Silver Creek - Ebbets Pass Highway 4, CA

Creek Information

Fish Species: Rainbow Trout
Silver Creek, proximate to Ebbetts Pass along Highway 4 in California, constitutes a pristine high-elevation freestone trout fishery. This lotic system, distinguished by its clear, cold waters and diverse hydraulic features, supports populations of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Brown Trout (Salmo trutta), and Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), with wild strains predominating in its less accessible reaches.

Fly fishing is the preeminent and most efficacious angling methodology. Nymphing with imitative patterns (e.g., Prince Nymph, Copper John, caddis, stonefly) is consistently productive in its turbulent pocket water and runs. Opportunistic dry fly presentations during active entomological hatches (e.g., Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, terrestrials) demand precise, drag-free drifts in gin-clear conditions. Spin anglers may achieve limited success with diminutive artificial lures. Anglers are unequivocally mandated to consult current California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulations, as specific segments may impose seasonal closures (e.g., upstream from Lake Alpine for spawning protection) or "artificial lures and flies only" provisions, integral to the conservation of this sensitive alpine resource. Optimal fishing periods span from late spring through autumn, post-snowmelt.



Latest Photos

4 lbs. 12 oz.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Alpine County
Mark Schwartz
6-12-2020

Silver Creek Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Rainbow Trout 4 lbs. 12 oz. 6-12-2020 View Report


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
7-3-2025 Fishing has been fair
The river was planted  last month by the... more »
Doug Busey
8-22-2024 The fishing has been slow to fair for anglers
The fishing has been slow to fair for... more »
Doug Busey
6-28-2024 The water is low but very fishable
The water is low but very fishable. I... more »
Doug Busey
5-9-2024 The river has settled down and was running about 300 cfm with clarity
The river has settled down and was running... more »
Doug Busey
4-18-2024 The flows have been running clear but may muddy up a little with runoff
The flows have been running clear but may... more »
Doug Busey

Detailed Map