Northern California Hunting News: This section of www.myoutdoorbuddy.com – your online outdoor-news magazine–is published weekly on Thursday and Friday and updated regularly. Send comments, first-hand reports and photos to myoutdoorbuddy@frontiernet.net or to P.O. Box 402, Shingletown, CA 92688
First-hand report: B-2 Zone deer hunt is learning experience
By Gregg Phipps; Huckleberry Expeditions
With the forecast of a storm headed in over the weekend, my good friend Bill and I decided to take advantage of the weather. We headed out on Friday morning 8/27 and headed North West from Redding. We found a nice camp site alongside a creek and made plans for the next morning. I have faith in Bill’s bow shooting abilities as I have seen him drill targets at 60 yards consistently. I haven’t shot my bow in about 5 years, so I figured I would need a close shot. As we prepared our sleeping bags under the stars I commented “Hopefully it will start to rain as soon as we wake up.” Saturday morning we were up at 5:00 a.m. and as we rolled up our bags I felt the first drops starting to fall. I looked at Bill and said “huh?” as he chuckled. As we headed out the rain increased, “Perfect” I kept thinking...
Full StoryModoc dove season could be fairly decent
By Lorissa Soriano
Dove season in Modoc County should be fairly decent this year, there seems to be an adequate amount of both mourning and Eurasian doves in the area.
Although, as the days become cooler and shorter, the doves are beginning to gather, getting ready for their winter migration...
Full StorySouth Fork Mountain Lookout Road open for deer hunters
The gate on South Fork Mountain Lookout Road within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is open until October 24, 2010 to accommodate hunters during the archery and general deer seasons. This area is located within California Deer Hunt Zone B-2 and the archery season runs from August 21 through September 12. The general deer season runs from September 18, through October 24...
Full StoryHunting for a place to hunt is Job One for dove hunters
By Frank Galusha
Despite all the hoopla about the opening of the season on Wednesday it’s easier to find hen’s teeth than a good open-to-the-public dove hunting spot that holds birds. I spoke with half a dozen locals in various areas on Friday and the news wasn’t all that great.
Worse yet, the storm system heading our way was putting a damper on the little bit of enthusiasm I did find. Temperatures were expected to be 15-20 degrees below normal! That’s how fast it can change here. On Wednesday, temps n Redding hovered around 112ºF...
Full StoryUnique waterfowl hunting opportunity threatened on North Coast
[Editors Note: The article reproduced below was posted on the Humboldt Tuna Club forum without attribution to its author. MyOutdoorBuddy apologizes for not being able to attribute this call for action to the original source. We judge it to be too important not to be distributed. If you are hunter take action as directed below as soon as possible. In addition, we regret that the information was not publicized here early enough for our readers to attend a workshop that was held in Crescent City yesterday (August 25)]
Fishermen are not the only group losing places to enjoy their sport. If you are a hunter please send an e-mail of support in favor of the "Potential Reclassification of a Portion of Tolowa Dunes State Park" to allow hunting. You should e-mail to both of these: mgard@parks.ca.gov. & info@parks.ca.gov. We need to unite to win. For more info regarding the reclassification go to http://www.parks.ca.gov/TolowaReclass...
Full StoryThousands of hunters expected at dove season opening
California's split 2010 dove season will be open from Sept. 1-15, and again from Nov. 13-Dec. 27. The season includes white-winged and mourning doves, for which the combined bag limit is 10 birds and the possession limit is 20. Hunters can also harvest Eurasian collared doves, which are now common in some parts of the state. There is no daily bag limit or possession limit for this species.
There is no open hunting season on common ground-doves, ruddy ground-doves or Inca doves...
Full StoryRED ALERT: COHA needs our help to kill Long Gun Registration Bill
Legislation has advanced to the Senate Floor that would expand the current handgun registration law to long guns by requiring the Attorney General to permanently maintain a registry of all firearms purchasers. Under the provisions of AB 1810 (Feuer), those who purchase or transfer a shotgun or rifle will be required to register that firearm by submitting their name, address, place of birth, phone number and occupation to the California Department of Justice...
Full StoryWaterfowl Regs adopted by F&GC for 2010/11
Earlier today, California Outdoor Heritage Alliance staff attended the California Fish and Game Commission meeting where the Commission voted to adopted the 2010/11 waterfowl and upland game bird hunting regulations. Once again, waterfowl hunters will have "liberal" seasons and bag limits, including a special early season Canada goose hunt in the Balance of the State Zone.
The table below is what you'll see in the Waterfowl Regs hunting booklet when it reaches your hunting dealer...
Full StoryKittle’s Outdoor and Sports, Colusa: New Location, Pre-Season Waterfowl Sales Event
By Gary Heffley
Moving just down two blocks south from their old location, Kittle’s Outdoor and Sports has opened the doors to a facility that gives them around three times the merchandising space while offering the same exceptional customer service that Kittle’s Outdoor has prided themselves on for over 20 years. The new address is 888 Market St. in Colusa. While finishing touches are being done on the sales floor, the store is preparing for a special pre-season Waterfowl Hunting Sale to begin on September 3.
