East Walker River, Nevada
Below Bridgeport Reservoir — Desert tailwater brown trout on the Nevada border
The East Walker River below Bridgeport Reservoir (located in California near the Nevada border) is one of the most productive wild brown trout fisheries in the Great Basin — a cold tailwater flowing through high-desert terrain from the Sierra Nevada foothills into Nevada's Walker Valley. The combination of cold dam releases and the remote sagebrush setting creates an unusual fishing experience: technical tailwater fishing in a landscape that looks more appropriate for bass or catfish.
Wild brown trout dominate the tailwater section, with fish averaging 14–20 inches throughout and exceptional specimens over 24 inches encountered by patient anglers fishing deep, slow runs near the canyon walls. These are not stocked fish — the East Walker's browns are wild, self-sustaining fish that have adapted to the cold tailwater environment and grow large on the river's abundant aquatic insect populations.
California-side access begins immediately below Bridgeport Reservoir with the most accessible fishing near the dam outlet. As the river crosses into Nevada, the character becomes more remote with access requiring longer walks from limited highway crossings. The Nevada sections see significantly less pressure than the California side despite holding fish of equal or greater quality.
The combination of cold tailwater temperatures, minimal pressure, and excellent insect populations makes the East Walker one of the Great Basin's finest brown trout opportunities — a destination that rewards anglers willing to explore beyond the more conventional Sierra Nevada streams.
Bridgeport Reservoir — California Outlet
Access below the dam in California. Most accessible and most pressured section. Cold tailwater immediately below the dam.
Nevada Highway 338 Crossings
As the river crosses into Nevada, highway crossings provide walk-wade access. Less pressure than California sections.
Lower Nevada Sections
Remote access via ranch roads (verify public access). The least pressured water with potentially the largest fish.
Brown Trout
Dominant species throughout. Wild fish averaging 14–20 inches with exceptional fish over 24 inches. One of the finest wild brown trout populations in the Great Basin. Most active during BWO and fall hatches.
Rainbow Trout
Present in smaller numbers, particularly near the dam outlet. Wild fish averaging 12–16 inches. Active during summer Caddis hatches.
The Nevada side of the East Walker is significantly less fished than the California sections immediately below the dam — cross the state line for better fishing.
The East Walker's brown trout are among the finest in Nevada — patient, technical fishing with long fine leaders is required.
Fall is the East Walker's finest season — pre-spawn browns are aggressive, BWO hatches are reliable, and the sagebrush turns golden.
Bring a California AND Nevada license if you plan to fish both sides of the state line — wardens on both sides know this stretch well.
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