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Volume 9 • Issue 7 PUBLISHER James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Dick Openshaw EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andy Walgamott EDITOR Chris Cocoles CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Brittany Boddington LEAD WRITER Tim E. Hovey CONTRIBUTORS Bill Adelman, Jon Baiocchi, Mark Fong, Scott Haugen, Tiffany Haugen, Todd Kline, Bill Schaefer, Mike Stevens, Dave Workman SALES MANAGER Katie Higgins ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mamie Griffin, Steve Joseph, Garn Kennedy, Mike Smith, Paul Yarnold

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ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@calsportsmanmag.com CORRESPONDENCE Email ccocoles@media-inc.com Twitter @CalSportsMan Facebook.com/californiasportsmanmagazine ON THE COVER The countdown is now on until April 29’s statewide trout opener, and California lakes should be brimming with water, anglers, trout and smiles this season.

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 5

71

A SIERRA REUNION

(TIM E. HOVEY)

FEATURES 45

HERE’S MUD IN YOUR EYE

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 103 IT’S A TURKEY SHOOT

The heavy rains that saturated the Golden State thankfully ended the drought, but they also left a muddy mess in many of Northern California’s premier bass lakes. How do you find a way to catch fish in the murky waters.

Mark Fong gets down and dirty to show you how it’s done.

57

SOLVING THE TRICKY TRUCKEE The Truckee River’s claim to fame is serving as the only outlet to massive alpine Lake Tahoe, but as it drains into northern Nevada it’s also a fantastic trout fishery that contains a healthy population of wild rainbows and browns that fly anglers pursue yearround. Take a tour of this 121-mile gem of a river with longtime fishing guide Jon Baiocchi.

Lead writer Tim Hovey (left, with daughter, Alyssa) is as excited as any California trout hound with the April 29 trout opener closing in.

Hovey, his two daughters and family friends made an annual trip to the Eastern Sierras to camp and catch pan-ready trout for years, until busy kids’ schedules made it difficult to find common dates to get together. But the trek is being resuscitated this year – what’s the inspiration behind the Hoveys’ return to the mountains?

California’s spring turkey season begins on March, 25, and in their Field to Fire column, Scott and Tiffany Haugen team up for all your gobbler needs. Scott shares tips for how to get the most accurate shots on bearded toms, and Tiffany prepares a wild turkey dish infused by Marsala wine.

123

LONG-DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP Our Urban Huntress Brittany Boddington is up for just about any hunting scenario thrown her way. But when she’s asked about how she feels about taking long-distance shots on game, it gives our Los Angeles-based adventurer pause. She shares her views on why she prefers short-range precision shooting when she’s after trophies around the world.

41 British Columbia’s lodge of the month 53 Lake Berryessa: Bay Area getaway 79 How heavy snowpack will affect Sierras trout season

89 Lake Isabella trout derby preview 93 How rainy weather could spark SoCal largemouth bite

95 Southland saltwater bass head shallow 97 Q&A with Fred Hall Shows’ Bart Hall

DEPARTMENTS 13 17

The Editor’s Note Protecting Wild California: Finding safe habitat for native fish 32 Adventures of Todd Kline: Lake Havasu, Florida, Perris lunkers 37 Photo Contest winners 51 Rig of the Month: Slam catfish with simple plunking set-up 115 Gun Dog 101: Bringing a new pup home

California Sportsman goes digital!

Read California Sportsman on your desktop or mobile device. Only $1.89 an issue. Go to www.calsportsmanmag.com/digital California Sportsman is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 14240 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Send address changes to California Sportsman, PO Box 24365, Seattle, WA 98124. Annual subscriptions are $29.95 (12 issues), 2-year subscription are $39.95 (24 issues). Send check or money order to Media Index Publishing Group, or call (206) 3829220 with VISA or M/C. Back issues are available at Media Index Publishing Group offices at the cost of $5 plus shipping. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2016 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A. 10 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

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THEEDITOR’SNOTE

G

rowing up in California, you come to expect to hear about earthquake preparation, as we are constantly warned about the “Big One” just biding its time before making the Bay Area or the Southland shake. Honestly, after living in Arkansas for six years not far from where deadly tornadoes devastated small towns and larger cities, I’ll take the threat of a major quake over enduring tornado watches and warnings any day of the week.

We’re mostly lucky that California doesn’t endure the extreme weather that other states are susceptible to, which is why it was such a concern to see the possibility of disaster last month when a rising water level at Lake Oroville and damage to the massive dam’s spillway created fears of a collapse. Considering I had a great fishing experience at Oroville a few years back and we used to visit family friends in Yuba City when I was a kid, it was stressful thinking about those most affected.

