The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

I'm not here to pry any secret spots out of anyone, but I was hoping that someone on the board could tell me the best time to fish for coastal cutts in the lagoons north of Eureka. Techniques? Good flies to use? Float tube? Any info would be appreciated. Email if you want. Thanks in advance.

Cheers!

--Fly Guy

Fly Guy---
I fish them in Stone and Big after the sand barriers to the ocean break----
As a bonus, you never know when the next pull will be a 30" Steelhead.
For cutts, leaches and scuds seem to be the best producers for me.
I am sure there are cutts in the lagoons year round. I prefer Stone for cutts.

Can you give me an idea as to when this breach might happen? I'm thinking a float tube might work well, but with an open channel to the ocean, well...let's just say I'd be more comfortable with a surfboard at that point. Surf's UP!

--Fly Guy (Dave)

Give the guys at Eureka Flyshop a call (707) 444-2000. They are very helpful and fish the area themselves quite often. They also have all the gear and flies you might need - they are one of those "local" fly shops that should be supported.

If I remember correctly, it is about anytime now that the lagoons breach and the fresh fish come in...

Let us know how you do, if you go. By the way, Stone Lagoon can be fished from shore fairly easily, nice walk along the beach, although if the sand bar is breached, you need to be careful - or take your surfboard

Have fun

CB

no/msg

I've fished Stone off and on for years and have never been there when the spit breaches. I know it does breach but it's always closed when I've been there. A float tube is great for getting around although if you want to really explore different parts of the lagoon, you might consider something with more mobility. I like the north end parking lot because there's a nice cove in that area that you can work. I've heard you can catch fish along the spit but I've not had much luck there.

Agree on the recommendation to check in at the Eureka Fly Shop. The owner (Mike) was featured in Bill Sutherland's book Fly Fishing California Stillwaters, specifically in a chapter on Stone Lagoon.

Wild Bill