Full StoryNew study tries to unlock reasons for Black-tailed Deer decline
A new study is under way to determine why black-tailed deer populations in some areas of northern California have declined over the past 20 years. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG), the University of California, Davis and several doctoral candidates recently began a three-year study of habitat changes, predation and land use patterns affecting black-tailed deer in Mendocino County. The decline in the harvest of black-tailed deer over the past 20 years is well-documented...
Full StoryCalifornia Waterfowl Fund-raising Events
Saturday, July 17, 2010 – Delta Mud Fest
Held at Big Break Marina, 100 Big Break Road, Oakley, CA. Check In at 10:00 am and Barbque Lunch at 2:00 pm. $5 Lunch Donation. Contact Kyle Wise at (209) 596-1755 or for more information...
Full StoryWorld Champion Elk Caller: 5 Tips for Better Hunting
For elk hunters who’d like to be better elk callers, there are few mentors more qualified today than Joel Turner, reigning and two-time champion of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships.
Turner, 33, of Eatonville, Wash., won his second world title in three years at the March event held as part of RMEF’s Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo.
A police officer and state firearms instructor by trade, Turner also is a devout elk nut, bow-hunter, guide, naturalist and call maker. He’s spent the past several years developing an elk calling philosophy and hunting system—some of it based on tactical theory—that has consistently produced bulls in multiple states.
Turner shared the following five tips for better elk calling and hunting:
Full Story2011 DFG Upland Game Bird Stamp Design Competition
The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is sponsoring an art contest for the 2011 design for the state's upland game bird stamp. This is the third in the Encore Edition after reinstating the use of original artwork for the stamps image in 2009.
Full Story2010 Partnering for Pintail Raffle is underway
Guns, duck & goose calls, bags & more!
Help support California Waterfowl's efforts to keep reasonable pintail limits and ensure healthy populations, all while getting a chance to win some fabulous prizes!...
Full StoryCW Youth Shooting Clinics could save you money on shells
California Waterfowl's youth shooting clinics get started April 10th and are scheduled for the second Saturday of the month until October 9. The clinics cost $20 and include gun safety, shotgun practice at the sporting clays course, shotgun patterning and archery shooting. And the more you practice, the better shot you’ll be and that could mean saving a lot of money on expensive, high power loads when hunting season starts...Full Story
Other Outdoor News
California Outdoors Q&As, Sept. 2: Are liquid/spray scents considered “baiting”?
By Carrie Wilson, CA DFG Marine Biologist
Question: I know you can't bait bears but can I use any scents (liquids or sprays)? (Kendon A.)...
Full StoryFull Moon Hike: See Whiskeytown’s wild night life
Visitors are invited to join a Ranger for a hike under the full moon on Thursday, September 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. “Visitors can experience Whiskeytown’s scenic beauty bathed in soft silvery moonlight as we enjoy an easy hike along one of Whiskeytown’s historic water ditches and discover the wonders of the Autumn Equinox,” stated Superintendent Jim Milestone...
Full StoryWildlife Conservation Board funds environmental improvement and acquisition projects
The California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) today approved more than $21 million in funding to help restore and protect wildlife habitat throughout the state. The 16 funded projects will provide benefits to fish and wildlife species, including some endangered species, and increase public access to these lands. The funding for these projects comes from recent bond initiatives approved by the voters to help preserve and protect California’s natural resources...
Full StoryCalifornia Outdoors Q&As, August 26: Hazing turkey vultures from rooftop roosts
By Carrie Wilson, CA DFG Marine Biologist
Question: I have 15-20 turkey vultures that have been roosting on my roof. They are congregating and making a mess on my roof and in my yard with their droppings and molted feathers. My house is two stories and the roof is tile so access is difficult. How can I get rid of them? (Lawrence)...
Full StoryCA DFG Calendar for September
DATE -- EVENT
6 -- Last day of recreational ocean salmon season (from the Oregon state line to the U.S.-Mexico border). More information is on the Ocean Salmon webpage at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon ...
Full Story“Pink” Caspian Terns found; more tagged & released
By Allison Patterson
In July I asked for help finding two Caspian terns I banded and tagged in Summer Lake. For weeks I have been meaning to post an update on how that turned out... with help from the USGS fish sampling crew and TNC we were able to relocate both birds in the Williamson River Delta and retrieve the data from the GPS tags.
Full StoryPlaces to visit in Modoc County: The River Center
By Valerie Lantz
The River Center located in the Modoc County Museum at 600 South Main Street, Alturas, California is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors experience interpretative displays featuring watershed concepts, natural resource stewardship, Modoc County agriculture products and a geology display.
The River Center Programs for 2010:---
Full StorySeptember weekend in Modoc packed with events
By Bonnie Sherer, Lorissa Soriano and other Modoc Art Center members
September is a big month in Modoc County especially the weekend of September 17-19. Life’s too short to miss this exciting three event weekend! What could be more fun than a balloon festival, an art festival and a chili cook off – all at the same time?