Of course, reports about the state being informed about the possibility of the spillway giving way more than a decade ago turned the focus away from residents’ safety and ignited the usual political Twitter and Facebook pillow fighting. But I was more worried about the people who were in the path of the water. People like my friend Manuel Saldana Jr. of MSJ Guide Service, who just a few months ago took me out Chinook fishing on the Feather River (California Sportsman, December 2015).

In mid-February, Saldana, who is planning for us to go striper fishing in April, was among the thousands of residents from the Marysville-Yuba City area – downstream from Oroville – who were part of a mandatory evacuation. I’ll let Saldana take it from here.

“I walked into my house to notify my wife and daughter that we needed to pack our most important papers and documents and food for the next few days, and move to my friend’s ranch in Wheatland (a short drive southeast of

Water cascading around the damaged Oroville Spillway made for some nervous moments for residents downstream of the country’s tallest dam. (BRIAN BAER/CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES)

Marysville). My friend and I had spoken three to four days prior and we decided it was a smart idea to move my travel trailer to his property, and I was thankful my family and I had somewhere to go. I did remember to bring my guide boat just in case the worst-case scenario happened. I figured if my boat could float, I wanted to make sure my family and friends were safe. And if I saw people in need, I wanted to help them out.”

“We locked up our house, left our home and didn’t even make it a half mile and the traffic was bumper to bumper, only moving 5 feet at a time. It took us 3½ hours to make it to our destination in Wheatland. But I still didn’t sleep very well knowing that all we and other people have worked for could all be underwater if the emergency spillway gave way or if the original spillway kept breaking apart. We then spent the next two to three days watching the news for the latest update on the spillway. I was so thankful when they lifted the evacuation and that the worst didn’t happen.”

Fortunately, the Arkansas city I lived in, Fayetteville, was hilly enough to be mostly protected from tornadoes that were more dangerous in flatter areas of the state

(though not very far away from me). But besides an ice storm that once essentially shut down the city for several days, the only time I felt really nervous was one stormy night when the tornado sirens went off.

Being a California transplant who’d never experienced a twister, I grabbed my dog and we held court in the bathtub before I felt ridiculous and realized the danger was over.

We all love the outdoors that California has to offer, but we’re also humbled by the power of Mother Nature and that even something seemingly impenetrable as the nation’s tallest dam is vulnerable to devastation. It didn’t help if indeed the warnings of potential issues weren’t properly tended to.

“At the end of it all, I feel thankful that we are all OK,” Saldana told me, “but frustrated because all of this could have been avoided.”

So yes, let’s hope the state will learn some lessons from this. So many of us Golden State natives never bother to pack our own emergency earthquake kit, just in case. Could it be that we’re all a little more aware now? -Chris Cocoles

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THEY’LL ‘STICK’ WITH A FISH SPECIES IN JEOPARDY

PROTECTING

WILD CALIFORNIA

DESPITE HABITAT CHALLENGES, BIOLOGISTS AREN’T GIVING UP YET ON SOCAL’S UNARMORED THREESPINE STICKLEBACK

By Tim E. Hovey

W

hen I was 12, my dad showed me a newspaper article that featured the plight of a small native fish, unarmored threespine stickleback.

At the time, my fishing obsession was well established and he knew I’d be interested in reading the piece. The lead photograph showed two men wading through a shallow creek with a small seine net. An inset photo pictured the small stickleback lying in the palm of a hand. The fish had large eyes, brown markings along its side and a bright red chin.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist Jennifer Pareti collects tiny native unarmored threespine stickleback from Southern California’s Soledad Creek. Very few watersheds now hold this species, so biologists like author Tim Hovey have worked tirelessly to save those left. (TIM E. HOVEY)

One of the fisheries scientists pictured in the article was Dr. Camm Swift, who described the life history of the small freshwater species. Living in shallow, slow-moving streams, the

stickleback inhabits specific sections with aquatic vegetation and plenty of shade. Dr. Swift continued explaining that reduced water availability and the lack of quality habitat had resulted in a

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PROTECTING

WILD CALIFORNIA

Before and after shots of Soledad Creek, taken in October (left) as a biologist scoops up fish, and February, when the same area was covered in several feet of silt. The earlier work to transport sticklebacks saved them from certain death. (TIM E. HOVEY)

severe decline in stickleback numbers and populations. Due to his work on the species, state and federal agencies placed the fish on the endangered species list in the 1970s.

