Special needs kids to fish free at Gray Lodge
Up to 40 special needs children or perhaps more will get to try their luck with rod and reel and some free fishing at the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area on Saturday, April 17, thanks to C.A.S.T. the “Catch a Special Thrill’ Foundation and some Gridley area businesses... Full Story
Davis Lake ice fishing is on
By Gary Heffley
The ice fishing is currently real good on Davis Lake according to Jeanne at J & J Grizzly Store and Camping Resort just south of the lake. Jeanne reports that the ice is 12” plus in thickness in the dam area with 17” to 18” Eagle Lake Rainbows the norm. Around the island and Eagles Point the trout are averaging 2-4 pounds. Worms and PowerBait are the best producers with worms being the most productive...
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Colusa Area Report -- River Blown Out
By Gary Heffley
Marco at Kittle’s Outdoor Sports in Colusa reports that there is little happening on the Sacramento River as the river is still blown out due to the constant rainy weather...
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Lake Camanche Report, Feb. 2 – Trout a plenty
Trout
Camanche Recreation reports the trout are cooperating even though wild winter weather kept a lot of anglers from fishing this week.
A good number of excellent reports came in from fishermen who were out on some of the better days. Dick Reisinger and Kris Sulonen, from Sacramento, caught seven fine trout on Saturday with a big fish at 3½ pounds. They were trolling Rapala lures and orange grubs, and caught four fish near Hat Island and three more in the Narrows.
James Richardson, from Rancho Cordova, caught a nice limit of trout on Saturday while trolling Rapala lures. His big fish was 4 ½ pounds, and he was fishing about 10 feet deep in the main lake.
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Sturgeon active now on Sac!! Feb. 3
By Gary Heffley
Reports from Bob Boucke, owner of Johnson’s Bait Tackle and Fly Shop in Yuba City has the Sacramento River in the area of Tisdale, Grimes and Lupe’s Bend producing quality sturgeon with a 48 pounder reported this morning...
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Fly Fishing is tough but available on Upper Sacramento
By Gary Heffley
Speaking with Bob Grace of the Ted Fay Fly Shop in Dunsmuir, he is reporting somewhat tough conditions on the river currently for those wishing to wet a fly on the Upper Sac...
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Burney Area Report, Feb. 3
By Gary Heffley
There was another planting of trout at Baum Lake last week according to Janet Vaughn of Vaughn’s Sporting Goods in Burney and the fishing is doing quite well. Janet says that there is about a 60-40 ratio of Rainbows to Browns being caught currently. Panther Martins, Kastmasters are always good bets and if the 9.8 pound rainbow taken a few weeks ago on a red Cripplure is any indication, I would make sure to have a few of those in the tackle box as well. Access is good with little snow in evidence and all roads are clear...
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Amateur bass anglers urged join Future Pro Tour
Vince Harris, president and director of the Future Pro tour has been reminding members and future members there is only short time left to take advantage of a discount of 20 percent to join the group
Yearly membership is normally $40 per person but a 20% discount which equates to a total savings of $16 per team is available through February! Each team has two members.
Harris said, “This is our way of helping anglers defray option, launch, parking, and/or your fuel costs for entering the FPT tourneys.
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Collins Lake Report, Feb.4: Plants should produce action
By Kathy Hess, Lake Reporter
Fish & Game surprised us on Jan. 26 with two truckloads of Rainbows (3,000 lbs.). The next plant to arrive will be a private plant which will come the week of 2/12. Fishing has been tough as the fish don’t seem to be too aggressive yet. A few anglers were able to catch fish in the last week anyway.
Greg Machen of Marysville caught a 2 lb. 8 oz. trout in the Open Area using PowerBait. He said he has “a spot” down there where he never fails to catch fish...
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North Coast fishing, Feb. 4 -- A steelheaders story: Feast or Famine
By Kenny Priest
[Kenny Priest, Eureka-based writer who loves to fish fresh and saltwater along the northwest coast has agreed to share a few of his timely north coast reports with MyOutdoorBuddy.]
