Alpine County Fishing
Alpine County is almost hidden away in the Sierra Nevada. Located a few miles south of Lake Tahoe, Alpine County has the smallest population of any California county. Its largest towns are Markleeville and the resort communities of Bear Valley on Highway 4 and Kirkwood along Highway 88.
The county features an abundance of popular fishing lakes such as Caples Lake, Red Lake, and the cluster of superb lakes south of Hope Valley around Upper Blue Lake and Lower Blue Lake. On the slopes of Monitor Pass is Heenan Lake. Near Markleeville anglers seek out Indian Springs Reservoir. Along Highway 4 are the popular Lake Alpine (shown above), Mosquito Lakes, and Highland and Kinney lakes.
The rivers and streams of Alpine County are equally as renowned for fishing. The Carson River (shown here) and Wolf Creek flow eastward. On the west slope the Mokelumne River rushes down from one of the Highland lakes and then glides through Hermit Valley.
East Carson River
Highland Lakes
- Easy access
- Best mid and late summer
- Campground near lake
Lower Kinney Lake
- Beautiful mountain lake, lightly fishing
- Fish for Lahontan cutthroat trout
- Fish nearby sister lakes
Silver Creek
- Lively stream, best mid to late summer
- Fish for rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout
- Nearby Silver Creek Campground
Utica Reservoir
High Sierra Trails
Recommended Books, Lures, and Flies for Fishing Alpine County
- High Sierra Fly Fishing : Basics to Advanced Tactics This is the book I go back to again and again to improve my Sierra fishing skills.
- Mepps Lure Assortment Available in a variety of sizes, perfect for Sierra lakes and streams.
- California's Best Fly Fishing: Premier Streams and Rivers from Northern California to the Eastern Sierra, Chip O'Brien. An up-to-date guidebook, complete with maps, detailed descriptions of fishing locations, analysis of the seasonal differences which affect fishing, and fly patterns.
- Flies Direct Elk Hare Caddis Olive Assortment Trout Fishing Flies (1-Dozen) Hand-Tied By Professionals Who Take Great Pride In Their Craftsmanship.
