West Carson report

[PatrickM]

Managed to sneak over to the West Carson on Saturday afternoon. The valley is pretty much clear of snow, but still plenty up in the mountains. The river looked pretty high and off color at the bridge. Didn't see anyone fishing at all, which is a good indication of the conditions. I went to one of the small creeks that feed the W. Carson and fished for just over an hour. Fished dry flies mostly, with no takers at all. Caught one tiny brookie high-sticking a pheasant tail in an eddy. The small creek was as big and off color as I've ever seen it. Water temp. was 45 degrees. Brrr. Lots of 3-4 foot snow banks still around in the trees.
Drove back down 50 on Sunday evening. South Fork of the American is pretty much complete rapids. Looks like a kayaker's dream, but didn't see anyone out there. Just read today that a slide closed Hwy. 50 on Sunday night just east of Kyburz, so check the road conditions if you're planning on heading up that way.

W. Carson below 89 bridge.


Upstream from bridge.


Hope Valley


Small creek




South Fork of the American

[Wingman]

PM,

Thanks for the nice report and photos.

Wingman

[bigtj]

Thanks for the report. It's still early and cold. Try back in July. You will have a good time. I'm sure the day was still worth it to be out in such beautiful country and have it to yourself.

Best,

-John

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I love those photos.

Makes you want to load up the car and start driving up there.

Thanks

[bigtj]

PM - that looks like the creek I was talking about. Strong work. Enjoy it.

[PatrickM]

Thanks, guys.
Bigtj, I've fished a few of those little creeks up there that have lots of little dumb fish. To tell you the truth, I don't really know their names, but it probably was one of the ones you were talking about in that other post. I knew the fishing wasn't going to be up to much, but I just wanted to get out there and see the conditions for myself. I'd guess it might be at least another month before things start turning on up there?

[bigtj]

Yeah, middle to end of June. I'm not sure exactly what's going on with the high snow. The low snow all melted in about a week now we're waiting for the high snow to come down. It could be that since rivers have been running high since December that a lot of the dirt and junk have clean itself out and it will just be high, clear and cold at the end of May. I still think it's likely that runoff will peak as usual 3rd or 4th week in May then have about another 2-3 weeks for the water to come down and start warming up. We'll see what happens, this year sure has been a wild ride.