About the East Carson River

The East Carson River is one of California’s most popular rivers for both conventional and fly fishermen.  The fact that in a normal precipitation year runoff can last into July means that you miss some early hatches of Stoneflies and Green Drakes, but the other side of the coin is that when many other waters are beginning to suffer from the effects of warm temperatures in August, the East Carson is at its prime.

The most popular section flows alongside Hwy 89 for several miles so access is easy.  Hwy 89 passes through Markleeville and after about a mile passes over the river at Hangman’s Bridge. The bridge separates the East Carson’s two very diverse fishing environments; the wild trout special regs. section downstream from the bridge to the CA/NV state line, or upstream which is one of the most heavily planted sections of water in the state of California. 

Those who opt for the more challenging catch & release water downstream from the bridge can, if the timing is right, enjoy a quality experience catching both wild and hold over trout that have washed down from the planted section above the bridge.  Access is very easy as you can park at the bridge and then walk a dirt road that parallels the river.  Many fishermen walk the 1.75 miles to a gauging station on the river and then fish back to their vehicles parked at the bridge.  If you go further you will encounter some deeper pools that hold some large wild Brown Trout.  When you fish back to the bridge, the fish will be almost all Rainbows.  The characteristic of the water is generally at low gradient, compared to above the bridge.  There are some long flats, punctuated by boulders.  There also some riffles and deep slots that are productive.  The lack of freestone water, makes the section good dry fly water early and late in the day.  

Upstream from the bridge (like the special regs. section downstream from the bridge) timing has some importance.  First of all, in a normal precipitation year, the river does not get into shape until mid July.  That being said, lots of fish are planted from just before opening day which falls on the last Saturday in April through October.  Experienced fly fishermen know that some of the best fishing can occur during high water periods as the fish tend to concentrate along the slower edges of the river making locating them somewhat easier.  Stripping a streamer along the edges can be deadly and sometimes hook the largest fish.   The highway parallels the river south of the bridge for several miles and there are many turnouts where you can park your vehicle.  Some turnouts will actually allow you to drive up to the edge of the water.  

The East Carson is one of the most dependable waters in the Sierra’s and a day with one of our guides will provide you with the opportunity to learn all of its nooks and crannies, that would otherwise take you years to learn.  Give us a call and book a day on the East Carson.