Mark your calendars now to you won’t miss these events:
— Alturas Chamber of Commerce - Balloon Fest 2010
— Modoc Festival of the Arts
— “Life is Too Short to Eat Bad Chili” Cook Off
Full StoryLakes can be more dangerous than oceans
[Editor’s Note: The story related here provides an invaluable lesson for every boater: If a lake or shoreline is shallow or gradually sloping, it can be more dangerous than the open ocean if a wind comes up suddenly. The reason for this is not well-realized by many boaters. In a wind, shallow water creates higher waves and waves of greater frequency. This is because the wind does not have as far to push the water down. Surf, or shoreline wave action, is caused when the wind pushes the water down against the bottom. The bottom then forces the water back up rapidly. The shallower the water is at a given point the greater will be the wave height and wave frequency. This is especially dangerous for you when winds exceed 20-30 mph and are blowing directly into the shore you were hoping to reach. Out in open water it is not uncommon to see waves 3-6-feet high spaced less than three-feet apart. That can spell disaster for any-size boat since the wave height and frequency can flood water over transom, the sides or the bow. Such wave action can also make navigation nearly impossible. This is often how boats are sunk on our big, shallow, wind-prone western lakes such as Lake Powell and many others. Waves that suddenly become high and very frequent can also turn a beach into a death trap for a moored boat. Even those ashore who attempt to manhandle a boat being tossed about by what amounts to an ocean surf can be in great danger as Gregg Phipps describes in this first hand report. Heed his advice by remembering that a lake’s shoreline can become as dangerous as the ocean’s surf when a sudden, high wind comes up. –FG]
By Greg Phipps, Huckleberry Expeditions
My wife and kids and I just got back from a family vacation. Part of the family activities was to spend a day on the beautiful Bear Lake which borders Utah and Idaho . Along the North Shore the beach is long and one is able to wade out a hundred yards or more before not being able to touch the bottom. This is great for children swimming and beach side activities like volleyball and sand castles, but a pain if you have a boat with a prop or worse yet a “V” Drive boat. Well, this is what my brother Mark brought to the lake. A beautiful 21’ Mastercraft’ “V” Drive with a wake board tower...
Full StoryInnovative pavement project on State Route 299W starts August 10
If you are planning a trip to or from Eureka or the north coast over the next two months, you should expect some delays in the Big Bar area.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 2 will begin an innovative pavement replacement project on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 on State Route 299 in Trinity County near Big Bar...
Full StoryKlamath Basin Birding Trail Booklet revised and reprinted
The popular Klamath Birding Basin Trail guide has been reprinted in a revised and much improved booklet format. The booklet features detailed descriptions of all 47 birding hotspots located along the 300 mile birding trail route...
Full StoryKlamath Marsh Comprehensive Conservation Plan finalized
After four years of preparation the Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) has been finished and signed by Regional Director Ren Lohoefener. The plan was signed on June 14th and will shortly be posted on the Refuge web site in the documents section (go to: fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges)...
Full StoryPlea for water safety!
By Gary Heffley
Having written the story below about one week ago, I am saddened to be able to use the news out of Louisiana for reinforcement, where 6 teenagers drowned after one (the only one who was saved) was wading in the river and stepped in over his head. 6 others rushed to save him. None could swim and all stepped off the same underwater ledge, went in over their heads and were unable to be saved. 6 young lives lost from 2 families.
Headlines of an 11 year old girl drowns in Clear Creek, a young adult drowns in the Sacramento River, divers find body of drowning victim in Shasta Lake, Trinity River claims another young victim. These are all too familiar headlines for North State residents, and sometimes these are preventable accidents. Tragic accidents will unfortunately occur but sometimes common sense will help prevent them from happening.
The following I hope is some food for thought for those enjoying the water and a reminder that things can happen to anyone at anytime. I have been fortunate on three occasions to be able to react to potentially dangerous situations and pull individuals to safety...
Full StoryHouseboating offers many options for families
By Frank Galusha
Houseboating is a great way to spend a vacation whether you are looking for physical activity, relaxation or an opportunity to fish one of California’s great lakes.
Houseboats come in a variety of sizes and with a large assortment of amenities. Larger house boats can sleep up to 22 people. This makes it possible for groups, large families or multiple families to pool their resources to make their adventures more enjoyable and economical. You might consider that the next time you are planning a family reunion...
Full StoryWhat is an Online Outdoor-News Magazine?
What is an Online Outdoor-News Magazine?
And why you would want to read it, advertise in it, contribute to it or work for it.
By Frank Galusha, Editor/Publisher
MyOutdoorBuddy is an “online outdoor-news magazine.” Why an “online outdoor-news-magazine” instead of an “online newspaper?” There are several reasons:
Full StoryCrystal Creek Falls area closed temporarily
The Crystal Creek Falls area in Whiskeytown National Park will be closed for restoration starting Monday July 19, 2010. The area will remain closed through September, tentatively reopening October 1, 2010...
Full StoryI-5 ALERT: Traffic shift in Red Bluff to last 60 days starting July 6
Redding – Beginning Tuesday, July 6, 2010, all northbound traffic on Interstate 5 in the six-lane section through the Red Bluff area will be shifted to the southbound lanes, creating two lanes of travel in each direction, separated by K-rail or concrete barrier...
