Carson Pass Fishing
Rewarding fishing is found up and down Carson Pass. For casual anglers and dedicated fishermen alike, the popular lakes such as Silver Lake and Caples Lake can provide days of excellent fishing. Those seeking a little more adventure try places such as Blue Lakes or Tiger Creek Afterbay. Fishing from boats is popular at expansive Lower Bear River Reservoir.
Fly fishermen do well on the lakes and also on many of the streams and rivers. The West Carson River running through Hope Valley is well known as a great destination for fly fishing. Little Caples Creek offers some challenging fly -fishing opportunities. Another favorite spot is along the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River.
Red Lake has dangerous algae toxins which can harm people and kill animals. Do not touch water or eat fish from the lake. Red Lakes Wildlife Area
Lower Bear River Reservoir
Lower Bear River Reservoir is a great trout fishery with brown trout and mackinaws. Some Kamloops Junction rainbow trout, released in the upper reservoir, have found their way into the lower lake. The Bear River Lake Resort stocks the lake with trophy-size rainbows. The 727-acre lake is at 5,800 feet, just a few miles off Highway 88, 40 miles east of Jackson.
Most fishermen would say the lake is at its best in the spring and fall. Anglers do well both from boat and shore. From shore, try fishing the mouths of the rivers, especially in Little Bear River Cove by the resort. Trollers like to work the lake in the 20 to 60-foot range.
Popular Baits and Lures: Rapalas, Flatfish, Hum-dingers, J-Plugs, Wedding Rings, worms trolled behind flashers or dodgers
Facilities
- Bear River Lake Resort with lodging, boat rentals, and launch ramp.
- Four National Forest Campgrounds
- Two public launch ramps
Silver Lake
Silver Lake is another popular fishing lake on Carson Pass. Anglers will catch brown, rainbow, and mackinaw trout there. A record 22-pound mackinaw was pulled from the lake in 2002. The lake rests at an elevation of 7,300 feet, 52 miles east of Jackson on Highway 88. Silver Lake is another of those lakes where the catch from shore is as good as from a boat. Shore fishermen favor Ferguson Point, Sandy Cove, and the inlet at the southern end of the lake. Trollers like working north of Treasure Island and along the west shore.
Silver Lake is operated by the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID). They charge a day-use fee for their boat ramp and their day-use areas there, Sandy Cove and Ferguson Point. Day use fees are $10 per vehicle and $10 per boat launch. The same pass is also good at Caples Lake and Sly Park. Alternative launch sites are at the Kit Carson Lodge and Plasse's Resort.
Popular Baits and Lures: PowerBait, Hum-dingers, Panther Martins, Wedding Rings, Nightcrawlers, Rapalas, Flatfish
Facilities
- Kit Carson Lodge has cabins and rooms, boat rentals, and launch ramp.
- Plasse's Resort offers a store, launch ramp, and boat storage and rentals.
- Two campgrounds - Silver Lake and Silver Lake West
- Two day-use areas: Sandy Cove and Ferguson Point
Caples Lake
Caples Lake is home to Mackinaw trout, brown, brook and rainbows. The lake is 59 miles east of Jackson at an elevation of 7,800 feet. It has 600 surface acres. Boats are limited to 5 MPH. As with its neighbor lakes, fishing is good from both shore and boat. Shore anglers usually do well at creek inlets, and near the dam and spillway.
Caples Lake launch ramp on the east shore is operated by the El Dorado Irrigation District. They charge a day-use fee for the new boat ramp and the parking area on the east shore. Day use fees are $10 per vehicle and $10 per boat launch.
Popular Baits and Lures: Kastmasters, Rebels, Minnow imitations, PowerBait, J-Plugs, Rapalas, salmon eggs
Facilities:
- Caples Lake Resort has lodge rooms and housekeeping cabins along with a marina with boat rentals and a launch ramp.
- Caples Lake Campground (across the highway from the resort and lake)
- East shore launch ramp and day-use area
Blue Lakes
Blue Lakes are tucked away 12 miles off the main highway and so are overlooked by some anglers. The road to the lakes departs from Highway 88 in Hope Valley. The lakes are about 8,000' in elevation and often don't clear of snow until mid-summer.
Both Upper and Lower Blue lakes have rainbow, Lahontan cutthroat, and brook trout. With steep drop-offs from the shore, fishing from the banks is especially good at these lakes.
Popular Baits and Lures: Power Bait, Salmon Eggs, Spinners, Panther Martins, Super Dupers
Facilities:
- PG&E Campgrounds
- Two launch ramps at the upper lake, one at the lower lake
Tiger Creek Afterbay
Tiger Creek Afterbay, also known as Tiger Creek Reservoir, doesn't allow any swimming or float tubes, but it is a good place to fish for rainbow trout. To reach the afterbay head east on Highway 88 from Jackson for 18 miles and then turn onto Tiger Creek Powerhouse Road. It's 2½ miles to the lake. The elevation is 2,400 feet.
Popular Baits and Lures: Mepps, Kastmasters, Power Bait, Salmon Eggs, Nightcrawlers, Spinners, Panther Martins
Facilities: Picnic area with two tables and a vault toilet
West Carson River
The West Carson River begins at 8,700-foot Lost Lakes and plunges into 600 feet into a valley that leads into Faith Valley. There the river begins to meander across Faith Valley and later Hope Valley. That 10-mile segment only drops about 500 feet.
Fly fishermen love to work this length of the river. Most of it is easily accessible from Highway 88 or Blue Lakes Road.
Popular flies and nymphs: Adams, Ants, Grey Wulff, Gnats, Elk Hair Caddis; Bead head pheasant tail, Zug Bug
Caples Creek
Caples Creek runs 9 miles from Caples Lake down to the American River. Along the way it offers a variety of fishing from small pools to riffles to rushing cascades. The upper part of the creek can be reached easily from Caples Lake. Lower portions can be reached by a trail that begins at Martin Meadow.
Expect mostly rainbow trout with a few browns.
Middle Fork Cosumnes River
Rainbow and brown trout are found in the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River. One of the most popular fishing spots is the stretch of river near PiPi Campground. An accessible fishing trail and dock along the river near the campground make it is wonderful place for children and those with mobility difficulties.
Reach the campground by turning off Highway 88 about 11½ miles east of Pioneer onto Omo Ranch Road. Then turn onto North South Road and watch for signs after you cross the river.
PiPi Campground
Another popular access point for the river is at Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground. Sixteen miles east of Pioneer turn left onto Cat Creek Road which leads to the campground.
Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground
Facilities: Restrooms, campsites, and water only at Pipi Campground.