More rain for Humboldt rivers
I’m not sure when or where this trend started, but when I’m fishing for winter steelhead from a drift boat, I will either catch all of the fish or none at all. It’s become an emotional rollercoaster that I really don’t enjoy riding. Just once I’d like to be part of a team and catch two of the four or one of the three fish. There seems to be no middle ground for me, and the frustrating part is that I’m not doing anything different from one trip to the next. This phenomenon reared its ugly head two weekends ago when I spent two and a half days side-drifting the Smith River and never got so much as a bite. That’s not an easy thing to do, especially with all the steelhead in the river. Talk about questioning your fishing skills?...
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Smith River: First week of Feb. & fishing is good
The first week of February steelhead fishing is going great! The water conditions are perfect and the steelhead are biting, according to Kevn Brock of Kevin Brock's Guide Service... Full Story
Update: Trinity River steelhead, Feb. 8
By Gary Heffley
John Letton of the Indian Creek Lodge in Douglas City reports that while the Trinity River is currently fishable from Lewiston to Junction City the results have been slow overall...
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Update: Smith/Chetco Rivers, Feb 8
James Smith of Smith’s Guide Service in Fall River Mills fished the Smith River on Feb. 6 & 7 but had poor luck and little encouragement from other anglers. Smith fished with his father, Thomas, from Hiouchi to Peacock Bar Sunday and from the bank on Saturday using steelhead roe, yarn, spinners and wigglers with only a couple light pickups and no hookups. Worse yet, they talked to many other anglers who also reported poor results...
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Steelhead Fishing Tips: Understanding the importance of river levels
By Kenny Priest
[Kenny Priest, Eureka-based writer who loves to fish fresh and saltwater along the northwest coast has agreed to share these winter steelhead fishing tips with MyOutdoorBuddy readers.]
Winter steelhead fishing is dictated by rainfall and how it affects each river. If your favorite river is blown out, know which other rivers are at fishable levels...
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Other northern California & Nevada waters
Where can you fish and where are the fish biting? Keep us in the loop...
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Fishing and Boating Tips
[Editor’s Note: This list of tips is just beginning. The editors, reporters and readers of MyOutdoorBuddy.com will be adding tips regularly.
Please share with our readers what you know that will enhance the experience of wetting a line in northern California waters. What have you learned? Your expertise, no matter where you fish (fresh or saltwater) or what species you target, could be invaluable to other anglers. What not to do is just as important as what to do. Please send your strategies, ideas, tips, techniques and personal experiences to MyOutdoorBuddy (see email address at bottom of homepage). Please include you name and hometown.]
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Fly fishing: Debunking the myths
By Gary Heffley
Fly fishing can be as simple as presenting an artificial bug in front of a fish and waiting for a bite but, in fact, it is a true art form. Much like a masterpiece painter with brush in hand, the truly accomplished fly-rod angler can create a scene that is unmatched, particularly if the area being fished is isolated and pristine. Just watching a good fly-angler form those beautiful loops while lightly, and quite literally, placing his offering on the nose of a rising fish has always captivated me.
Unfortunately, fly-fishing can also be seen as an elitist sport where only the most wealthy and most expensively equipped need apply or are welcomed. But other conventional forms of fishing also have exclusive lodges, getaways and charters that only a few can afford. Why then, I asked myself; do so many conventional anglers see fly-fishers as just a bit too snooty? I asked myself: Is such a negative reputation deserved? ---
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FLW Outdoors announces 2010 bass tourney schedules
WHAT: Date and Location Changes to National Guard FLW Series and National Guard FLW College Fishing
NOTES: FLW Outdoors announced that the Lake Mead and Lake Roosevelt events in the National Guard FLW Series and National Guard FLW College Fishing have been switched due to issues surrounding permits. The National Guard FLW College Fishing Western Regional dates have also been moved up one week. The changes are reflected in the schedules below.