Full StoryWhiskeytown offers two new programs for toddlers
Whiskeytown offers a variety of family friendly ranger-guided activities for everyone from mid-June through the Labor Day weekend. These free activities are subject to change as the park introduces new programs this summer. Visitors must display a valid day use pass or other park pass on all vehicles in the park. Please call the Visitor Center at (530) 246-1225, visit our website at www.nps.gov/whis or call Clinton Kane at (530) 242-3451 for the latest information...
Full StoryWalk-in, pan gold at Whiskeytown
Whiskeytown offers a variety of family friendly ranger-guided activities for everyone from mid-June through the Labor Day weekend. These free activities are subject to change as the park introduces new programs this summer. Visitors must display a valid day use pass or other park pass on all vehicles in the park. Please call the Visitor Center at (530) 246-1225, visit our website at www.nps.gov/whis or call Clinton Kane at (530) 242-3451 for the latest information...
Full StoryWhiskeytown NPS schedules evening programs
Whiskeytown offers a variety of family friendly ranger-guided activities for everyone from mid-June through the Labor Day weekend. These free activities are subject to change as the park introduces new programs this summer. Visitors must display a valid day use pass or other park pass on all vehicles in the park. Please call the Visitor Center at (530) 246-1225, visit our website at www.nps.gov/whis or call Clinton Kane at (530) 242-3451 for the latest information.
Full StoryWater Safety Demonstrations set at Whiskeytown
Whiskeytown offers a variety of family friendly ranger-guided activities for everyone from mid-June through the Labor Day weekend. These free activities are subject to change as the park introduces new programs this summer. Visitors must display a valid day use pass or other park pass on all vehicles in the park. Please call the Visitor Center at (530) 246-1225, visit our website at www.nps.gov/whis or call Clinton Kane at (530) 242-3451 for the latest information.
Full StoryJohnstonville Left Turn Lane Project begins June 15 -- Caltrans
The Lassen County Transportation Commission (LCTC) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announce construction will begin on June 15, 2010 for the Johnstonville Left Turn Lane Project on US 395...
Full StoryRMEF picks Top 25 “Conservacation” spots for family getaways
First came the vacation. Then, the “staycation.” Now comes a newly-coined concept, the “conservacation.”
It’s a vacation focused on conservation, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is recommending 25 top educational destinations where families can experience and enjoy learning about elk, other wildlife and their habitat.
Elk viewing areas like Rocky Mountain National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are well known, but RMEF’s list is a compilation of alternative spots.
“With summer upon us and many families thinking about a getaway, we’re pleased to suggest the following locations,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “All of these places are worth a visit any time of year, but some really come to life when elk are rutting or on wintering grounds. That’s when visitors are most likely to see these animals up close and possibly observe a spectacle of nature they’ll never forget—hearing an elk bugle for the first time has inspired many a new conservationist.”
Of course, hearing a turkey gobble, watching a whitetail doe and fawn, and countless other experiences can have the same effect. That’s why RMEF has long provided funding for educational sites and projects across the U.S., in and out of elk country, says Allen.
Elk are present only seasonally at some of the following locations, completely absent in others, so be sure to Google or call each facility for specific wildlife info before traveling. And don’t forget binoculars and camera!
Here are 25 RMEF-recommended spots for your family’s conservacation!
What about those north coast lagoons?
By Marna Powell, Kayak Zak's, Orick
[Editor’s note: Marna recently sent us this photo of a breach in the spit at Big Lagoon on the Humboldt Coast so we asked her to tell us about these amazing bodies of water and how it is that they are such a vitally important part of the ecological system along California’s north coast. The next time you visit this area give Marna a call at Kayak Zak’s. She always got something going on for those who love to paddle in these beautiful places.]
I'm not a fish biologist, geologist, ocean scientist or any other "ologist" but I spend a whole lot of time outdoors in nature.
A lagoon is brackish water, that's a mix of fresh and salt waters. Key features of a lagoon are a freshwater feeder source, such as a creek, and a bar of sand or reef separating the lagoon basin from the ocean. The sand "spit" may or may not always be above sea level as high tide may sometimes cover the sand bar or reef.
Here in our neck of the woods we have an anomaly in that we have so many lagoon areas in a short geographical space. The lagoon basins were formed as a result of plate tectonics pushing land up on the sides and creating a trough in the middle. If you were able to look at a very wide view of our coastline from the ocean you would see a series of ridges and troughs.
Filling these troughs is Humboldt Bay, Big Lagoon, Dry Lagoon, Stone Lagoon, Freshwater Lagoon, and Lake Earl/Lake Tolowa, along with the estuaries of the Eel River, Mad River, Little River, Redwood Creek, Klamath River, Smith River and a few others. I have to add that humans have really screwed up some of these once fabulous fish habitats through dam diversions (Klamath and Eel Rivers), infilling (Dry Lagoon), road building (Freshwater Lagoon) and the levy (Redwood Creek). The lagoons and estuaries are extremely important habitats for salmonids and migratory shore birds. I could really digress on these topics too!
