KIRKWOOD:

Snowkirk

Forbidden Forest

Girl Scouts

West Meadow

East Meadow

Caples Crest

Whiskey Shots

Iron Horse

Red Cliffs

Scout's Route

Lower Corral

Danberg Trail

Robey Wolfe

Funny Bunny

Cut Back

Hole 'N Wall

Solitude

Vista

Upper Corral

Red Cliffs

Whiskey Shots

Whiskey Alt

Sentinels Trail

Thunder Mountain

CAPLES LAKE TO CARSON PASS:

Lake Margaret

Emmigrant Lake/Wagon Wheel Peak

Woods Lake Loop (Roundtop--Winnemucca)

Woods Lake to Fourth of July Lake

PCT  North to Round and Showers Lakes and Highway 50

PCT South to Blue Lakes Road

Carson Pass to Winnemucca Lake

BLUE LAKES ROAD:

Faith Valley to Forestdale Creek Trail/Lost Lakes

Charity Valley Trail--West Trailhead

Thornburg Canyon Trail-West Trailhead

Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) North to Carson Pass

PCT South to Raymond Lake and Ebbett's Pass

Wet Meadows

Grouse Lake Trail

Evergreen Trail

Summit City Trail

Camp Irene Trail

Forestdale Creek Road

HOPE VALLEY:

Armstrong Pass Road

Armstrong Pass Trail (To TRT)

Horsethief Canyon

Willow Creek

Sorenson's Trail/Pickett's Peak Trail

Luther Pass to Scott's Lake

Burnside Lake Road

Burnside Lake Trail

Find the full details for each route on AllTrails:

https://www.alltrails.com

1. Caples Lake

• Species: Rainbow, Brown, Brook trout, Mackinaw (Lake Trout), and occasional cutthroat 

• Best Access: Shore fishing is fruitful around creek inlets, spillway, and dam. For trophy-size Mackinaw, boat fishing/trolling is highly effective.

• Amenities: Includes a marina, boat rentals, lodging, camping, and a store via Caples Lake Resort Caples Lake Resort

• Seasonal Perks: Year-round fishing with ice-fishing opportunities in winter; available both from shore and boat during warmer seasons

• Regulations: Limit of 5 trout (min. 10") per day

• Why Visit: Spectacular alpine scenery, diverse trout population, accessible shorelines, and full facilities.

2. West Fork Carson River (Hope Valley)

• Fishing Style: Excellent fly fishing; ideal for dry flies thanks to abundant aquatic insects and scenic stream stretches

• Access Points: Easily accessed along Highway 89 through Hope Valley. The West Carson offers a more relaxed catch, while the East Carson (below Hangman’s Bridge) is catch-and-release with barbless hooks for a tougher, purist challenge

3. Blue Lakes (Upper & Lower, near Hope Valley)

• Species: Rainbow trout, Lahontan cutthroat, brook trout

• Setting: High-elevation alpine lakes (~8,000 ft) with clear water and dramatic scenery

• Access: Seasonal roads open via Blue Lakes Road off CA-88; better after snow melt in early summer

• Fishing Style: Great shoreline fishing thanks to steep drop-offs; peaceful and less crowded 

4. Other Notable Waters

• Kirkwood Lake: A small alpine lake stocked with rainbow trout; accessible but modest in size

• Other Alpine Lakes Around Hope Valley: Include Red Lake, Lost Lakes, Crater Lake, Indian Creek Reservoir, Burnside Lake, Sunset Lakes, Tamarack Lake, and Scott’s Lake—each stocked with trout and accessible via forest roads (some require 4x4 or hiking)

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

SUMMER:

Bear Valley Adventure

• Single Kayaks

• Double Kayaks

• Stand-Up Paddleboards

• Canoes

• Boats

• Bikes / Road / Mountain / Bikes

• Boat Delivery

Lake Alpine Lodge 

• Motorboats

• Canoes

• Kayaks

• Stand-Up Paddleboards

• Pedal Boats

Caples Lake Resort

• Single Kayaks

• Double Kayaks

• Fishing Boats

• Stand-Up Paddleboards

• Pedal Kayak

• Pontoon Boats

WINTER:

Bear Valley Adventure

• Cross Country Skis

• Snowshoes

• Sleds & Tubes

Bear Valley Snowmobile

• Snowmobiles

Bear Valley Resort

• Ski and Snowboard

Kirkwood Resort

• Ski & Snowboard

Kirkwood Cross Country

• Cross Country Skis

• Snowshoes

• Fat Tire Bikes

Desolation Hotel, Hope Valley

• Cross Country Skis

• Snowshoes