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Calling all DUCK HUNTERS, Clear Lake DU Banquet is Feb. 20...
By Bob Rider, Lakeshore Bait & Tackle, Clear Lake, 707.994.FISH (3474)
The Clear Lake Ducks Unlimited chapter is gearing up for our February 20th banquet.
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Attention Coyote Hunters! Know the regs about the use of lights
The use of lights for hunting coyotes at night are somewhat complex. The regs can be found on the DFG website but they are reproduced here for your convenience. Coyote hunting at night is allowed in most northern California counties. As of January 1, the following regulations were published on the DFG website...
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2010 Joice Island pig hunt permits due by Feb. 12
The application deadline is approaching for hunters who wish to enter the permit drawing for the Joice Island pig hunts. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will accept application cards through close of business Feb. 12 and the drawing will be held on Feb. 15...
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For sale: Black & Tan & Blue Tick Hounds
All three of these hounds have been on 75 bear this year!!

(l.) Blue Tick "Rebel", age 4 yrs, not papered (Price $1000) is outstanding strike dog for bear, bobcat & lion.
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Big Valley Coyote Drive is Feb. 13/14
Adin Supply Outfitters and Pit River Rod & Gun Club are sponsors
If you want to win prizes and help rid northern California of coyotes, you better get your application in for the Drive set for February 13 and 14, according to drive organizers at Adin Supply and The Pit River Rod & Gun Club...

Photo courtesy of sponsors
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DFG offers bear hunting clinic in Diamond Springs
The California Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Advanced Hunter Education Program is offering a bear hunting clinic February 13 in Diamond Springs. The one-day class will include information about bear biology, habits and habitat; styles of hunting bear; gear and garb; dog breeds used to hunt bear; pre-season scouting; bear signs; shooter positions; and how to field dress a bear... Full Story
Cedarville physician does double duty
By Jean Bilodeaux, squirrel hunter and author of
Squirrel Wars, A Politically Incorrect Manual on Combat available at
www.modocmemories.com
As other doctors in Surprise Valley before him, Dr. Chuck Colas, of the Surprise Valley Smokepoles, a black powder shooting club, uses his time off to attempt to hold the line against the rampaging hoards of Belding ground squirrels that devastate farmer's fields each year. Help will arrive on Saturday March 20 when the annual Squirrel Roundup will be held in Surprise Valley...

Dr. Chuck Colas, of the Surprise Valley Smokepoles
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DFG to Hold Public Meeting on Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
DFG to Hold Public Meeting on Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has scheduled a meeting to solicit public comment regarding migratory game bird (waterfowl, coots, moorhens) hunting regulations for 2010. The meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11 in the Wildlife Branch Conference Room, 1811 Ninth St., Sacramento.
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Repeat deer poacher arrested again
[Editor's Note: Why are we not confiscating all firearms, fishing and hunting equipment, boats, vehicles and any thing else used by these repeat offenders and forcing them to attend hunter education and conservation schools all at their own expense? Why are we converting their jail time to home monitoring and search and seizure clauses? Why are we not banning them from all waters and public lands? We treat DUI offenders more harshly than we do poachers. If you drink and drive and get caught and you may lose your driver's license, be forced to pay huge fines, be forced to make restitution to your victims, be forced to attend costly and inconvenient traffic schools, and much, much more, all of which racks up costs to ten grand or more. Such measures are a real deterrent! Let's stop being soft on poachers!]
A known Sacramento deer poacher is facing new charges just hours after he was sentenced for a previous poaching conviction.
Lofoo Saeturn, 43, of Sacramento, was contacted by California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wardens on Dec. 2 after returning to his home from the Sacramento County Courthouse. Saeturn had just been sentenced to 270 days in jail for unlawful possession of deer meat and possession of deer meat for sale. The jail term had been converted to home monitoring and a search and seizure clause was added to his probation terms...