Full StoryPortion of Burney Falls Loop Trail closed for improvements
A portion of the Burney Falls Loop Trail and the Falls Overlook at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park will be closed from May through the fall of 2010. This closure will take place throughout the summer while necessary improvements are made to the switchbacks that lead to the falls...
Full Story
Road closures, traffic controls in place on Pit River
Road closures and traffic controls as well as increased stream flows will occur along the Pit River from April to December 31, 2010, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced on Tuesday, April 27...
Full Story
Time to saddle up on a Wild Horse Sanctuary Trail; Ride among wild mustangs and burros
First West Coast Standalone Hunter Derby set for Franktown Meadows near Reno
Other Trinity Reports News
Trinity River, August 29: Quality salmon show Weitchpec to Junction City
From Willow Creek, CA. By E. B. Duggan, “D” Fishing Guide, Phone: 530-629-3554 E-mail: yen2fish@yahoo.com
As this week began and after I had filed my report, below, I heard some encouraging news from Weitchpec. “Green light!” said one source...
Trinity River Fishing Report –- August 22
From Willow Creek, CA. By E. B. Duggan, “D” Fishing Guide
Phone: 530-629-3554 E-mail: yen2fish@yahoo.com
Weirs: The Junction City weir was put in late this year due to the high water flows in the upper Trinity. The Willow creek weir was installed last week and counts should be coming out in the nest week or two. As of to date I have no Trinity River Hatchery counts.
JC weir, for the first three weeks: 112 Chinook; 0 Coho; 6 Steelhead; 37 German Brown under 16 inches, 81 German Brown Trout over 16 inches for a total 118 GBT. WC weir counts next week.
Full StoryOther Fishing Reports News
Upper Sacramento River full of options
By Gary Heffley
The Upper Sacramento River offers a little bit of everything for anglers this time of year according to Bob Grace at the Ted Fay Fly Shop in Dunsmuir. Fly anglers can look for native fish above the Scarlett Way Bridge in Dunsmuir, try to entice a trout traveling upstream from the depths of Shasta Lake in the lower reaches or enjoy a day fishing for planters including some large brood stock trout from between the Scarlett Way Bridge and the Sweetbriar Bridge downstream. In the latter stretch of river fly anglers will be joined by families fishing under general regulations with a 5 fish limit and bait and lures allowed. This stretch has been stocked for the last 3-4 weeks so good numbers should be available...
Whiskeytown Kokanee and Shasta Trout
By Gary Heffley
Mike Elster of Mike’s Fishing Guide Service has been putting clients onto some excellent limits of Kokanee at Whiskeytown Lake and for trout on Lake Shasta on recent outings...
Lake Oroville Coho bite returns
By Gary Heffley
Craig Bentley of Huntington’s Sportsman’s Store in Oroville is reporting that while the bass bite has been slow with anglers scratching slot sized bass on drop shots, the Coho bite has returned. Many anglers are scoring the Coho trolling hoochies at depths ranging from 35 to 60 feet deep. Stack the lures on the downriggers to cover the various depths, working in coordination with electronics for the best success...
Full StoryFeather River Steelhead in Low Flow Section
By Gary Heffley
There are quite a few steelhead in the Low Flow section of the Feather River, which is fantastic news. But, the abundance of salmon, also great news, in the same waters is making angling for the steelhead problematic...
Full StoryShasta Lake Bass: Slow
By Gary Heffley
Speaking with Tony at Phil’s Propellers in Shasta Lake City, he is reporting that bass fishing on Lake Shasta is in a word, slow. While last Saturday’s rain at the lake produced a good day for many the overall picture the rest of the last week and the last few days has shown little results. Some very knowledgeable local anglers have been skunked or just barely scratching a few fish. Drop shotting or using tube baits in shad colors are the best bet with a spook topwater bite early mornings before the sun hits the water.
Full StoryTrinity River and Lake Report
By Gary Heffley
Bill Velasquez of Trinity Outdoors in Weaverville is reserved on his report of Salmon and Steelhead fishing on the Trinity River. There are few steelhead being caught at this time. While it is still early in the season for steelhead to be in the river, the fact that most anglers are targeting salmon may also influence catch rates.
Full StoryDavis Lake Report
Marty and Jeannie at the J & J Grizzly Store and Camping Resort at Davis Lake are reporting that the trout are holding at 15 to 18 feet deep. Trollers are finding cooperative fish using a small Dick Nite Copper Red Head Spoon, a standard for anyone who fishes Davis Lake. Other color combos that are producing is a yellow/watermelon spoon and Red Dot Frog Needlefish...
Full StoryFishing the North Coast, Sept. 2: Lots of angling options for holiday weekend
By Kenny Priest
Ocean sport salmon season closes Monday
As we officially head into fall, the Labor Day weekend offers for some, the last chance to get on the water and explore a few of our local angling options. And it looks like we’ll have some decent weather. The coastal forecast is calling for early morning fog with mostly sunny skies in the afternoon. Further inland, you can expect temperatures in the high 60s after some early morning fog. It’s definitely time to get out and enjoy all that the North Coast has to offer.
Here is a partial list of options to consider...
