The water is still running high, but very fishable

East Carson River - Markleeville, CA (Alpine County)

by Doug Busey
5-20-2026
Website

The water is still running high, but very fishable.

Check out the deep pools and flat slack waters with a Panther Martin spinner. Deeper holes use a salmon egg or a half a nightcrawler.

The river is full of fish from Alpine County, and the bite is on.

I talked with a few anglers that caught 2 or 3 and another caught 7 and released all but a couple for dinner. Most have been in the 2 to 3 lb range.

I spoke to the resort this week and they only had a couple RV spots and a couple camp spots left open. If you plan to get up there, I would call the Carson River Resort at 530-694-2229.

Don't be surprised if they have a big BBQ cooking on Saturday night. Phill the owner loves to smoke some good meats.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you have a question. a report in our local fishing area or have a photo of your catch, send it to nevada@fishreports.com. Hope to see you on the waters. Good fishin' and tight lines.

More Reports

Carson Now Reports

for Wednesday, May 20th

: Kids Fishing Derby Returns to Lampe Park + Local Fishing Report
Lake Tahoe: Anglers have been fishing shallow in the early mornings on the west shore
Caples Lake: Caples Lake Fishing Report
Woods Lakes: As of last weekend, the road was still closed
Blue Lake Upper: The road is open to the fourth gate as of mid this week
Red Lake: Best area to fish is right by or on the dam
Indian Creek Reservoir: Fishing has been slow from the shore
West Carson River: The waters are running good in the Hope Valley area

Carson Now Reports

for Wednesday, May 6th

: Eastern Sierra Fishing Report: Opening Week Challenges
Lake Tahoe: Not many anglers have been getting out due to weather
Caples Lake: The lake is ice free and the fishing has been fair from shore
Red Lake: The fishing has been hit and miss
Indian Creek Reservoir: Both roads are open
West Carson River: The waters in Hope valley were flowing well
East Carson River: The river is full of fish
Topaz Lake: The fishing has been good for small rainbows
Blue Lake Lower: The road is open to the 3rd gate as of this week
Twin Lakes (Bridgeport): The opening day was very good
Bridgeport Reservoir: The fishing was hot on opening day
Gull Lake: Gull Lake Report
Owens River - Section 3 - Upper (above Crowley): Upper Owens River Report