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CA DFG recommends increased bear harvest (2500); zone changes
An increase in the statewide bear harvest quota to 2,500 bears and replacement of the current the season closure mechanism with an automatic close on the last Sunday in December is being proposed in Draft Environmental Documents (DEDs) by the DFG.
In addition, the DFG offers one option that would institute a quota of up to 30,000 bear tags issued statewide. Other options would enlarge hunting opportunities by incorporating portions of Modoc, Lassen, Inyo and San Luis Obispo Counties in the regulations...
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Hunting photos of the month -- a predator challenge from Colorado "dog" hunters

"Horse Mountain Dog" -- Photo courtesy of Grant Thompson Full Story
California Waterfowl Fundraising Events
For more information on these events, visit http://www.calwaterfowl.org/web2/supportcwa/attendevents/default.htm to view event flyers... Full Story
First hand report: Feb 2 -- Big boars taken in rain at Rawhide West
By Keith Conger, Rawhide West Ranch
Walt Lara from Klamath and 19-year-old Justin Kinney from Crescent City hunted with me at Rawhide West this past week end.
I let the guys know Friday night when they arrived at the hunting cabin it was going to be tough. We had a BBQ dinner waiting for them but hunting in the rain is always difficult, I warned them. I also told them I’d do as I always do, which is to hunt hard and get them a nice boar each if I could. I let them know my hunts have all been 100% so I put a little pressure on myself...
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DFG conducting online poll related to pintail harvest regs
Throughout February, California's Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will solicit public opinion online prior to review of state and national pintail harvest management goals.
In January, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) presented state wildlife agencies with a wide range of regulatory options on pintails. In March, DFG and other state wildlife agencies will meet with the USFWS to discuss these options... Full Story
Elk Foundation to hold Super Bowl of Elk Calling
If you’re a screamer, bugler, grunter or chuckler, you may have what it takes to win the Super Bowl of elk calling, March 4-7, 2010, in Reno, Nev.
Competition is open to the public in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation/Leupold 2010 World Elk Calling Championships. The event will be held as part of the annual RMEF Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center...
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New feature coming soon
A new feature will be coming soon to highlight the many outdoor opportunities found in our North State by focusing on a city, town or recreation area...
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DFG offers tours of Table Mountain
The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will lead free guided tours at Table Mountain near Oroville this winter and spring. The two-hour tours will be conducted on first and third Saturdays, February through May, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m...
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Birds of Whiskeytown to show at Park Visitor Center!
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area will present an exhibition of photographs by nature photographer Jim Duckworth at the Visitor Center from January 24 through March 13. On exhibit are beautiful images of birds that are commonly found at Whiskeytown...

Cormorant photo by Jim Duckworth Full Story
Sac refuges offer weekend programs for nature lovers
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) will be offering a number of weekend programs during January and February. A variety of day programs including Birding Tours, Wetlands Walks, Geocaching, Scavenger Hunt, Nature Photography for Kids/Families, and Build-A-Wood Duck Box Day ($30 fee for materials) provide great educational opportunities for visitors of all ages...

Here's looking at you. Burrowing Owl by Mike Peters
Photo courtesy of Lora Haller, Visitor Services--Park Ranger, Sacramento NWR Complex
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Sac NWR to have Junior Firefighter Days
It is time for the second Annual Junior Refuge Firefighter Program at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The Fire Management Staff at Sacramento NWR will be holding a number of fun activities related to the field of firefighting, with children as the main focus. These programs will be held on Saturday, February 20 and Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 10 a.m. - noon. It is great for Boy and Girl Scout groups and young people between grades 3-6.
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February 2010 DFG Calendar
Date - Event
Self-Guided Sandhill Crane Tours at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve/Isenberg Sandhill Crane Reserve (just off I-5, near Lodi), through February. Informative signs are posted at Woodbridge Reserve South Unit. For information on directions to the site and self-guided tours, please visit
www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/er/region3/woodbridge.html.