I saved that article for years. To me, it was a reminder of what fisheries scientists did, and I used it to motivate myself in a similar direction. Once I became involved in fisheries and started working for the state, I was lucky enough to work with Dr. Swift on several projects, even co-authoring a scientific paper with him a year before he retired. Now a huge part of my job is monitoring that same species I first experienced as a 12-year-old in a newspaper clipping.

WHERE SPECIES ARE THREATENED The landscape of Southern California has certainly changed dramatically over the last 40 years. In the guise of progress, neighborhoods, commercial structures, shopping centers and the supportive infrastructure that goes with all that has altered the native stream component forever. Once-wandering streams that wound down from their headwaters in the Coast Range to the ocean have either been channelized for flood control or worse, disappeared all together.

Species that used to utilize this sensitive habitat have also disappeared, or have become so rare that they sit at the gateway of extinction.

As a biologist, I usually work with two types of species: those that have adapted to our presence and continue

to thrive despite degrading or limited conditions, and those that require specialized habitat and have not been able to adapt to human progress. The unarmored threespine stickleback falls into the latter category.

In Southern California, there are few drainages left that flow unobstructed from their headwaters. Channelization and dam construction have permanently altered the natural flow regime of almost every creek and stream. New and old wells continuously tax groundwater storage, reducing and, at times, eliminating surface flow of perennial streams.

Creeks that flowed year-round prior to the onslaught of development are now left dry for most of the year. Dry streams do nothing for fish.

Once the water goes away or is limited beyond forage sustainability, aquatic vegetation dies off and non-native plants take over. The riparian zone, a crucial shade component of native fishes’ habitat, also succumbs to lack of water. A once-lush and thriving native stream is left dry and completely choked with exotic, non-native plants.

Lack of water, progress and the alteration of critical stream components has left all but a few Southland drainages void of native fishes.

A FAILING SPECIES Unarmored threespine stickleback were once abundant in streams in the Los Angeles Basin, but are now restricted to the upper portion of the Santa

18 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

Clara River (north of Los Angeles) and San Antonio Creek (Ventura County).

These small populations make up the last remaining group of a species that has been present in the state for at least 16 million years. With their existence tenuous, part of my job is to make sure that these sticklebacks don’t blink out.

Unarmored threespine stickleback are a short lifespan species, living no more than one or two years. They inhabit slow, quiet water systems with plenty of emergent vegetation. During the spring, they will pair off and begin breeding when the water warms. During this time the males will assume their breeding colors and begin setting up territories to build nests. After a choreographed courtship, the female will lay eggs in the nest built by the male. The male will care for and guard the nest until the eggs hatch about eight days later.

With limited water availability and only a handful of populations left, I spend most of my time monitoring these groups and documenting impacts and potential stressors that may negatively affect the population. I monitor stream chemistry to make sure water quality doesn’t degrade. I monitor water availability to make sure fish aren’t exposed to warmer waters than they’re used to or become isolated in drying pools.

WORTH PROTECTING The most common question I get asked when I explain how I look after this spe-

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cies is, “What difference does it make if this one species disappears?” As a biologist, having a species go extinct while I’m in charge of monitoring it is unacceptable. Scientists understand that our ecosystem can be viewed as a house of cards, where each species represents a single card. While the structure itself can take the loss of a few individual species, efforts should be made to assure the entire species group remains to avoid an ecosystem collapse.

I personally look at it in simple terms. The unarmored threespine stickleback has been present here for the

last 16 million years. I will do everything I can to see that the species as a whole rebounds and persists. Ultimately, it comes down to not having them disappear on my watch.

RESCUING THE SPECIES It seems that the toughest time for this species has been the last few years. With California in the grips of an unprecedented drought, water availability has squeezed the existing populations almost beyond what they could handle.

In 2014 and again in 2016, scien-

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In several areas, threespine sticklebacks have been netted and either transported upstream where better water quality persisted, or transported out of the basin and released into another more fitting drainage. (TIM E. HOVEY)

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PROTECTING

WILD CALIFORNIA tists from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service performed several rescues of the limited populations of unarmored threespine stickleback. In each case, lack of water resulting in the potential for stranded fish initiated a rescue response.

Stickleback were netted and either transported further upstream in the same drainage, where better water quality and availability persisted, or transported and released into another basin. In both cases, without the intervention of scientists, these fish would’ve perished due to drought.

While water availability remains one of the most important concerns for fisheries scientists for long-term stickleback survival, biologists also need to evaluate how other natural events like fires and floods impact stream habitat.

