The East Walker River in Nevada flows through Lyon County originating along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada (California). Bridgeport Reservoir, seven miles upstream of the NV-CA border, stores water for irrigation needs in Nevada. Historically, cutthroat trout migrated 140 miles from Walker Lake to the headwaters, but this no longer occurs. Now, rainbow and brown trout and mountain whitefish are the popular fisheries. In 2017, Nevada Division of State Parks began managing areas that were previously private (Flying M, Rafter 7, and Pitchfork ranches), with public access allowed at Pitchfork Ranch. Additional angling access is forthcoming.
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- Region
- Western
- County
- Lyon
- Type of water
- River
Fishing Report
Flows have been a little high at roughly 250cfs for quite a while, but fishing has remained excellent. Stocking has been strong from spring through summer so far and should continue as temperatures allow. Spin fisherman using bright spinners and small spoons are finding fish just about everywhere. Fly fisherman with larger streamers in the deeper runs have been just as effective as the spinners. Tight line nymphing has been deadly with mayfly imitations but should shift to more of a caddis game with the increase in water temperatures. Hoppers are out in full force, but the flows have limited some of the dry fly fishing so far this season. Look for that to really turn on as we see flows fall below 150cfs.
Walker River Angler Guide Information
07-01-2024Stocking Updates
| Stocked | Species | Inches | Date Stocked | Year to Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 10.1 | 06-18-2024 | 11058 |
| 932 | Brown Trout | 10.2 | 06-18-2024 | 45674 |
| 2465 | Rainbow Trout | 9.5 | 05-17-2024 | 9078 |
| 2100 | Brown Trout | 9.4 | 05-17-2024 | 44742 |
| 2364 | Brown Trout | 9.4 | 05-06-2024 | 42642 |
| 3564 | Rainbow Trout | 9.2 | 04-15-2024 | 6613 |
| 2816 | Brown Trout | 1.7 | 04-09-2024 | 40278 |
| 5732 | Brown Trout | 1.7 | 04-09-2024 | 37462 |
| 9618 | Brown Trout | 1.4 | 03-28-2024 | 31730 |
| 5576 | Brown Trout | 8.1 | 03-19-2024 | 22,112 |
| 3049 | Rainbow Trout | 8.1 | 08-25-2023 | 3049 |
| 4302 | Brown Trout | 10.2 | 08-08-2023 | 16,536 |
| 4998 | Brown Trout | 10.2 | 07-26-2023 | 12,234 |
| 7236 | Brown Trout | 1.6 | 04-28-2023 | 7236 |
Pertinent Information
– Approximately 38 percent of the East Walker River flows through BLM and Forest Service lands and 62 percent of the Nevada portion has public access. Upstream access begins at Rosaschi Ranch, which is most popular for fly- and lure fishing. Rainbow and brown trout and mountain whitefish spawn naturally, and populations are the highest compared to those downstream. Just downstream is the Elbow, which is stocked with rainbow trout. Its habitat is also suitable for natural trout spawning, and fly- and bait fishing are popular. Other common fishing sites include Raccoon Beach and Ravenelle, but access is more difficult to reach. The newly purchased State Park areas (Flying-M Ranch, Pitchfork Ranch, and Rafter 7 Ranch) have also been stocked and trout populations should become established with time. Irrigation generally begins in April and ends in October and flows reach between 200 to 500 cubic feet per second (cfs), making it difficult to wade. Winter flow ranges between 20 and 50 cfs and fishing becomes easier. The East Walker River is classified as non-navigable, meaning that the river passing through private property is also private property.