Weekends -- Guided Walks on Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve trail at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Details at
www.elkhornslough.org or call 831-728-2822...
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Winners of MyOutdoorBuddy ISE/Sac drawing announced
By Frank Galusha
Five lucky visitors to the MyOutdoorBuddy.com booth had their drawing ticket pulled from the fish bowl on Sunday, January 24 as the 2010 International Sportsmen Exposition came to a close at Cal-Expo in Sacramento.
Anita Quinn of Lakeford won the new Elk Mountain trademarked and patented, multi-use SLIP
ä Portable Blind/Decoy System, a $139.00 value, which was fitted with a SLIP cover image of a doe deer...

SLIP System photo by Elk Mountain, Inc.
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Geese and swans return. Fall River Hotel offers package for birders, kayakers
By Frank Galusha
Gaggles of snow white Snow Geese, large squadrons of Tundra Swans and quite a few Cackling or Ross’s Geese are piling back into the Fall River Valley at this time and are expected to remain in the area, resting and feeding prior to returning to their nesting areas in the arctic, Alaska or Canadian provinces as spring approaches.
A few Canadian Geese are always in the mix here, along with some resident and returning ducks, all of which are wearing their most gorgeous late winter colors. These birds can be seen just about everywhere in the Valley, as they move from feeding areas in fields to resting places on the many lakes, ponds and rivers for which this area is known...
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Cruiser sunglasses good for outdoor activities
Wrap-around Cruiser (2554DM) sunglasses with Coppermax lens tint provide great contrast lens for driving & outdoor sporting activities such as hunting, shooting, fishing, hiking, boating, skiing and golfing. Polarized versions are available for just $29.95...
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NOR CAL Sports Show Coming March 5-7
Nor-Cal Productions and Taylor Motors will present the 24th Annual 2010 Boat, Sport and RV Show at the Shasta District Fairgrounds in Anderson starting Friday, March 5 through Sunday March 7... Full Story
California Outdoors Q&As, Feb 4: "Don't Blame Me ... the Fish Did It!"
By Carrie Wilson, CA DFG Marine Biologist
Question: Can someone be cited for the inadvertent stomach contents of their catch? As an example, a typical cabezon belly might contain a couple of 3-inch abalone, crabs and/or octopus. Is it a violation to have the abalone (and crabs and octopus if it is in a no-invertebrate take zone) in possession? Another example would be a ling with a big rockfish in his belly. Could the stomach contents place you over the 10 fish RCG complex (rockfish, cabezon and greenlings) possession limit? (Craig G.)...
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Winter Wings Festival is next weekend

The Klamath Basin Winter Wings Festival (February 12, 13 and 14) is a three-day event that occurs every President's Weekend in Klamath Falls. The event is produced by the Klamath Basin Audubon Society. It opens early Friday morning with a flyout to watch hundreds of eagles fly from their night time roosts to the Klamath Wildlife Refuges to begin foraging. It ends Sunday afternoon after a day of birding that matches your interests. In between, the Festival offers more field trips, workshops, talks, vendors, displays, and free activities attractive to families. The Klamath Basin Winter Wings Festival is a four-day event that occurs every President's Weekend in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The event opens Thursday evening in the very walk-able Downtown of Klamath Falls where arts, food, music, vendors, and store specials will give families and tourists the opportunity to enjoy Downtown as part of the Winter Wings Festival...
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State Park lifeguards prepare for winter swells, urge safety first
As the winter storms come ashore and sweep through the Sierras, many people think about a warm fire, driving safely on wet or snow covered roads, or perhaps a fun run at their favorite ski resort.
This is California though and that means surfing—even in the winter when the water temperatures are in the 50’s and big waves are forecasted...
