The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

I've already caught six of the eleven trout in F&G Heritage Trout Program, but I'm hoping that this might be a seventh. I caught this little guy in Redwood Creek up on the North Coast. It has some of the characteristics of a stream resident coastal cutthroat, but then it doesn't. Slight "cut" mark, heavy spotting, reddish/orange pelvic and anal fins and Redwood Creek is also known to contain Coastal Cutts. However, it's mouth doesn't go that far back and the cutt marks are a bit faint. Perhaps a cuttbow? Or is this just any ordinary rainbow/steelhead smolt? Anyone?

--FlyGuy

sure looks like a steelhead smolt to me. I don't see the "cutt". Try Jed Smith SP for your coastal cutt, riffle above pedestrian bridge at camp in Sept. Good Luck!

Yeah, the "cutt" showed up pretty poorly in the picture. When I was on the stream looking at it, it was easier to see, but still rather faint. I tried to enlarge it enough so it's visible. I'll try the Smith next time I find myself up that way. Thanks!

--FlyGuy

Hmmm... hard to tell. It's been awhile. Try the Mad for coastal cutts this time of year. If I was over there, I'd probably be below the Essex bridge fishing for them instead of checking the board right now!

This actually is my last check of the board for a while. I'm heading to Alaska this afternoon, where I am pretty certain that I will encounter coastal cutts, but I was hoping that the one in the photo was one of the California variety. It'll be good to get into some clear air and cooler temps and hopefully some good fishing!

Cheers!

--FlyGuy (Dave)

Have a great trip and definitiely post a report upon return!