West Walker River

[KSB209]

I am planning a trip at the end of July and need some help because I have never fished that river. I know the part in CA below (to the south) of Topaz Lake is barbless and artificial which would be good for me and my fly rod but a couple guys coming with me would rather fish the Nevada section (north side of Topaz) with no hook restrictions and allows bait. So my question is how accessible is the water on the NV side? I heard it is surrounded by private land and difficult to get to the river if you don’t know your way around. Just looking for any info on how to get to the river. Might try the CA side to with my flyrod so any tips or tricks would be appreciated also.

Planning on spending a day at the West Carson and floating around Red Lake in my blow up pontoon too. Figured nymphs on the Carson and maybe dragging some wolly buggers or leeches at Red Lake would be the trick there

[BS]

Planning on spending a day at the West Carson and floating around Red Lake in my blow up pontoon too. Figured nymphs on the Carson and maybe dragging some wolly buggers or leeches at Red Lake would be the trick there

Just a little tid-bit for you regarding Red Lake that may be helpful.

I fished ICR (outside of Markleeville) a few weeks ago (VERY SLOW for everyone) and overheard a group of guys on the water talking about how much algae (bloom) was already in Red Lake.
Mind you this is second hand information that I overheard and not my first hand observation................

If I were you, I'd make a phone call or two to see if Red is experiencing the "Algae Bloom".
There's nothing worse than arriving at a destination and then having to come up with a "plan B" at a moments notice !!!!

Good luck and let us know where and how you did.


Bob

[KSB209]

I agree and forgot that Red gets that algae bloom in the summers. I always try and have plan a, b, and c when I leave for a weekend fishing trip. Was thinking about the Truckee too but that is a little road trip coming from Minden, NV which is going to be based camp for a few days.

[Morgan]

Go try out Caples lake or Silver lake, a tad past Red lake. Much prettier area and a way better chance at catching fish for everyone.

[Dick]

The West Walker River through the canyon and up Hwy 108 is not barbless and restricted during the regular trout season. The barbless regs take effect after the regular season closes on Oct 15th thru the next year opener. The river was just planted with trout to 6+lbs. The community of Walker has the "How big is big?" contest going during the month of July. The water flow is getting good now.

[KSB209]

Thanks for the intel guys. I’ll report back after the trip at the end of the month

[KSB209]

Well packing up and heading out on Wednesday. Any tips on where I should park along the river? Planning on fishing to part of the river south of Topaz Lake and around Hwy 108.

[Dick]

Rainbows to 6+ lbs planted yesterday at the Hwy 395 bridge at the south end of the canyon. You will have a lot of company. Try upstream where the Little Walker enters the West. Just a short walk from the bridge.

Skies are smokey around here and more thundershowers are predicted for the day.

[KSB209]

A week after I got back but I wanted to share. My fly fishing skills are probably to blame for the lack of fish on the fly so I switched to conventional gear and drifted worms. My guesss was 60-70 trout in 2 days for 2 guys drifting worms. I know this is a fly fishing forum but hey.... the walker was on fire a week ago. Just need to hone in my casting and fly skills for the trip next year

[Morgan]

A week after I got back but I wanted to share. My fly fishing skills are probably to blame for the lack of fish on the fly so I switched to conventional gear and drifted worms. My guesss was 60-70 trout in 2 days for 2 guys drifting worms. I know this is a fly fishing forum but hey.... the walker was on fire a week ago. Just need to hone in my casting and fly skills for the trip next year

So you guys drifted worms and killed a bunch of trout.
Not cool.