As a side trip you can reach this lovely meadow stream via the Pacific Crest Trail from the trailhead at Carson Pass on Highway 88, an easy drive from the resort town of South Lake Tahoe. If you hike an hour through spectacular scenery high above Lake Tahoe, you will reach the Upper Truckee where it flows through a meadow. This stretch of river is well on its way to recovery after years of livestock grazing. The trout range from 5 to 14 inches, and they are often visible in the clear waters of the creek. Approach cautiously and make delicate casts. The only equipment necessary is a light rod, a few small terrestrials complemented by some standard dry flies, a nymph or two, and 5X or 6X tippet.

The Upper Truckee River offers good fishing for 5- to 14-inch native Lahontans in a remarkably accessible wilderness setting.

The hike in is almost entirely downhill. The climb back out is to 8,600-foot Carson Pass. Weather can change quickly in the Sierra Nevada range. Take a daypack filled with two protective and insulating layers and food and water. Waders are not necessary, but a solid pair of hiking boots makes walking and streamside rock-hopping more pleasant. The Upper Truckee is a native trout fishery in a wilderness setting that is remarkably accessible, and a far cry from the multi-day epics required to fish much of the best Sierra backcountry.

Despite best efforts by Fish and Game biologists and the presence of a formidable natural barrier below the meadow, introduced brook trout continue to appear in the Upper Truckee. If you catch a brookie, treat yourself to a fresh trout dinner. If you catch someone moving fish from below the barrier up into cutthroat water--the reason that so many native trout everywhere are threatened with extinction--that is illegal. For catching Lahontans, anglers are restricted to artificial lures with barbless hooks and catch-and-release in a season that runs from July 1 through September 30.

Tackle, advice, and guides are available at Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters (530-541-8208) or through Geoff Beer (530-541-1589), both in South Lake Tahoe. Food and lodging can be found in South Lake Tahoe, and camping opportunities abound in the area.