My Outdoor Buddy

Your Source for Outdoor Adventure

Northern California and Southern Oregon

Headline News from Northern California & Southern Oregon

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

Shasta Lake trout and landlocked King salmon
by Jeff Goodwin, JANUARY 21, 2017
Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake is getting another dose of very wet weather again this week. With all the rain, the lake could have possibly filled by now if water managers would have allowed it to do so. It's way too early in the year to top off Shasta Lake so releases from Shasta Dam have remained very high all week. We're experiencing...
Full Story

Sprague River closes to all fishing Monday, Jan. 23
by ODFW, JANUARY 20, 2017
Sprague River

The Sprague River near Klamath Falls will close to all fishing beginning Monday, Jan. 23 through April 21, 2017. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the emergency regulation today in order to protect spawning redband trout from the stress and mortality associated with fishing pressure and handling. The redband trout spawning in the Sprague River spend much of their lives in...
Full Story

Introduction to Fishing 101
by Gary Heffley, JANUARY 20, 2017

Being at the ISE show in Sacramento, I am once again frequently being asked how a person or family can get started fishing. Questions coming from many people new to the state are coming to the realization that enjoying fishing in the outdoors is a great family activity. Many of the questions range from basic tackle set-ups to basic techniques...
Full Story

CDFW Releases New Guide to Heritage Trout Challenge
by CDFW, JANUARY 20, 2017

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has released the Angler’s Guide to the California Heritage Trout Challenge, a new online tool for those interested in fishing for California’s heritage trout. The guide provides anglers with detailed information on how to complete the Heritage Trout Challenge, including information about where to catch native trout, identification tips and a history of habitat...
Full Story

“Butterflying” a Legal Alternative to Traditional Filleting?
California Outdoors Q&A
Carrie Wilson, JANUARY 20, 2017

Question: As an alternative to traditional filleting, some people will do what they call “butterflying.” This is where fish are filleted but the cut is not completed leaving the fillet connected to the skin and the skin attached to the carcass. Is that technique legal for striped bass and sharks? I believe it’s not permissible to fillet greenlings and cabezon at...
Full Story

CDFW expands presence at ISE in Sacramento
by CDFW, JANUARY 20, 2017

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has returned with even greater presence to the International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) at Cal Expo in Sacramento, which began yesterday and runs through Sunday, Jan. 22. This is the largest hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation show of its kind in northern California and marks the 30th year of the event in Sacramento. CDFW has...
Full Story