Camping Sites: This Section is a work-in-progress. Over time our goal is to list and describe as many camping sites as we can find in northern California, southern Oregon and western Nevada. Chances are the task will never be finished. Use the drop-downs to find a camp site of your choice and if in your travels find one that we’ve not discovered, please send us an email at myoutdoorbuddy@frontiernet.net. Please include your name and hometown.
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Hunting News
Modoc County Coyote Hunt set for 9/18-19
By Lorissa Soriano
The Likely Fire Protection District is sponsoring a Coyote Hunt September, 18-19 in Likely. Likely is located 20 miles south of Alturas...
Full StoryHow to properly care for your game
By Lorissa Soriano, Alturas, CA
Over the years, I’ve witnessed many proud hunters after they’ve taken a deer, elk or antelope during hunting season. Some parade their trophies around town, showcasing their skills, while their deer is slowly bloating on their rig reaching nearly the size of their egos. Being an avid hunter myself I know this is par for the course and a commonly practiced ritual.
Full StoryAdventure is what it’s about
By Frank Galusha
If it were just catching or killing most anglers and hunters would get bored, stay home and watch TV. What gets us excited is the fact the outcome is never predetermined. That’s why we can think of nothing but the next sunup on the water or in the field.
Full StoryFirst-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 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 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 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 StoryFishing News
First Annual Camanche Derby Day is 10/30Lake Camanche anglers will have a shot at some some big money on October 30 when Camanche Recreation holds its first annual Derby Day. One tagged trout will be worth $10,000 to one lucky angler. Nine other tagged trout will be swimming the Lake. Entry is $30.00 and includes eligibility for cash prizes, a tri-tip BBQ lunch, and five raffle tickets. You can buy your tickets at the gates, marinas, and stores... Full Story |
Lake Davis/Antelope Lake Captain's Log 9/4-6: Hitting the sweet spot!By West Guin, Guin Fish’n Tackle Co. Shannon and I hit Davis at 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning. The lake is still weedy but water temps are slowly cooling to 65 degrees. I trolled straight from the Honker boat ramp towards the Island where we met up with Clayton Sterling and Justin Williams. They explained how they had already hit two fish: One on Silver Streak top lining and the other on Crawdaddy at 15'... Full Story |
Collins Lake, Sept. 2 – Variety for anglers of all agesBy: Kathy Hess, Fishing Reporter Lots of families meet here at Collins Lake and share fun times while fishing and teaching the little ones to fish as well. Whether the kids caught the fish or not, they always love to have their picture taken with the fish! Little Idaline was a tad bit taller than the catfish pictured with her that Peter caught. The big catfish weighed in at 12-1/2 lbs. and was caught on a live minnow on a bobber down by the dam... Full Story |
Please consider Catch & Release (C&R) fishingBy Mike Mogler Conservation of our resources such as water, timber, energy and others should be considered when fishing. I have observed, and I must say more than once, people fishing and not considering catch and release, or keeping what they hook... Full Story |
"Salmon nearing Upper Klamath" – SC Guide ServiceScott Caldwell of SC Guide Service in Montague is expecting salmon to arrive at the top of the Klamath at any time.Scott Caldwell of SC Guide Service is expecting salmon to arrive at the top of the Klamath at any time... Full Story |
Campground heists & big brookies highlight Hat CreekBy Mike Mogler Labor Day weekend proved great fishing for brook trout to six pounds. Kathy, at Rim Rock Ranch reports the campgrounds are nearly full and so were the stringers of brook trout from 3 to 6 pounds as of Sunday, September 5. All of the fish reported were brookies with few, if any rainbows caught. Night crawlers as well as Panther Martins were the key. The California Department of Fish and Game planted brood stock in Hat Creek for this Labor Day Weekend... Full Story |
Upper Sacramento River full of options
By Gary Heffley |
Whiskeytown Kokanee and Shasta Trout
By Gary Heffley |
Lake Oroville Coho bite returnsBy 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 Story |
Feather River Steelhead in Low Flow SectionBy 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 Story |
Shasta Lake Bass: SlowBy 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 Story |
Trinity River and Lake ReportBy 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 Story |
Davis Lake ReportMarty 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 Story |
Fishing the North Coast, Sept. 2: Lots of angling options for holiday weekendBy 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 Story |
Inter-mountain choices, crappies, bass or troutBy 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 Story |
Upper Hat Creek, Big brood stock in the mix
By Gary Heffley |
List of waters being planted by DFGHere is a list of Northern California Waters being planted by the Department of Fish and Game. Always check the DFG regulations before fishing new waters... Full Story |
Waters released for trout stocking by DFGIn 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 Story |
Chesbro votes “Aye” on measures detrimental to fishermenBy 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 Story |
Long range dreamsBy 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 Story |
Antelope & Almanor: Proof is in the photosA 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 Story |
COVER STORY: Trolling Flies, Jay Fair’s keys to successBy 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 Story |
Free Fly Fishing Fair open to the public October 2By 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 Story |
Gary Miralles and Shasta Tackle Company: A Northern California Success StoryBy 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 Story |
Pot Luck Fishing- Lake StyleBy 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 Story |
Fishing: Getting startedBy 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 |
Northern California Fishing: quality and diversityBy Gary Heffley
Northern California from its blue ocean waters, crystal clear mountain streams to man-made reservoirs offers a diversity of quality fishing found in few places.
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Outdoor News
Whiskeytown Rec. Area Artist-in Residence at ArtHop
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area 2010 Artist-in-Residence, Jacqueline Moses, will present an informal lecture this Saturday, September 11th, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Vintage Wine Bar & Restaurant Conference Room, 1790 Market Street in Redding. This free presentation is supported by Hawkman Studios as part of the 2nd Saturday ArtHop...
Full StoryKlamath Bird Observatory to host Wings & Wine Gala
By Liz Williams
Education and Outreach Projects Lead
Klamath Bird Observatory
Hello Klamath Basin Birders!
On September 25th, Klamath Bird Observatory will be hosting its third annual Wings and Wine Gala at Historic Hanley Farm in Central Point, Oregon. This year, KBO is celebrating ten years of success in advancing bird conservation in the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion through science, education and partnerships!...
Full Story18th Whiskeytown Pick-Up Lake Litter Day is 9/25
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, the Friends of Whiskeytown, and Forever Resorts are collaborating with local businesses and supporters to help clean up litter on Whiskeytown Lake on Saturday, September 25...
Full StoryCalifornia 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 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 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 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 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 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