The Hyper-capable 5wt You've Always Wanted
Having an extra 6" in length, compared to a standard 9 footer, offers a significant upgrade
LCO's Guide To San Francisco
Stripers off the beach. Halibut in the Bay. World-champion casters in the park. San Francisco is America's Fishiest City — and here is the case for it.
How To Choose a Trout Fly Lines
Fly lines are the most impactful—and least understood—piece of fly-fishing gear. The right line can transform how you cast, mend, and connect with fish on California trout waters.
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IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT CAST
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Aptly named, this fly earned its place when I was fishing the East Walker in the middle of summer and wanted to fish a dry, despite 0 bugs coming off. A large brown trout decided the Cat Vomit was worth the effort to rise up and chow. I have repeated this multiple times over the years.
A soft landing golden stone that doubles as an October caddis in the fall. One of my top-producing summer/fall dry flies, when a Chubby isn't getting it done, strap on a Clark's Stone and those wary trout will eat.
A low-riding caddis that doubles as an emerging mayfly. A staple slow water dry fly. Another classic California pattern, make sure you always have a few in your box all summer long.
Don't go anywhere in the West in June without a pocketful of PMD spinners. We like this pattern because it's easy to see and finicky fish eat it.
Quickly becoming a favorite pattern all over the West, the Duracell looks like an emerging caddis, or mayfly and is an absolute killer in Nor Cal. Drop one off a golden stone dry and you have a primo searching rig.
Caddis are ubiquitous across North America all summer and while we all wait and pray for that June evening hatch, trout are feeding on pupae subsurface all day, every day. Buggy, heavy and the right colors, Rio's Super Pupa is what you need to find fish under a dry or a bobber.
June is stonefly time, but not all stoneflies are as big as the headliners. Golden stones often come in smaller sizes and Sallies too. The Micro Stone fits that bill and fools fish that have passed on all the big junk.
Walt knew what he was doing with this pattern. Caddis larvae carpet most trout streams across North America. Trout eat them constantly. This pattern gets down quickly and is deadly effective across California.
Slim and flowing, this pattern looks like a leech or a small baitfish, even a damsel nymph and it gets eaten. Excellent choice for early summer High Sierra lakes or Almanor or Manzanita.
If you're on the hunt for big trout, this pattern is a good place to start. Big fish want meat. The Silk Kitty is a t-bone steak. Don't wait for fall to fish streamers.
Lost Coast Outfitters presents Lost Coast apparel, our in-house line of branded gear made for anglers and fans alike. From embroidered trucker caps and waxed canvas hats to cozy hoodies, crewnecks, and graphic tees, our apparel showcases the spirit of San Francisco’s premier fly shop. Each piece is crafted with quality fabrics and thoughtful design, whether you’re wearing it on the water, in town, or at the lodge.
Wearing Lost Coast apparel means more than a logo — it connects you to our community and values: conservation, local waters, and the fly-fishing lifestyle. Browse the full collection, explore sizing and materials, and find the perfect piece to represent LCO wherever your adventures take you.
More Than a Fly Shop
LCO is proud to call the Bay Area home, and continuing to build the best fly shop online and in person. See the Smith Optics video about LCO and fly fishing the Bay Area.
Your Shop for Winter Steelhead
Browse our selection of LCO gear handpicked for the winter steelhead season. Flies, rods, and reels to get you dialed in before your next trip. And check out our LCO Steelhead guides below.
Discover our curated collection of Spey Reels—precision-engineered for the demands of two-handed fly fishing. Whether you’re swinging flies for steelhead, salmon, or sea-run browns, these reels deliver the perfect balance, line capacity, and drag control needed for long casts and powerful runs.
We stock top brands trusted by Spey anglers worldwide, including Hardy, Hatch, and Lamson, each offering proven performance and corrosion-resistant design for both fresh and saltwater Spey setups. From traditional click-and-pawl classics to modern sealed-drag systems, our reels pair beautifully with Scandi, Skagit, and switch rod applications.
Find the ideal two-hand reel to complement your Spey rod and elevate your swing game—built to last, tested on California’s legendary rivers and beyond.
Few fish our capture the imagination like steelhead, and the right fly makes all the difference. At Lost Coast Outfitters, our steelhead flies are curated for anglers who chase these remarkable fish across California and the Pacific Northwest.
Our selection includes classic swing flies, effective Intruders, and elegant skating dry flies that bring steelhead to the surface — each pattern chosen for its movement, durability, and proven performance.
From broad winter flows to clear summer tailouts, these steelhead flies are tied to hold up.
Explore our premium collection of two handed rods and Spey rods at Lost Coast Outfitters, designed for anglers targeting steelhead, salmon, and other large species. These rods provide superior casting distance, accuracy, and control, perfect for fishing in big rivers and coastal waters.
Crafted by top brands and built with advanced materials, our two handed rods and Spey rods deliver the strength and responsiveness needed for long casts and heavy lines. Whether you’re new to Spey casting or a seasoned pro, find the perfect rod to match your style and fishing conditions.
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