Eel River - Scotia - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Eel River – Scotia - Water Flow Chart
Eel River – Scotia - Weather report & radar
Eel River – Scotia - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Throughout the day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | 8-12 | Golden Stone | |
| February | Midges | Throughout the day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | 8-12 | Golden Stone | |
| March | Caddisflies | Afternoon | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | 8-12 | Golden Stone | |
| April | Blue Winged Olive | Morning, late evening | 16-20 | BWO Nymph |
| May | Pale Morning Dun | Mid morning to afternoon | 14-18 | Sparkle Dun |
| June | Green Drake | Afternoon | 10-14 | Green Drake Comparadun |
| Caddisflies | Noon onwards | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| July | Terrestrials | Afternoon | 6-10 | Black Beatle |
| Caddisflies | Noon onwards | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| August | Terrestrials | Afternoon | 6-10 | Black Beatle |
| September | Mahogany Dun | Afternoon | 12-16 | Mahogany Dun Spinner |
| Blue Winged Olive | Morning, late evening | 16-20 | BWO Nymph | |
| October | Midges | Throughout the day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olive | Morning, late evening | 16-20 | BWO Nymph | |
| November | Midges | Throughout the day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olive | Morning, late evening | 16-20 | BWO Nymph | |
| December | Midges | Throughout the day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | 8-12 | Golden Stone |
Eel River – Scotia Access Points
- Great for steelhead, salmon, and trout
- Boat ramps make this a go-to spot for convenient access
- Located in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park
- Popular for steelhead fly fishing during spawning season
- This is both the start of the South Fork Eel and an excellent spot for salmon and steelhead
- A steep route, but rewarding fishing grounds
- Home to steelhead, Coho salmon, and sea-run cutthroat trout
Eel River – Scotia Fishing Spots
If you’re a passionate angler seeking the perfect fly fishing spot on the Eel River – Scotia, consider the following locales:
- Fernbridge: Known for steelhead fishing, Fernbridge offers striking river views to enjoy while waiting for a bite.
- Scotia Bluffs: Renowned for its plentiful salmon, the scenic Scotia Bluffs will delight any avid fisher.
- Fortuna Riverwalk: Not far upstream from Fernbridge, this spot provides a gorgeous setting and plenty of steelhead and salmon.
- Rio Dell: Located further upstream, Rio Dell offers serene surroundings and is known for its healthy stock of salmon and steelhead.
Note: Always remember to follow local guidelines and regulations for fishing to ensure a sustainable practice.
Eel River – Scotia Local Fish Species
- Steelhead: Known for their aggressive behavior and intense fights, they are one of the most popular species on the Eel River.
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these fish are a challenging yet rewarding catch.
- Coho Salmon: Being an endangered species, they must be released immediately after catch on the Eel River.
- Rainbow Trout: These are aggressive eaters and put up a good fight making them an excellent choice for fly fishing.
- Brown Trout: Found in slower moving waters, are known for their beautiful coloration and size.
- American Shad: Although not native to the Eel River, are highly sought after for fly fishing due to their feistiness.
- Smallmouth Bass: Thriving in warmer waters, the Eel River presents a perfect habitat for these fish.
- Striped Bass: Although a lesser known fly fishing species on the Eel River, they are greatly enjoyed by fly fishers who encounter them.
About the Eel River – Scotia
Running through the heart of Humboldt County, Northern California, the majestic Eel River – Scotia holds an intriguing and bold history. It was from its bountiful waters that Native Americans like the Wiyot people garnered sustenance and crafted tools thousands of years ago.
In the mid 19th century, the river and the surrounding Scots Pine forest provided a foundation for the development of the eerily picturesque town of Scotia, one of the few remaining “company towns” completely owned by lumber companies.
- The development of the logging and timber industry here was truly revolutionary, evolving from manual logging to steam-powered sawmills in a few decades.
- The very same Eel River played a critical role during this timber boom, serving as a powerful, natural highway for log transportation.
Today, with its sprawling vistas and serene environment, this historical river and quiet town attract visitors from far and wide, gleaming with signs of past industrial prowess and unspoiled natural beauty.
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