly Fishing Gear |
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West Walker River
California
California
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Photo Courtesy of Gary Paepke
Photo Courtesy of Gary Paepke