Full StoryInter-mountain choices, crappies, bass or trout
By Gary Heffley
The waters around Burney continue to produce nice catch rates for anglers trying their luck at Baum Lake, Cassel Forebay and Lake Britton according to Steve and Janet Vaughn of Vaughn’s Sporting Goods in Burney...
Full StoryUpper Hat Creek, Big brood stock in the mix
By Gary Heffley
Reports out of Burney and from anglers fishing Upper Hat Creek are reporting good numbers of trout hitting night crawlers, salmon eggs and PowerBait products especially Power Eggs which tend to last on the hook longer in the heavy current flows than the paste baits...
Here is where to fish on Labor Day Weekend
Here is a list of Northern California Waters being planted the weeks of 8-22 and 8-29 by the Department of Fish and Game. The Upper Sacramento River is being stocked between the Scarlett Way Bridge in Dunsmuir and the Sweetbriar Bridge in Shasta County. General regulations are in effect on this portion of the river. All other areas are subject to special gear and take restrictions. Always check the DFG regulations before fishing new waters...
Full StoryHeenan Lake Fishery to open for Labor Day Weekend
The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will open the Heenan Lake fishery for Labor Day weekend. The lake is located on Monitor Pass - Highway 89, just south of Markleeville in Alpine County...
Full StoryHead to the lake (or River or Ocean) on Free Fishing Day
The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) invites all anglers to celebrate Labor Day by fishing in California’s spectacular waters – even without a license...
Full StoryWaters released for trout stocking by DFG
In response to many inquires, here is a list of the current waters that the California Department of Fish and Game has completed the EIR/EIs reports and are now available to be stocked with catchable trout. This list is updated by the California Department of Fish and Game weekly usually on Fridays and can be viewed through www.ca.dfg.gov.
DFG Catchable Trout (1/2 lb fish) release waters as of 8/26
DFG recently responded to a legal action challenging its hatchery and stocking operations, and completed an Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) that considers species and habitats affected by hatchery-raised rainbow trout. One of the conditions of the EIR/EIS is that every water planted throughout California must go through a Pre-Stocking Evaluation Protocol. This evaluation requires DFG to consider each sensitive or listed species in every water relative to the stocking of trout. The waters listed below have been approved for stocking.
(Viewers are also invited to visit the “Fingerling Trout Release Waters” and the DFG “Fishing Guide”' web pages)...
Full StoryPardee/New Hogan Captain's Log, 8/29-30/2010
By West Guin, Guin Fishin’ Tackle Co.
I got off of work a little before 4:00 p.m. and headed for Randy Berquist's house. Kevin my normal fishing partner had prior engagements plus Pardee will not allow any out of state boats on the lake so I hitch-hiked a ride with Randy.
Randy and I left the Sacramento area and headed for Pardee. We got there around 8:00 to meet up with some good friends Kathy Johnson, John Lico and Gary Coe President of Kokanee Power.
We set up camp. Not to hard as I was graced with Randy's motor home. Set up the boat for the next mornings Derby. After a couple of the usual it was off to bed for an early start...
Full StoryChesbro votes “Aye” on measures detrimental to fishermen
By Frank Galusha
Karen Brooks, candidate for the 1st District Assembly seat now held by Wesley Chesbro is notifying all voters that their representative for the North Coast is voting for measures that could further restrict our fishing rights and hurt the economies of our already hard-hit coastal communities from Ft. Bragg to Crescent City...
Full StorySacramento salmon season not likely to satisfy anglers
If commercial catches off California’s coast this year are any indication, the opening of the 2010 salmon season on Sac River (September 4) is likely to bring much disappointment...
Full StoryAnglers Going Deep At Lewiston
Anglers Going Deep At Lewiston
By Gary Heffley
With the weather hanging around the 95 plus mark, the trout cruising the upper end of Lewiston Lake are suffering from lock-jaw. Not the kind that causes permanent damage just the kind that drive anglers crazy. A bait or lure is thrown right in front of them or amidst a school and not one will open their mouth and offer a take. A few fish are being caught and fly anglers are producing fish early and late using Zebra Midges and Psycho Princes.
Update August 30: Lake Almanor and Antelope Lake
Roger Keeling is a very busy fishing guide. In the past week he has booked four trips, three to Lake Almanor and one to fish Antelope Lake SE of Susanville, and all have proven to be productive as usual...
Full StorySteelie-trout out and active on balmy Upper Klamath
Scott Caldwell of SC Guide Service (530) 905 0758 in Montague did a little steelhead scouting on the Upper Klamath River on Sunday (8/29) and found the steely-trout fishing to be excellent with the temperature a balmy 75ºF. Even the turtles were basking themselves in the warm sun...
Full StoryClear Lake – Night fishing was paying off
By Frank Galusha
Bob Rider, owner of Lakeshore Bait and Tackle in Clearlake, was back in the store on Friday to provide some input on fishing Clear Lake, which has been a challenge due to the hot weather and other factors...