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Trinity River Report, Jan. 31, By E. B. Duggan
From Willow Creek, CA. By E. B. Duggan, “D” Fishing Guide, 530-629-3554
yen2fish@yahoo.com
Trinity Lake is 111 feet below the over flow (2.5ft decrease) and 41.8 percent of capacity (2.3% increase).
INFLOW to the lake is 1,541 and 315cfs is being released to Lewiston Lake and 46cfs to Sacramento River.
Trinity River at Lewiston is 269cfs, water temps are 44.3, air?? degrees at 9:00am today.
Limekiln Gulch is 4.8ft at 412cfs. Douglas Cityis 2.6ft at 653cfs, water temps are 43.9, air 41 degrees.
Helena/North Fork is 10.4ft and 1,050cfs, water temps 44.7, air 418. Cedar Flat is 5.9ft at 2,050cfs.
Willow Creek is estimated at 2,110cfs, water temps 45, air 48 degrees.
Hoopa is 16.9ft at 7,190cfs, water temps 46. Mouth of the Trinity at Klamath is 14.5K cfs, water 46 degrees.
Klamath River releases at Iron Gateare 1,320cfs. Seiad Valleyis 3.6ft at 2,380cfs.
Happy Camp is estimated at 3,230cfs. Somes Bar is estimated at 5,650cfs. Orleans is 7cft at 7,350cfs.
Klamath at 101 is 13.7ft at 18.3K cfs and water temperatures of 46.6 degrees.
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Trinity River Report, Feb. 6 by E.B. Duggan
From Willow Creek, CA. By E. B. Duggan, “D” Fishing Guide, 530-629-3554
yen2fish@yahoo.com
Trinity Lake is 107.4 feet below the over flow (4ft decrease) and 42.6 percent of capacity (0.8% increase).
INFLOW to the lake is 6,275cfs and 468cfs is being released to Lewiston Lake and 185cfs to Sacramento River.
Trinity River at Lewiston is 283cfs, water temps are 45.3, air?? degrees at 10:00am today.
Limekiln Gulch is 5.2ft at 700cfs. Douglas Cityis 3.7ft at 1,330cfs, water temps are 44.4, air 43 degrees.
Helena/North Fork is 12.5ft and 2,410cfs, water temps 45.7, air 48. Cedar Flat is 8.2ft at 4,420cfs.
Willow Creek is estimated at 9,240cfs, water temps 45.9, air 50 degrees.
Hoopa is 19.9ft at 13.9K cfs, water temps 46.2. Mouth of the Trinity at Klamath is 23.2K cfs, water 46 degrees.
Klamath River releases at Iron Gate are 1,310cfs. Seiad Valleyis 3.6ft at 2,400cfs.
Happy Camp is estimated at 3,375cfs. Somes Bar is estimated at 7,350cfs. Orleans is 8cft at 9,300cfs.
Klamath at 101 is 16.1ft at 29.3K cfs and water temperatures of 45.8 degrees...
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Fishermen to march on Washington
"United We Fish" To Seek Congressional Support On February 24
[Editor’s Note: This is not just an “east coast” problem. What’s happening along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts is what’s happening to the coast of California – environmental groups are using the law and the courts to restrict our fishing rights. Currently, in California, it is the Marine Life Protection Act and the imposition of Marine Protected Areas that threatens to curtail our recreational fishing opportunities. At this time both the South Coast and North Coast of California are in jeopardy of significant loss of fishing habitat. If we do not band with our brethren in other parts of the nation we may never be able to save our fishing rights.]
In a historic show of solidarity, recreational and commercial fishermen will gather together on the steps of the Capitol on February 24, 2010 from noon until 3 p.m. in an organized demonstration against the unintended negative impacts of the Magnuson Stevens Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the federal fisheries law which was revised in January of 2007. Coordinating the march under the flag of United We Fish, rally organizers are hoping to see a large show of force in defense of coastal communities...
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Part I. Sacramento River Watershed Salmon and Steelhead Story -- Will It Ever End?