A decade of consistent monitoring of threespine stickleback populations has shown that dwindling habitat and fluctuating water availability has pushed this species to the very edge of extinction. But biologists are looking for space for them to survive and maybe even thrive. (TIM E. HOVEY)

In June 2016, the Sand Fire ripped through a section off the Angeles National Forest above Soledad Creek, an occupied stickleback stream. While the creek itself survived the initial fire, the upland habitat in the area burned at a high severity. This meant that if we

saw winter rains over the fire footprint, huge amounts of debris, sediment and ash would wash into Soledad Creek, killing everything.

In October, a coordinated rescue effort was planned to collect as many unarmored threespine stickleback

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from Soledad Creek as possible. The plan was to hold fish in captivity and identify another drainage that would be suitable for their survival.

The cautious approach paid off.

Heavy January rains in Southern California washed massive amounts of debris down into the creek, completely filling the stream with caustic ash and mud. If the fish hadn’t been collected and held, the Soledad Creek population of unarmored threespine stickleback would’ve disappeared following this flood event forever.

The captive Soledad fish will be moved this spring into a perennial drainage with sufficient spring-fed water and good habitat. Hopefully, additional perennial waters will be identified and fisheries scientists can expand the current populations of stickleback by seeding new streams with fish.

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS The stickleback has likely seen catastrophic events long before man was here. However, the presence of man has altered the landscape in such a way that some species find it difficult to survive or recover after a devastating event like the one seen in Soledad Creek. Using what we know about its specific habitat requirements, we can seek out new areas less affected by development and move fish to these new streams.

When any species requires consistent levels of human intervention to survive, it becomes clear that this species is in trouble. A decade of consistent monitoring of the current unarmored threespine stickleback populations has shown that dwindling habitat and fluctuating water availability has pushed this species to the very edge of extinction.

Assisting their persistence, biologists believe that with the right actions, this species can continue to exist and, in some cases, thrive. One thing is certain: I work with a dedicated group of scientists who refuse to just sit back and watch the stickleback disappear.

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MIXED BAG

OUTDOOR CALENDAR MARCH 1-5

10-12 11 11 18 18-19 19 23-26 25

Fred Hall Show, Long Beach Convention Center; fredhall.com Fred Hall Central Valley Sports Show, Kern County Fairgrounds; fredhall.com N.T.T.S. Shore Wars Trout Derby, San Pablo Reservoir; redhookadventures.com Blake Jones Trout Derby, Bishop; bishopvisitor.com NorCal Trout Anglers Challenge, Lake Amador; anglerspress.com Archery junior turkey hunting days Central Valley Anglers Striper Derby, Brannan Island; centralvalleyanglers.org Fred Hall Show, Del Mar Fairgrounds; fredhall.com General spring turkey season opens

APRIL 8 8-10 22 29 29 29

NorCal Trout Challenge, Collins Lake; anglerspress.com Lake Isabella Fish Derby; kernrivervalley.com Pine Flat Team Trout Derby, Pine Flat Lake; kokaneepower.org NorCal Trout Challenge, Lake Camanche; anglerspress.com Statewide trout opener Fishmas Day Celebration at Tom’s Place; tomsplaceresort.com

San Pablo Reservoir, located east of Oakland in the Bay Area, is hosting a stop on the Shore Wars Trout Derby series on March 11. (BILL ADELMAN)

29 29 29-30 29 29

Fred J. Hall Memorial Opening Day “Big Fish” Contest, Crowley Lake; crowleylakefishcamp.com Monster Fish Contest, June Lake Loop; junelakeloop.org/contact Opening Weekend Cash Derby at Convict Lake; convictlake.com/resort-home Start of Gull Lake Marina “Fish of the Month Club” Derby, June Lake Loop; gulllakemarina.com Bridgeport Locals Only Fishing Tournament, Bridgeport Reservoir; bridgeportreservoir.com

Note: A list of upcoming bass tournaments can also be found at nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FishingContests/default.aspx.

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s e r u t n e v Ad We’re not ashamed to admit it: Todd Kline has the kind of life we wish we could experience. Kline’s a former professional surfer, a successful co-angler on the FLW Tour and a Southern California bass guide, plus he gets to travel the world as a commentator for the World Surf League’s telecasts. Todd has agreed to give us a peek on what’s he’s been up to. For more on Todd, check out toddkline.com and follow on Instagram (@toddokrine). –The Editor

32 California Sportsman FEBRUARY 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

Mid-February found me along the CaliforniaArizona border, on the Colorado River’s Lake Havasu, for a Costa FLW Series tournament. An early-morning launch meant some gorgeous sunrise views and tranquil water amid all the boats. (TODD KLINE)

I really love fishing Lake Havasu. When you set the hook, you never know if it’s going to be a largemouth or a smallmouth. (TODD KLINE)

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Lake Toho also produced this pickerel. It bit on a swimbait. (TODD KLINE) This is my friend Ben Byrd from Utah. We fished together at Lake Havasu at practice before the FLW tournament, and he caught this 5-pound largemouth on day two.

