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The mule deer was named for its large ears that along with its nose are its first line of defense. Photo by Larry Arbanas

The mule deer was named for its large ears that along with its nose are its first line of defense. Photo by Larry Arbanas

South Fork running out of steam
Kenny Priest
by Kenny Priest, MARCH 23, 2017
Eel River - South Fork

The South Fork fished late last week and into Saturday all the way to the forks. Most boats landed between two to four fish, with some fresh bluebacks in the mix. On Wednesday, it was back up to 6,000 cfs and predicted to go higher with the storms coming. It closes on March 31 and is likely done for the...
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Main stem holds out hope through April
Kenny Priest
by Kenny Priest, MARCH 23, 2017
Eel River

The main stem was starting to come around last weekend, but it’s now back up to 28,000 cfs on the Scotia gauge. It will take a couple weeks of dry weather for it to turn green, but that’s not in the foreseeable forecast. The main stem will remain open through April.

The Smith is keeping us hooked
Kenny Priest
by Kenny Priest, MARCH 23, 2017
Smith River

“The Smith isn’t red-hot, but we’re still catching a couple fish a day,” said guide Mike Coopman. “The majority of the fish we’re catching are fresh ones, there’s only been a trickle of spent fish coming down. It’s possible after the next big rise we’ll see more downers, but there has yet to be a mass exodus. When they do...
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Chetco high and slow
Kenny Priest
by Kenny Priest, MARCH 23, 2017
Chetco River

“The Chetco blew out again this week and looks to be too high to fish through the weekend,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “If it comes back into shape before it closes March 31, there may be a few down-runners left, but I expect fishing to be fairly slow. The last few days of the season may fish,...
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Shelter Cove/Fort Bragg salmon season to open April 1
Kenny Priest
by Kenny Priest, MARCH 23, 2017
Shelter Cove

The recreational salmon season from Horse Mountain, Humboldt County south to the U.S. - Mexico border will open on Saturday, April 1. Between Horse Mountain and Point Arena, which includes Shelter Cove and Fort Bragg, the daily bag and possession limit is two salmon of any species except Coho. The season south of Horse Mountain will extend through various dates...
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When and where is nonlead ammunition required?
California Outdoors Q&A
Carrie Wilson, MARCH 23, 2017

Question: I have a question about airguns. With the new lead ban going into effect, can I still hunt turkeys with lead airgun pellets? Are pellet rifles included in the nonlead ammunition ban? (Bill K., Placerville) Answer: Since pellet rifles are not firearms, the use of lead projectiles in pellet rifles is not prohibited. Was there a federal reversal of the ban on lead...
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