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WEST CARSON RIVER
FISHING REPORT
Updated - 4/4/25
Scroll down to links for information about Lodging,
Maps and up to the minute Stream Flows.
Current River Conditions: Flows 91 CFS and clear.
Fishing is Fair: Flows are still at a fishable level but have come up somewhat this last week which means that runnoff is beginning. Not sure about water clarity but if you want to be safe, fish it in the morning before snow starts to melt upstream. Best flies are going to be anything under size #18, worms and small tangerene egg patterns. River received a generous planting by the county just before Christmas and will be planted again over the next couple of weeks.
Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters www.tahoeflyfishing.com
Scroll Down to See Hatch Chart at bottom of the page
Click here to see where CDFW has planted fish this week
Click here to see PDF of CDFW 2023 Regulations
LODGING Markleeville, CA
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About the West Carson River
Of the two Carson’s, the West Carson has the most diverse water. It begins as spring water collecting in the high mountain meadows just east of the Pacific Crest and works its way down slope varying between freestone and meadow stream until it reaches the Carson Valley in Nevada. In its upper reaches it is no more than a creek, and after it is joined by a few tributary creeks, it becomes, for all practical purposes, a larger creek. Because it runs right along Blue Lakes Rd, and Hwy 88 it get regular plants.
From the headwater meadows it becomes freestone pocket water for about five miles until it reaches Hope Valley, where it becomes a serpentine meadow stream again. Downstream from Hope Valley the river descends into a canyon and tumbles over boulders into deep pools. This section is heavily planted at the bridges. Most of Hope Valley is conservancy land which means that there is lots of public access.
Two creeks are tributaries to the river in the Hope Valley section. One is Red’s Lake Creek which flows of, you guessed it, Red’s Lake, which is located at the western end of the valley. The other is Willow Creek which flows out the north side of the valley and Parallels Hwy 89 for a few miles. Red’s Lake Creek flows for several miles through Hope Valley and though it gets lots of pressure near where it crosses under Hwy 88, there is a long section in the meadow that sees few fishermen. Be prepared for a good walk to get to productive water, but if like fishing meadow streams it’s worth it.
In most normal precipitation years the West Carson is usually in good fishing shape by the end of June and fishes well through the beginning of August when the water temps rise. About the middle of September the fishing improves though the water can get pretty skinny.
The West Carson is one of the prettiest meadow streams that can be accessed by vehicle for most of its length. One day on the river with one of our guides, will teach you everything you need to know so that every return trip will be successful.