(TODD KLINE)

I recently traveled to Florida for the Surf Expo Trade Show. I had enough time on Sunday before my flight to go fishing with my longtime friend Charlie Coleman.

We fished just outside of Orlando at Lake Toho where I caught this 8.4-pound bass that I was happy to celebrate with. (TODD KLINE) Fishing has offered steady pickings on good fish at Riverside County’s Lake Perris. This is a recent guide trip where my clients who were visiting from New York caught some healthy largemouth. (TODD KLINE)

34 California Sportsman FEBRUARY 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

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If you prefer to spend more time ashore exploring and enjoying La Paz, BCS, and Mexico, we offer the same levels of ASA certification in a combination of two courses that you can take while spending most of your evenings in a hotel room and your days out sailing. These courses are either Private (oneon-one) or Semi-Private (two students). This gives you the ability to pick and choose which courses you want to take and when.

PHOTO CONTEST

WINNERS! The Photo Contest Judge likes perseverance, and so Amy Hensley, who landed this Columbia fall Chinook with her arm in a sling, is this issue’s monthly Fishing Photo Contest winner.

It wins her a pile of loot from the overstuffed office of our editor!

Jeff Boulet’s pic of his opening-day Washington mule deer is this issue’s Browning Photo Contest winner. It wins him a Browning hat.

For your shot at winning Browning and fishing products, send your photos and pertinent (who, what, when, where) details to ccocoles@ media-inc.com, or to California Sportsman, PO Box 24365, Seattle, WA 98124-0365. By sending us photos, you affirm you have the right to distribute them for our print or Internet publications. calsportsmanmag.com | MARCH 2017 California Sportsman

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38 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

calsportsmanmag.com | MARCH 2017 California Sportsman

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Your Canadian West Coast Adventure Starts Here

MOUTCHA BAY RESORT

NEWTON COVE RESORT

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BC LODGE OF THE MONTH: NOOTKA MARINE ADVENTURES LOCATION Vancouver Island, British Columbia DETAILS Three lodges – Moutcha Bay Re-

and the offshore banks of these two renowned West Coast hot spots. As an added bonus, we also offer guided tuna fishing trips in August and September. Check our weekly in-season online fishing reports for the hottest tips and areas.

sort, Nootka Sound Resort and Newton Cove Resort– offering various accommodations and world-class fishing CONTACT nootkamarineadventures.com; (877) 337-5464 Q&A with Nootka Marine Adventures marketing manager James Fisher:

California Sportsman How many resorts do you own and operate?

James Fisher With three resorts, Nootka Marine Adventures is the largest resort operator on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

CS Tell us about the locations.

JF Moutcha Bay Resort is our landbased resort, where fish swim right by your front door. Specially designed for families and fishing groups, the resort is strategically located at the mouth of the Conuma River and is easily accessible by car, boat or float plane.

The resort offers 39 serviced RV and camp sites, luxury yurts, oceanside chalets and a full-service 70-slip marina.

The resort offers gas, diesel, propane, ice, bait, tackle and fish processing. You can reserve a guided charter on one of our 28-foot boats, bring your own boat and utilize our boat launch services and year-round boat storage, or rent an 18- to 25-foot boat for a self-guided experience. Sea kayaks, fishing kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pontoon boats or pedal boats are also available.

The Conuma Grill, our licensed restaurant, proudly features the freshest products from Vancouver Island.

Alternatively, our luxury yurts, chalets and some of our lodge suites provide full kitchen facilities and barbecues so you can cook your catch each day, if you should so desire.

Nootka Sound Resort is our original floating resort in Nootka Sound, situated in the protected waters of Galiano Bay and accessible by boat or float plane. This comfortable and relaxing resort caters to individuals or groups of up to 52 guests at a time. Your stay

includes all-inclusive meals: breakfasts, gourmet onboard lunches, appetizers and three-course dinners with wine. Other amenities include luxury waterside accommodations, licensed dining room, a fireside lounge, government-inspected fish processing and Wi-Fi. Guests can book a guided fishing charter on one of our 28-foot boats, rent a boat or bring their own boat.