Full StoryCollins Lake, Aug.26: 6 lb trout; 12 lb catfish top catch
By Kathy Hess, Lake Fish Reporter
Almost all the catches this week were Catfish! Katie Freeman of Live Oak started the week off with her two cats that weighed four pounds and 2 lb. 8 oz. Katie used live crawdads and chicken livers. David Jamison of Yuba City used sardines for bait and fished near the dock and hooked a 9 pound catfish...
Full StoryFishing the North Coast, Aug. 27: Eureka salmon best bet for the weekend
By Kenny Priest
Top guides share their roe cures
If the weekend forecast holds true, salmon may be the only option for offshore anglers headed out of Eureka. Not that it’s a bad thing, as I’ve heard a few of the charter boat captains say they have a good idea where some salmon are located. There’s a huge amount of krill straight out of Eureka about 10 nautical miles on the 50 line in 500 feet of water, and that seems to be where the action is. That’s not to say they’ll be there tomorrow, but it’s a good place to start. The halibut continue to be off the bite, and with a sloppy ocean, it may be tough to fish effectively for them this weekend. The rockfish action is still wide-open down at the Cape, but getting down there may not be an option. If it’s rockfish you’re after, Trinidad is your best bet...
Full StoryAnglers going deep at Lewiston
By Gary Heffley
With the weather hanging around the 95 plus mark, the trout cruising the upper end of Lewiston Lake are suffering from lock-jaw. Not the kind that causes permanent damage just the kind that drive anglers crazy. A bait or lure is thrown right in front of them or amidst a school and not one will open their mouth and offer a take...
Full StoryStillwater fishing dilemma: The trout are hitting flies, but I don’t have a fly rod!
By Gary Heffley
A multiple choice question for all the non-fly fishing anglers, you are at a lake and the fly rod anglers are just picking up trout one right after another as a massive hatch is on the water.
Do you?
- ontinue your plan to troll or cast lures, like spoons or hard plastics?
- Look in your tackle box for your closest thing to a fly, a feathered spinner like a Mepp’s, Roostertail or Panther Martin?
- Just go ahead and dunk the worms or PowerBait?
- Or do youjoini in on the fly fishing and catch yourself a mess of fish?...
Long range dreams
By Gary Heffley
Sweat pouring from under your broad brimmed hat, biceps screaming for oxygen and relief, hands cramping in pain, shouts and commotion all around you. Then it’s over, first the sight of color, a few more cranks of the reel, deckhands lifting the gaffed fish onto the deck and before you a gorgeous 200 pound Yellowfin Tuna. You are barely able to smile as you try to regroup; you’re at the fine line between ecstasy and agony. And you can’t wait to do it again. This is the appeal of Long Range Fishing.
Full StoryAnother great day to be a kid: Free Kid’s Fishing Day at Mt Shasta Hatchery
By Gary Heffley
On Saturday August 21, kids from far and wide, of all ages under 15 and some for the very first time had the thrill of catching trout courtesy of the California Department of Fish and Game and the Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery. This was the third and final event of its kind for the year and none of the kids left disappointed. Spread out over three ponds behind the hatchery hundreds of kids were allowed to catch two fish each to take home. Fishing was limited to fishing with bait as no lures or flies were allowed due to the amount of people involved and there was no catch and release allowed. For those who did not wish to take the fish home they were allowed to donate their catch to a local organization...
Full StoryAntelope & Almanor: Proof is in the photos
A guide that knows his reports may sound exaggerated has one sure fire out: He can send pictures with captions. That's hard for Roger Keeling of Keeling's Guide Service in Canyon Dam. Keeling doesn't have a computer and he doesn't own a digital camera but now and then he picks up a one-time use camera at the drug store and fills its memory with snapshots...
Full StoryDidymo Alert: Another invasive species threatens our trout waters
By Ken W. Davis, Aquatic Biologist, ken@creekman.com, (916) 747-8537
[Editor's Note: Jon Baiocchi, a fly fishing guide has reportedly seen this disease in the Middle Fork Feather River in the Graeagle area.]
Sections of the Bear River in Central California are infested with the algae Didymosphenia geminata, also known as “Didymo” or “Rock Snot.” Dr. Sarah Spaulding, with the USGS in Boulder, Colorado, has confirmed the initial identification made by aquatic biologist, Ken W. Davis. A concerned angler asked Mr. Davis - a consultant to the fly-fishing industry and various governmental agencies - to look at the river and the algae. The images on the left were taken 8/14/10 on the Bear River near Auburn, California...
COVER STORY: Trolling Flies, Jay Fair’s keys to success
By Gary Heffley
Jay Fair gained his fame and reputation as a fly tier, guide and innovator on the use of trolling flies to catch trophy trout on Eagle Lake and other Northern California and Southern Oregon Lakes. Jay shared some of his secrets, formulas and techniques with me recently when we sat and talked about his Hall of Fame career. Jay and his son Glen also graciously sent me home with a DVD titled “Jay Fair’s SURE FIRE Trolling Flies For Big Fish The No-Nonsense Approach to Fishing” as well as some trolling flies to try out. The DVD outlines Jays flies, techniques, unique terminal set up and thought processes that have proven so effective that numerous publications have proclaimed Jay as the “Sage of Eagle Lake” or call him simply, “Mr. Eagle Lake.” To watch Jay put his techniques to work on the video just reinforced the tips I had received in person...
