Suggested Flies for East Carson River:
Eastern Sierra Hatch Selection

Drys:
Humpy
Royal Wulff #14-16
Griffith Gnat #18
Chernobyl Ant #8
Goddard Caddis, #14-16
Elk Hair Caddis, yellow #12-16
Morrish Hopper #6-8

Nymphs:
Gold Ribbed Hares Ear #8-14
BH Flashback Pheasant Tail #12-18
Fox Poopah #14, tan or olive
Poxyback Green Drake #12-14
A.P. Nymph, Black #12-14
CDC Bubbleback Caddis #14-16
Frenchie #16-18
Perdigon #16-18

Stonefly Nymphs:
Golden Stone Nymph, #10
Kaufmann Stonefly #10
BH Twenty Incher #10

Stoneflies:
Parachute Madam X, #10-14
Bird’s Stonefly, #6-8
Clark’s Little Yellow Stonefly, #12-16
Royal Trude #6-12
Golden Stimulator #6-8

Directions:

From Meyers, at junction of Highways 50-89, take Hwy 89 South for 11 miles to junction of Highways 88-89. Turn East and go 6 miles to Woodfords. Turn South and go 7 miles on Highway 89 (past Markleeville) to Hangman’s Bridge.

Fishing Report: East Carson

Flow Report: East Carson

Notes:

In 1989, the East Fork of the Carson River was selected by the State as a “Wild and Scenic River”. The East Fork Carson River became a State designated Wild Trout Stream in 1992. Local Guide, Ralph Cutter and DFG biologist, Chuck Von Geldern, were instrumental in getting “Wild Trout” recognition to this section of the stream as many thought of the East Carson as being more of a Mountain whitefish habitat.

This all changed in Spring of 2021. Based upon fish surveys, CDFW was convinced that the stocking of rainbows impacted the section of the river below Hangman’s Bridge. The section was decommissioned as a “Wild Trout” water and a 2 fish limit with a 14″ minimum was put in place. The opinion was that only rainbow trout less than 14″ were indeed wild.

“Trophy Trout”

The “trophy trout” sections of the river starts at Hangman’s Bridge about 1.5 miles south of Markleeville and continues for 14.5 miles to the CA/NV border. Most of the trout reside below Hangman’s Bridge within deep pools. The river is generally flat between Hangman’s Bridge and Markleeville Creek but then drops off into canyon water onto the Nevada border. The best access to the river is from a trail at Hangman’s Bridge or from the campground at Markleeville Creek. Rainbows make up 84% of all the fish within this section, most in the 6-12″ range. The section still has a significant number of rainbows in the 12-18 inch class.

The Mountain Whitefish also frequent the river and can reach up to 18 inches. This is not an abundant trout fishery as it contains the fewest trout of any of the state designated Wild Trout Streams but can be very rewarding for those that fish it. The Rainbows tend to be in the meadow areas of Hangman’s Bridge while the Browns tend to inhabit the Canyon waters below Markleeville Creek.

Since river rafters use this section of the river during the early summer months, the fly fishing is better during the later summer and fall periods. You can wade most of the river with many cross-over areas less than 2 feet deep. Scattered pools can be over 8 feet deep with runs in between the pools. The season is open year round and is allowing a 2 trout limit with a 14 inch minimum to protect the smaller age classes.

Seasonal Hatches

Early in the season, subsurface patterns such as Golden Stonefly Nymphs with a Prince Nymph dropper work well. Try the edges and slow water as the colder water tends to limit the trout’s movement. The Spring Hatches generally start in June, so prior to the hatch try Streamer patterns such as Buggers and Matukas. Use a type II Sinking line and cast across the stream to allow a downward drift and swing. Let the streamer pause at the end of the swing before retrieving. Retrieve with some sporadic pulls.

In June, when the water warms up a bit, the salmonflys become active and a Clark’s Stonefly or Stimulator size #6-8 works well. Fish these salmonflys in the moderately fast water particularly near bank vegetation. June is also a good month for Green Drake nymphs (Green Drake Poxyback, Black A.P. , Prince Nymph) with a caddis pupa dropper. You will also encounter a Green Drake spinner fall in the evening. PMD’s will show up around midday and the late afternoon brings on a flight of Yellow Sallies.

Dries and Droppers

Another combination that works well here is a dropper from a Chernobyl Ant. Caddis patterns work well throughout the season, especially during the evening, as caddis flies are quite prolific. The most common colorations are yellow to tan. A yellow Elk Hair Caddis pattern in size 12-16 is a good pick. Some Brown Sedge and slate sledge caddis emerge in late spring to mid-July. Try using a Goddard Caddis #14-16 to match this fly. As an Attractor Dry, the Royal Wulff #14-16 is the most popular on the river. A good October Caddis hatch occurs for excellent dry fly opportunities.

Nymphing works well with Hare’s Ear Nymphs in sizes 8-14 or Zug Bugs in size 8-10. The most common streamer used on the river during the early part of the season is the Muddler Minnow #10-12. Larger muddlers in sizes 6-8 are used later in the summer. These streamers are particularly effective on the large Browns in the Canyon section.

Other Notable Waters

Indian Creek Reservoir(Click link on map) (elev. 5,600 feet) is a trophy fishery containing large Rainbows (up to 5-7 lbs.), Lahontan cutthroats, Brookies, and Kamloop Trout. The trout are actively planted here along with many holdovers. The 160 acre lake is best fished from either canoe or float tube. Many will troll with bugger patterns but midging has become a popular choice in tactics. The reservoir is open year-round. Spring and Fall months are popular for fishing. Summers can get quite weedy due to the shallow nature of the lake. Winter Ice Fishing is often good.

The lake has a high growth rate due to the rich forage base. Snails are especially prevalent. A damsel hatch in July can be quite good around the weedbeds that are starting to develop. There is even a good Blood Midge hatch that will allow for some dry fly action at times. The BLM maintains the surrounding area composed of Jeffrey and Pinon Pines with campsites along the western shore near the dam. Picnic sites are located on the southwestern side of the lake near the dam. A trailhead is located at the northern end of the lake with access to the EF Carson Wild Trout waters.

Fishing Regulations

Carson River, East Fork (Alpine Co.) from Hangman’s Bridge downstream to Nevada State Line:

All year. Artificial Lures, 14 inch minimum, 2 trout per day

All other Lakes and Reservoirs:

Open all year. No restrictions. 5 trout per day. 10 trout in possession.

All other creeks and tributaries:

Fishing Maps Available

Carson Drainage

East Fork Carson 1, Hangman’s Bridge to Ruhenstroth Dam