My Outdoor Buddy

Your Source for Outdoor Adventure

Northern California and Southern Oregon

Headline News from Northern California & Southern Oregon

The dark spot at the base of gill plate distinguishes this species from other panfish. Photo by Ron Loftus

Shasta Valley Wildlife Area, Siskiyou County

The dark spot at the base of gill plate distinguishes this species from other panfish. Photo by Ron Loftus

CDFW Now Accepting Fisheries Habitat Restoration Project Proposals
by CDFW, FEBRUARY 16, 2018

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now accepting proposals for projects under its Fiscal Year 2018-19 Fisheries Habitat Restoration Proposal Solicitation Notice (PSN). The PSN and online grant application are online at wildlife.ca.gov/Grants/FRGP/Solicitation. Applications must be submitted online by Friday, March 30, 2018 at 5 p.m. CDFW will also hold a series of public workshops to assist applicants in...
Full Story

Is a Photo of My Fishing License Good Enough?
California Outdoors Q&A
Carrie Wilson, FEBRUARY 15, 2018

Question: I have a picture of my current fishing license and hunting license on my phone (as well as my driver’s license). That shows all of the legal stamps, stars and stripes that might be required for what I am doing legally. As far as a game warden is concerned, would that work as proof that I have a license? It...
Full Story

Salmon and Trout Advisory Committee seeks Reps – Apply by Feb. 28
by ODFW, FEBRUARY 15, 2018
Umpqua River

ODFW is seeking applicants for the Umpqua, Upper Rogue, Southern Mid-Coast/Lower Umpqua and South Willamette territories of the Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) Advisory Committee. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by February 28, 2018. Oregonians who are involved with local fishing or STEP groups, have previous experience working with volunteers and/or in community service, or are involved in natural resource...
Full Story

Despite low flows, steelhead options are plenty
Kenny Priest
by Kenny Priest, FEBRUARY 15, 2018
Smith River

While the lack of rain has most steelhead anglers singing the blues, there are however, a few bright spots. Especially if you like to throw on a pair of waders and head to the river bar. The Mad River is probably as good now as it’s been all season. With plenty of bank access, it’s probably the best steelhead option...
Full Story

ODFW Recreation Report Highlights
by ODFW, FEBRUARY 14, 2018

Best bets for free fishing weekend (Feb. 17-18) Lingcod fishing has been “melt-your-face-off-hot” on the Oregon coast Mid-February is when winter steelhead fishing really starts picking up on the Clackamas and Sandy rivers. So if you haven’t been out yet, this would be a good weekend to start. Coos County beaches have been giving up redtail surfperch when the surf conditions allow. Fly-fishers will...
Full Story

Fish Tales with Justin Kroeze
Backcountry Travels
by Phil "Flip" Akers, FEBRUARY 14, 2018
Moccasin Creek

I recently spent a morning with Justin Kroeze, Hatchery Manager II at the Moccasin Creek Fish Hatchery. Established in 1954, and one of 13 trout hatcheries managed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), this is a designated hatchery for Region 4, and depending on the State’s budget, produces between 200,000 and 500,000 pounds of trout yearly. Please join me...
Full Story