Stone Lagoon 1/2/07

Stone Lagoon is one of Humboldt County's brackish/freshwater lagoons that when full from runoff breaks open to the ocean.  It's almost at that state right now.  I've been fishing it since February and have caught everything from a stickleback to six pound steelheads.  Bill, my neighbor, caught an over 10 pounder there last April on his 3wt.  I was with him and netted it for him.

I haven't caught any steelheads the last few times I've been out.  The water's 48 degrees.  I did manage to catch a couple of rainbow half pounders yesterday.  I started with a black leech variant ... nothing.  Then a wooly bugger ... nothing.  Then I tried streamer that I made up jokingly for a trip to NWT last year.  Canadian flag colors; white rabbit zonker near bend then red zonker near eye.  I actually caught a bunch of lakers and pike on this fly.  But yesterday, it worked on the rainbows.

After I got home I guessed that if I had worked the area near where it's going to break, I might have found the steelies.  Then again, it would have been stupid to get near where it breaks in a kayak if it does break through.  Oh, well.  It's going to be strange to fish there after the breakthrough after the water drops 5 to 8 feet.

That's it from the redwoods, Hal

Stone Lagoon is one of Humboldt County's brackish/freshwater lagoons that when full from runoff breaks open to the ocean.  It's almost at that state right now.  I've been fishing it since February and have caught everything from a stickleback to six pound steelheads.  Bill, my neighbor, caught an over 10 pounder there last April on his 3wt.  I was with him and netted it for him.

I haven't caught any steelheads the last few times I've been out.  The water's 48 degrees.  I did manage to catch a couple of rainbow half pounders yesterday.  I started with a black leech variant ... nothing.  Then a wooly bugger ... nothing.  Then I tried streamer that I made up jokingly for a trip to NWT last year.  Canadian flag colors; white rabbit zonker near bend then red zonker near eye.  I actually caught a bunch of lakers and pike on this fly.  But yesterday, it worked on the rainbows.

After I got home I guessed that if I had worked the area near where it's going to break, I might have found the steelies.  Then again, it would have been stupid to get near where it breaks in a kayak if it does break through.  Oh, well.  It's going to be strange to fish there after the breakthrough after the water drops 5 to 8 feet.

That's it from the redwoods, Hal

How about Big Lagoon? Ever try that?

I fished them both frequently when I was at HSU.  I used to LOVE Stone Lagoon.

WoW another dude from Humboldt!! We're rare on this board. I fish the lagoons all the time. I love fishing and paddling next to Elk herds and roving Blackbears. Stone Lagoon is my favorite camping up here because of the boat-in only campsite. I lead tours and give certified instruction here in the area. Drop by Humboats on Woodley Island if you ever need a fishing partner. [email protected]

LOL.  That must be Hawk!   Marcia told me about you.  Just haven't run into you yet.

I've been a regular at Stone Lagoon since February.  I get out there at least once a week.  Two weeks ago, it was 28 degrees when I left the house.  30 when I hit the water.  It was real nice until a sudden wind started blowing at over 20mph.  Time to get off the water when you're alone, the water is 48, the air is 30, and the wind is whipping.

I try Big Lagoon every once in a while.  I just haven't had the luck there that I do at Stone.  Also Stone is a lot prettier, imho.

Hal

Welcome, Hal!  Glad you're getting some action up at the lagoon.  I haven't fished there in years, but you're right, it's a beautiful spot.  Keep on posting!   

Spent my freshman year at HSU -- good times!  Stone Lagoon, South Jetty, great surfperching off the beaches, caught a big ray off a railroad bridge in the bay, caught my first Mad River salmon while I was supposed to be taking an accounting test...and who can forget all-you-can-eat at the Samoa Cookhouse!  Next time post some pix so we can live vicariously through your posts...

Gordon--I've post pics from here frequently but you can also check out the paddling scene here vicariously by going to http://www.humboats.com .  Look at my photo gallery it's chock full of Northcoast paddling.