Full StoryReal Fish Bait Co. adds five bluegill colors to swimbait line
Real Fish Bait Co. of Modesto recently announced the addition of five new bluegill colors to its line of realistic-looking swimbaits...
Full StoryFree Fly Fishing Fair open to the public October 2
By Gary Heffley
Have you ever been interested in learning how to fly fish? Ever wondered how to get started? The Shasta Trinity Fly Fishers will be holding a Fly Fishing Fair at Caldwell Park in Redding on October 2, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. There will also be a swap and sell of fly fishing gear and equipment. The event is open to the public and admittance is free...
Full StoryMajor highway project delays could affect anglers/hunters
Lack of a state budget is delaying $3.0 billion in transportation projects in the state, putting payments to contractors at risk and will affect travelers in District 2, which covers Shasta, Trinity, Tehama, Siskiyou, Plumas, Lassen, Modoc, as well as parts of Butte and Sierra counties...
Full StoryStream fishing and cell phones: A tip for recovery for soaked cell phones
By Gary Heffley
I know that while I may be a bit clumsy, I am not the only wader who has taken that fateful step, began the slow stumble backwards knowing that the next second will be a wet one. And of course you knew that would never happen to you, so you left the cell phone in your pants pocket under your waders. You may catch a nice fish and take a cell phone picture, or just use it to check the time, but did you put it in a plastic bag -- of course not...
Full Story
Humboldt Area Saltwater Anglers Newsletter, Summer 2010
[Editor’s Note: The following articles are being reprinted with permission from HASA in the public interest, especially the interests of all saltwater anglers in northern California]
HASA: A VOICE FOR SALTWATER SPORTSMEN
Representing North Coast fishermen’s historic and ongoing right to sport fish along the Northern California coast; advocate reasonable and rational sport fishing seasons and regulations; educate our members and the general public about the economic and cultural contributions of sport fishing to our local economies; and promote sustainable stewardship of the resource.
Full StoryUseful information about strength of spinning reels
By Jack Young, Qualia Fishing
Most descriptions of reels we’ve seen are made in terms of the fishing experience they provide; this seems right and proper. Sometimes those descriptions include technical explanations of mechanisms that help provide that experience. But we’ve also noticed that in the middle of a lot of hype, often the obvious is missed.
The backbone of every spinning reel is its mainshaft, and, as is true with your own backbone, the better that mainshaft is supported, the better the reel operates.
To us this seems obvious, but we’ve never once seen it mentioned elsewhere.
Consider these points:
Full StoryGary Miralles and Shasta Tackle Company: A Northern California Success Story
By Gary Heffley
“Are you catching all the fish you should be catching?” That is a question that Gary Miralles, founder and owner of Shasta Tackle Company, often asks fishermen and guides. Proof as they say is “ in the pudding” or on the stringer as the case may be and Gary and his ever expanding lines of Trout, Kokanee, Salmon and now salt water tackle never fails to produce both fish in quantity and quality.
Gary’s lures have held or hold a line class world record and multiple lake records from many waters west of the Rockies. As a guide Gary would offer a guarantee of catching fish or the client would not pay and even with the toughest of fishing days Gary has yet to have to make good on the guarantee. Having personally used many of the lures made by Shasta Tackle I can speak well of their effectiveness.
Full StoryPot Luck Fishing- Lake Style
By Gary Heffley
When most fishermen think of pot luck fishing, they think of live bait fishing on party boats in bay and ocean waters where the skippers target multiple species, rockfish, salmon, halibut and stripers all on the same outing. These boats make stops at likely locations depending upon tides, winds and seasonal migrating patterns of the fish. It is a lot of fun because you literally never know what you may hook into.
That same type of fishing is available on many lakes in the North State such as Berryessa, Shasta, Trinity and Oroville. I am sure Lake Almanor would also fit this description, but I have yet to fish it. These lakes hold multiple species of both cold water (trout and salmon) and warm water (bass and crappie) varieties of fish...
Full StoryFishing: Getting started
By Gary Heffley
Many people young and old did not have the opportunities that I had early in life to enjoy the outdoors, to learn how to fish; how to cast, how to bait a hook, what type of gear to use and where. Some of these people grew up in an urban environment where options were limited or their families just didn’t enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Many native Californians have never seen Yosemite, Mt. Lassen or have even heard of Burney Falls. Vacations are spent at Disneyland or Sea World. The only fishing some children now know is from their couch on a video game.
Many people and families are interested in taking advantages of the recreational opportunities and family building experiences that the outdoors and fishing in particular provides. The biggest question is how to get started?
The best option is to have a family friend who enjoys fishing take you out and show you the basics, most fisherman are willing to help introduce someone new to the sport. Another option is to hire a guide, selecting an area where you are likely to fish. This will give you equipment and gear introductions without jumping in with both feet and have expenses that you may not initially need. Most guides are excellent teachers and are happy to give novice anglers patient instruction but at a cost.
For those who just want to give it a try on the next family vacation with little fanfare here are some basic starters; from rods and reels and equipment to handling your catch.
Full Story