Newton Cove Resort is set in a pristine and tranquil cove – our all-inclusive floating luxury wilderness hideaway awaits in Esperanza Inlet. It’s tailored to the needs of every angler, and strategically located just minutes from the entrance to the Pacific Ocean.

Catering to individuals or groups of up to 44 guests at a time, Newton Cove Resort is very popular with corporate groups who experience some of the most consistent and productive inshore and offshore fishing on Vancouver Island. The resort is often the best access for tuna fishing in August and September.

Whether you come by land, sea or air, Nootka Marine Adventures welcomes you to explore and relax in astounding nature with all the comforts you deserve.

CS What can I fish for and when?

JF This is where the big ones are! All of our resorts are within easy reach of the most consistent inshore and offshore fishing for trophy salmon, halibut, lingcod and rockfish anywhere on Vancouver Island.

The nutrient-rich waters of Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet attract hundreds of thousands of both migratory and homebound runs of salmon.

Beginning in early May through to the end of September, anglers will enjoy great success fishing and exploring both the inside protected waters

CS What are you expecting in 2017?

JF Our 2016 season started off as it usually does, with consistent and productive fishing through June and into the first week of August. Then, for the first time ever, it slowed down. There were various rumors circulating that the fish were late, water temperatures were too high etc., but for some reason the salmon just stopped feeding until the first week of September. It was a very unusual year indeed, especially when you consider the record returns of salmon in October to the rivers that surround our resorts. With this winter’s increased snowpack and water temperatures forecast to return to normal, the fishing should again be nothing short of amazing from May to September.

CS Do you hold any fishing derbies?

JF We do indeed – five a year, starting with the Salmon Enhancement Derby at Moutcha Bay Resort on June 24-25.

There’s also the Bonnie & Clyde Derby at Moutcha Bay Resort, July 1-2; the Tuna Derby at Newton Cove Resort, August 25-28; the Kayak Derby at Moutcha Bay Resort, September 2-3; and the Coho Enhancement Derby at Newton Cove Resort, September 9-10.

The main objective of our derbies is to foster and develop an interest in sportfishing, with all of the net proceeds going towards salmon enhancement and habitat restoration in the surrounding Nootka Sound and Esperanza watersheds. CS

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NORCAL Drought-busting rains and snows have turned usual clean bass waters into muddy messes, but taking that into account will improve your chances of catching fish.

(MARK FONG)

FISHING THROUGH THE MUD HEAVY WINTER AND SPRING RAINS HAVE CLOUDED MANY CALIFORNIA LAKES; HERE’S HOW TO FISH FOR BASS IN THOSE CONDITIONS

By Mark Fong

R

ain, rain and more rain.

If you live in Northern California, you are certainly familiar with this storyline, and if you are a bass fisherman you know that conditions on the water are unlike anything in recent memory. Late-winter and early-spring bass fishing is largely influenced by the unpredictability of the weather. The barrage of storms that have pounded Northern California have left our lakes and reservoirs full of cold, dirty and muddy water.

Getting bass to bite in these conditions can certainly be a challenge.

Adding to the complexity is the fluid nature of the situation. As lakes and reservoirs rise, water resource managers must balance flood control concerns with storage objectives, releasing and holding water accordingly. In addition, new storms can leave clearing water a muddy mess again.

As with all fishing, there is no playbook that effectively covers all the variables an angler may encounter, but let’s look at a few general strategies that have stood the test of time.

FIND CLEAN WATER Bass that normally may be reluctant to bite in clear, cold water can be vir-

tually impossible to catch when the color of the water more closely resembles that of coffee with cream. When this happens, finding the cleanest water available is important. Areas of the lake closest to the dam and farthest away from incoming tributaries have a tendency to be less affected by the runoff. In fact, fish that are accustomed to clear water are often easier to catch where the water now has some color or stain to it.

Some anglers may fail to realize that once the first major wave of sediment is pushed through the creeks and rivers into the main body of the lake, ensuing runoff will begin to clear up. As this

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BEST OF BC

Using a spinnerbait and making short, accurate casts can be the ticket to success in murky water.

(MARK FONG)

happens, locations near the mouths of running water will clear up as well, making them areas to check for biting fish.

Keep in mind that these areas of opportunity can be extremely small and fleeting. Here today, gone tomorrow.

THINK SHALLOW There are times when no matter how hard you search, there is simply no clean water to be found anywhere.

Remember that clean is a relative term. As water levels come up, the fish will follow as they move toward shallow water. The rate at which the lake is filling will determine the rate the fish respond. When the water rises rapidly, as we have seen this winter, it will often take the fish a period of time before they adjust accordingly.