By Bob Baiocchi, California Fish and Water Unlimited, A California Non-Profit Corporation
[Abstract] Several state and federal agencies have reached an agreement called the Habitat Expansion Agreement (HEA). A committee has been formed to manage and control the Habitat Expansion Agreement. The agencies managing the HEA Committee are the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and PG&E. These two agencies have a conflict of interest because of the effects to endangered spring-run salmon and threatened steelhead in the Feather River watershed caused by construction of Oroville Dam and PG&E dams in the North Fork Feather River. The major discrepancy is that the HEA prevents the mitigation of losses to historic endangered salmon and threatened steelhead habitat above the dams in the Sacramento River watershed that have harmed the anadromous fisheries. The HEA also limits the recovery mitigation to 2.000 to 3,000 endangered spring-run salmon below the dams when tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of salmon existed before the major dams were built. Another discrepancy is that there was very little public participation in the development of the HEA, if any, and there was not any federal and state environment document prepared to support the limiting mitigation for the spring-run salmon and steelhead trout of the Sacramento River watershed.
[The full text of comments filed by Mr. Baiocchi pertaining to this issue is included below in the public interest. Mr. Baiocchi’s resume and credentials are also provided so that readers may know of his extensive involvement with water and fish issues in California over the past 40 years. Opinions opposed to those of Mr. Baiocchi are welcome.]
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RFA pushes for flexibility bill
"Unless We Unite...Sportfishing is in big trouble"
By Jim Hutchinson, Jr. Recreational Fishing Alliance, Managing Director
[Editor’s Note: While Mr. Hutchison’s alert posted below refers to the east coast fisheries being closed by NMFS via the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), what’s going on there is exactly what is happening to our fisheries here. MyOutdoorBuddy.com urges all its readers to support the RFA in every way possible.]
When the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) closed the recreational amberjack fishery on October 24, it was essentially the shot heard round the American docks. NMFS had made a similar emergency closure on the black sea bass fishery in federal waters north of Cape Hatteras, NC just three weeks prior - a fishery which remains closed to recreational fishermen to this day - while the decision had already been made through NMFS and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to close all bottom fishing in over 1000 square miles of coastal waters from North Carolina to Florida to protect and rebuild the red snapper populations.
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Local coalition’s offer could stop decommissioning of Kilarc-Cow Creek Hydro Project
A local coalition wants to save Kilarc Reservoir, a popular fishing recreation facility above Whitmore, and associated green hydropower facilities on two Cow Creek tributaries (known as FERC Project 606) by buying the existing facilities from PG&E for up to $1.1 million.
The public filing was submitted January 22 to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by a coalition consisting of Shasta County, Sierra Pacific Industries, the Abbott Ditch Users, Tetrick Ranch and Evergreen Shasta Power.
Some of the revenue generated by the hydropower facilities would be used by the coalition to maintain the recreational facilities at Kilarc...
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Agribusiness Giant Westlands moves to kill salmon
Seeks legal permission to double death rate of out-migrating smolts in Delta
Westlands Water District has asked a federal judge in Fresno to issue a temporary restraining order to block a federal salmon restoration plan that protects salmon and other fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Westland's move could put the survival of California and Oregon's multi-billion dollar commercial and recreational salmon fishing industry on the line, according to the The California Sportsfishing Protection Alliance, including the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermens Associations and Water4Fish.
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Resource agencies could hit ball out of “Kilarc Park.”
If the regulatory agencies, including the Department of Fish & Game, will step up to the plate there’s a possibility the fish that want to migrate up Cow Creek and its tributaries, particularly Old Cow Creek and South Cow Creek, might get a little help.
Trout, steelhead and salmon fisheries could be enhanced by the hydropower companies who want to take over the power generation plants on those two tributaries. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is currently deciding who gets the right to operate the existing facilities. With just a little nudge from the resource agencies, we could also see a win for fish and the people...
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