Читать книгу Fly Fishing California - Ken Hanley - Страница 20

by Dave Stanley

This is a classic freestone stream with lots of riffles, rapids, deep runs, and pools. These conditions create excellent habitat for stoneflies, caddisflies, and some species of mayflies, all found throughout the Carson drainage. The upper river provides many different experiences, access being one. Above Wolf Creek the narrow, fast-flowing waters are accessible by a rough 4WD trail, on horseback, or by foot.

As is typical on this type of water, nymph and wet-fly fishing methods produce fish throughout the season. Usually late on summer evenings there is excellent dry-fly fishing. The large numbers of baitfish also mean success is likely for skilled streamer anglers.

The river from Wolf Creek down to Hangman’s Bridge (just outside of Markleeville) has several inflow tributaries that make the river grow dramatically. Here, less adventuresome anglers have relatively easy access off Highway 89 and Highway 4.

Hangman’s Bridge to the Nevada state line is a special regulation river section, accessible only by 4WD, on foot, or in good water years, by raft or pontoon boat. Large fish are consistently taken in this stretch.

The river remains a viable trout fishery where it enters Nevada and passes through the Gardnerville area. The river then changes primarily to a warmwater fishery as it flows toward Lahontan Reservoir, although trout can still be found here and there.

To get to the East Fork of the Carson from the California side, take Interstate 50 past Lake Tahoe to Highway 89 south. After about 12 miles Highways 88 and 89 merge; follow the signs to Markleeville. The river parallels the highway.

From Reno, take U.S. Route 395 south to Minden, Nevada. Take Highway 88 west to Woodfords, California, and the junction of Highways 88, 89, and 4.

Angler below riffles on the East Fork of the Carson River. Photo by Don Vachini.

Types of Fish

Rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout, and mountain whitefish. Brook trout in tributaries.

Known Hatches

Like the Truckee and Walker rivers, caddis are prolific here. Mayflies appear in March, hatching sporadically through late September and early October. Golden stones hatch in March and April prior to or just at the beginning of runoff, and little yellow stones appear from June through August.

Equipment to Use

Rods: 5–6 weight, 9 feet in length.

Reels: Standard trout reels are fine.

Lines: Floating, occasionally sink tips for deep water.

Leaders: 3X to 6X, 7½–10 feet in length.

Wading: Felt-soled boots, or chest-high neoprene or breathable waders.

Flies to Use

Dries: Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, Humpy, Royal Wulff, Parachute Hare’s Ear, other parachute patterns in various colors, Little Yellow Stones, Stimulators, Ants, and Hoppers.

Nymphs: Bird’s Nest, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, Prince, Zug Bug, or any of these with beadhead. Green Rockworm, Golden Stone, Little Yellow Stone, Western Coachman, Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupa and Emergers.

Streamers: Muddler Minnow, Woolly Bugger, Hornberg, Zonker, Matuka.

When to Fish

Depending on runoff, June and July and September and October usually have the best dry fly action. Fish with nymphs throughout the season. Streamers work well in the cooler waters of spring and fall.

Seasons & Limits

California: From Hangman’s Bridge to Nevada State line; last Saturday in April to November 15, artificial lures and barbless hooks only. From Carson Falls to Hangman’s Bridge; Last Saturday in April to Nevmber 15. Above Carson falls; closed all year.

Nevada: Open all year.

There are special regulations in California. Check the appropriate state regulations!

Accommodations & Services

All services are readily available in larger towns like Gardnerville and Carson City, Nevada, and Markleeville, California.

Rating

Good dry fly, nymph, and streamer fishing. If solitude in mountain splendor is what you like, Dave Stanley rates the East Fork of the Carson a solid 8.