In cold water, bass have a tendency to move vertically rather than horizontally as they reposition up and down in the water column. Try concentrating on steeper banks where the fish can move from shallow to deep in a short distance. Look for visible structure such as stumps, laydowns or big rock formations that the bass can use as ambush points.

Rock banks can be key, as rocks hold heat from the sun and are crawfish magnets. Check these spots later in the day – even a slight rise in water temperature can trigger bass to bite.

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NORCAL in adverse conditions, don’t expect to load the boat. Remember, you are fishing for fewer bites, so proper execution can be the difference between just getting bites and putting fish in the boat.

When you find prospective areas, fish them hard. Make multiple casts and change baits. Sometimes this is exactly what it takes to aggravate or trigger a bass to bite. A spinnerbait can be hard to beat this time of year.

To be more efficient, move closer to the structure and make short, accurate casts. If you don’t get a bite, try fishing back through the area with slower-moving baits such as a jig.

Bass may group up in small areas, so once you have located a spot that is holding fish, don’t be afraid to let it rest for awhile and return later in the day. Even if you fish a promising area and fail to get bit, check the spot again, because timing can be everything. CS

Ian Rigler found just enough “clean” water to land these beauties. Areas of the lake closest to the dam and farthest away from incoming tributaries have a tendency to be less affected by the runoff. (MARK FONG)

48 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

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52 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

A BERRYESSA PRIMER GET ACQUAINTED WITH NAPA COUNTY’S PRODUCTIVE FISHERY

By Bill Adelman

S

pring, summer, fall and winter: four distinct seasons that all have an effect of some kind for anglers.

These weather patterns mean different things to different areas of the country. Here in California they indicate options for some fantastic fishing. As spring is right around the corner, let’s take a gander at what these options might be. The striper season in the Delta and lower rivers is winding down. The shad run is right around the corner and a few sturgeon are still available, but what comes to mind for the vast majority of us angler types?

Black bass, as all three varieties are on the docket. And the neat part is there are three distinct seasons within the season. The spotted bass start out the season, followed by the smallmouth and winding up with largemouth. We are fortunate to have many lakes that offer all three, so becoming acquainted with a single lake will be extremely beneficial.

Most of my angling opportunities as a teenager involved saltwater, but my grandpa took me out once a year for crappie and bluegill at Lake Wohlford near San Diego. My first bass lure, purchased with paper route money, was a double-ended topwater bait. My first largemouth was caught on this lure and as we often hear, I was hooked.

Fast forward to 1959, when I moved to Woodland and became acquainted with nearby Lake Ber-

BAY AREA

Whether you’re targeting trout, kokanee or bass, Napa County’s Lake Berryessa is a popular destination for anglers in the Bay Area and beyond.

Just realize that the lake gets heavy usage from pleasure boaters as the weather gets warmer.

(T-ROY’S GUIDE SERVICE)

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BAY AREA

GUIDES AND MARINAS TO REMEMBER My guiding career on Lake Berryessa spanned 20 years and it was a wonderful way to help anglers get acquainted with a particular fishery. Today there are topof-the-line guides working the lake. Two I highly recommend for bass include Larry Hemphill, or Lunker Larry as many know him. He is an instructional guide, offering all of the information you’re willing to absorb. Contact him at (530) 674-0276 or lunkerlarry@comcast.net.

The premier kokanee, trout and salmon guide is Troy Barr. Contact him at (707) 372-7599 or fishkokes@yahoo.com. A day

on the water with a professional will send you on the way to a much quicker mastery of a particular fishery.

Do a little research and be sure your guide offers what you want. Don’t be bashful; tell him you’re here to learn.

Many clients are there for the single outing and won’t ever fish on their own. The guide will approach these two groups completely differently.

Berryessa also has a variety of marinas to launch from or take advantage of various services offered by them.

Some operate seven days, while oth-

ryessa, a convenient Napa County getaway for Bay Area residents.

Not only was this my first largemouth experience up north, it’s still my favorite. Let’s check it out.

clude all three species of bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, kokanee, carp, salmon and trout.

Other species utilizing the lake include skiers, jet skiers, swimmers, kayakers, pleasure boaters and a few on-the-water vacationers who make this lake rather congested when the boaters are out in full force. This just points out that during the summer, timing can be critical for maximum angling enjoyment, or not.

