East Carson River: Conditions: Prime! Another excellent Alpine County trout stream, the East Carson is also closed to fishing each winter, and opening day success also varies with the rate of flow. This has been fluctuating between 300 and 400 cfs (cubic feet per second), a workable level for fly, lure and bait fishing. Extreme caution is recommended at this time for those attempting to wade out into the current though; the East Carson is much bigger than the West Fork, and in spring is a rugged, brawling river with whitewater rapids, deep pools, and of course, ice-cold water. Low clarity in the early season makes it difficult to see bottom even in the shallows; you may be standing only knee deep, then with one blind step plunge in over your head and tumble downstream. Wading shoes with felt or metal-studded soles are a must, as is the ability to read Braille with your feet (feel for the next bump, rock or drop before putting any weight onto your next step.)

Trout: You name it, these rivers have it! In addition to wild and holdover rainbows, browns and cutthroat, they receive hatchery rainbows from ten inches to ten pounds, and large, broodstock Lahontan cutthroat from Heenan Lake. This year, some of the big rainbows will be Donaldson strain, a hard-fighting hybrid of Eagle Lake trout and steelhead. Once stocked at roadside areas, many fish disperse up and downstream, so if the crowds are too heavy at the highway bridges, do a little exploring!

Techniques: Fly anglers fishing floating lines should use a strike indicator and drift weighted nymphs, adding splitshot to the leader until the fly taps bottom. Stonefly patterns, glo-bugs and beadhead nymphs are recommended. In the deep pools of the East Fork, a sinking line and flashy streamer is a deadly combination, accounting for some of the biggest fish. Last spring, Victor Babbitt from Tahoe Fly Fishing outfitters used this method to catch a seven-pound brown trout that broke the hardwood handle on his fancy, catch-and-release fishing net. Panther Martin and Vibrax lures produce well for spin-anglers; toss one across and upstream, let it sink, then swing it downstream, guiding it with your rod-tip and retrieving only as needed to keep the spinner-blade turning. Bait needs a weight to get to the fish, splitshot for tapping along the rocks in the current seams, or a heavier sliding-sinker for plunking the big pools. Salmon eggs are always a good choice, or try a 'Sierra Cocktail', a nightcrawler and salmon egg on the hook together.

Regulations: On the West Carson, bait and barbed hooks are permitted, with a daily limit of five trout. The East Fork has the same regulations in the upper river, but from Hangman's Bridge downstream to the Nevada border, this river is designated as a wild-trout water, with state law requiring catch-and-release fishing only. The use of bait is prohibited; all fish in this section must be taken on flies or artificial lures with barbless hooks. Wild trout don't read signs very well though, and big rainbows from the lower river travel upstream each spring to spawn, making them vulnerable to meat-anglers. For this reason, please use restraint when taking home fish, as not all of them are from the hatchery. Interestingly, the hatchery fish do seem to have been taught to read while in captivity, as many of those planted in the roadside section quickly drop downstream into the safety of the wild-trout stretch. "Look boys! 'Wild Trout Area, Catch-And-Release Only'. If we can sneak in there, we're home free! Just act natural."

Side trips: Those looking for the intimacy of a small stream should check out Markleeville, Silver or Wolf Creek; these tributaries of the East Carson are also stocked with trout for opening day. Nearby Indian Creek Reservoir is a great stillwater option for shore anglers and float tubers. Most Alpine County lakes are still frozen over at this time, but Indian Creek is ice-free and has been producing large rainbows on all the usual methods. Please note that the pretty little creeks you see as you drive around Lake Tahoe are Tahoe tributaries, which are closed to fishing until July!

Until next time,
Mark (The Trout Whisperer) Wiza
Email Me!

More Articles & Reports by Mark Wiza