East Carson River (CA) - Markleeville, CA

Photo Credit: ©Chad Woods (June 15, 2018)
All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved
River Information
Fish Species: | Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Lahontan Cutthroat |
The East Carson River in Alpine County, California, is one of the Sierra’s top freestone trout streams, offering both stocked and wild trout in a pristine alpine setting. Flowing from the eastern Sierra crest through Markleeville and on to Nevada, the East Carson is known for its clear water, deep runs, and accessible public access.
From late spring through fall, fly anglers can expect excellent conditions. Once spring runoff subsides—usually by late May or early June—the river’s flows stabilize and insect activity surges. Mayfly, stonefly, and caddis hatches dominate early summer, while terrestrial activity peaks during July and August. Dry-dropper setups, using flies like stimulators or elk hair caddis trailed by pheasant tails or copper johns, are particularly effective throughout these months.
The river’s upper section near the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness and above Hangman’s Bridge is managed with wild trout regulations, offering an excellent backcountry experience for anglers focused on solitude and wild fish. The middle section between Markleeville and Gardnerville is regularly stocked and provides easier access and higher catch rates, particularly for beginners or family trips.
Fall brings some of the best fishing, with lower, clearer flows and renewed trout activity. Browns become aggressive, making streamer fishing near undercut banks highly effective. Throughout the season, the East Carson rewards a variety of fly techniques, including tight-line nymphing, dry fly fishing, and streamer presentations.
The river’s combination of accessibility, fish variety, and alpine scenery makes it a flagship Eastern Sierra fishery. With both challenging wild water and heavily stocked sections, it caters to all levels of fly anglers.
From late spring through fall, fly anglers can expect excellent conditions. Once spring runoff subsides—usually by late May or early June—the river’s flows stabilize and insect activity surges. Mayfly, stonefly, and caddis hatches dominate early summer, while terrestrial activity peaks during July and August. Dry-dropper setups, using flies like stimulators or elk hair caddis trailed by pheasant tails or copper johns, are particularly effective throughout these months.
The river’s upper section near the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness and above Hangman’s Bridge is managed with wild trout regulations, offering an excellent backcountry experience for anglers focused on solitude and wild fish. The middle section between Markleeville and Gardnerville is regularly stocked and provides easier access and higher catch rates, particularly for beginners or family trips.
Fall brings some of the best fishing, with lower, clearer flows and renewed trout activity. Browns become aggressive, making streamer fishing near undercut banks highly effective. Throughout the season, the East Carson rewards a variety of fly techniques, including tight-line nymphing, dry fly fishing, and streamer presentations.
The river’s combination of accessibility, fish variety, and alpine scenery makes it a flagship Eastern Sierra fishery. With both challenging wild water and heavily stocked sections, it caters to all levels of fly anglers.
East Carson River (CA) Whoppers
Species | Weight | Date | Report |
Rainbow Trout | 9 lbs. 12 oz. | 7-18-2020 | View Report |
Rainbow Trout | 7 lbs. | 9-20-2016 | View Report |
Rainbow Trout | 6 lbs. | 6-25-2020 | View Report |
Rainbow Trout | 6 lbs. | 8-09-2023 | View Report |
Rainbow Trout | 5 lbs. 11 oz. | 10-26-2020 | View Report |
Rainbow Trout | 5 lbs. 4 oz. | 9-29-2020 | View Report |
Rainbow Trout | 5 lbs. | 6-07-2020 | View Report |
Rainbow Trout | 3 lbs. 12 oz. | 6-02-2020 | View Report |
Rainbow Trout | 3 lbs. 12 oz. | 9-02-2020 | View Report |
Rainbow Trout | 3 lbs. 12 oz. | 9-25-2020 | View Report |
Latest Fish Reports
Date | Report | Author |
6-19-2025 | The fishing has picked up a little now that the water has mellowed a bit The fishing has picked up a little now... more » |
Doug Busey |
5-29-2025 | Fishing has been a little slow but a few have been caught in the 4 to 6lb class Fishing Has been a little slow. But a... more » |
Doug Busey |
5-15-2025 | 3lb at East Carson River Kenny from San Jose CA 3lb at east... more » |
Doug Busey |
5-8-2025 | Last weekend brought us some fun weather, and great fishing Last weekend brought us some fun weather, and... more » |
Markleeville General Store Staff |
5-1-2025 | The river was running a little high, but very fishable The river was running a little high, but... more » |
Doug Busey |
Detailed Map


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