After a complete overhaul by the Bureau of Reclamation over 10 years ago, the lake was almost completely stripped of marinas, camping areas, launch ramps, cabin rentals and private residences all along the western shoreline. One of the reasons given was a need to reduce the infringement on wildlife around the lake. Many of the western coves were restricting boat use as the motor noise bothered the birds and deer. But there are a handful of facilities that are perfectly acceptable (see sidebar), giving visitors some options to one of the area’s top fishing destinations. Whether you’re targeting bass or perhaps trout and kokanee, don’t hesitate to plan a trip to Berryessa. CS

BAY AREA BASS FACTORY Berryessa is about 23 miles long, averages 3 miles wide and is federally managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. The town of Monticello was centered in an agricultural valley, which was later deemed to be a perfect spot for a reservoir in order to supply water to agricultural areas. The town was partially destroyed and dam construction began in 1953, with the lake filled in 1963.

Rainfall as well as inflow from Putah, Pope, Eticura and Capell Creeks mainly dictate water levels at Berryessa. Cookie-cutter black bass were planted when the lake was capable of maintaining a population, and we began fishing there in 1960 by driving down Monticello Road, parking at the water’s edge and shore fishing towards the back of Markley Cove. The favored technique was to toss an almost solid 6-inch black worm, let it hit bottom and slowly bounce it back. Results were a huge number of 11- to 12-inch bass that were always released.

Game fish available today in-

Guide “Lunker” Larry Hemphill holds up a 5-pound spotted bass from Berryessa, which also produces quality largemouth and smallmouth. (LARRY HEMPHILL)

54 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

ers have closures. It might be best to contact your marina of choice to verify their camping and launch options and fees. Be advised that the entire eastern shore of the lake is completely off limits. These facilities start at the south end of the lake and continue north up the western shoreline: Markley Cove: (707) 966-2134 Pleasure Cove: (707) 966-9600 Steel Canyon: (877) 386-4383 Spanish Flat: (707) 966-0200 Putah Canyon: (707) 966-9051 Spanish Flat Villa: (707) 966-1124 -BA

56 C 56 California Cal Ca alliifo a ifffo orn rn rni niia S Sportsman Spor por p po ort o ts tsm sm sma an n MARC MARCH MAR AR AR ARC RC CH 2017 2017 01 0 17 7 | calsportsmanmag.com calspo ca llsp spo po p orts rts rtsm tsm tsm smaan anma anm nma nm nm maag g.c g.co .co .c cco om

SIERRAS

KEEP ON TRUCKIN’ RENO-TAHOE AREA TRUCKEE RIVER ATTRACTS LOTS OF FLY ANGLERS

By Jon Baiocchi

S

ome of my fondest memories growing up were fly fishing the Truckee River in the mid-1970s with my dad.

Back then it was a rarity to see someone using a fly rod while plying the river’s currents, and when we did see such a person, my dad would make it a point to introduce himself and talk about fly fishing. But the scene in the Tahoe/Truckee area is much different these days.

Many anglers flock to test their skills on the river in hopes of catching one of the many trophy trout that reside there. Factor in nearly 30 guides working the area, and one has

The dean of Truckee River guides, Frank Pisciotta, works the waters around Truckee Falls. This 121-mile river, the sole outlet from mighty Lake Tahoe, offers fly anglers plenty of fishable water for brownies and other trout as it flows through the Sierras in California and into Nevada. (JON BAIOCCHI)

to wonder if it’s even worth going to the Truckee and fishing among the crowds. Oh, it’s worth it all right, and the river rivals any of the greatest trout fisheries found in the Western United States.

Long ago, before modern man made his presence known on the banks of the Truckee River, there were giant Lahontan cutthroat trout

that swam upstream from Pyramid Lake towards Lake Tahoe to spawn.

Poor stewardship by early settlers, combined with the pollution of sawmills and overharvesting of the resource, led to the demise of the native 40-pound cutthroats. Yet today the Truckee has an incredibly healthy population of beautiful wild brown and rainbow trout. Ten percent of

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SIERRAS the anglers catching 90 percent of the fish on the Truckee River is a truism; it’s not easy, and it takes many hours on the water to master.

A young angler hooked up using a streamer pattern on the Truckee.

Both stocked and wild trout can be caught here. (JON BAIOCCHI)

THE TRUCKEE RIVER WATERSHED From the outflow of Lake Tahoe to the town of Truckee, the river receives plants of hatchery fish, and is used by multiple outdoorsmen and -women who swim, raft and tube the river in the warmer months. Regulations in this section state the season opens the last Saturday of April to November 15, with a daily limit of five fish, 10 in possession. Just downstream of the town of Truckee, starting at Trout Creek to the California/ Nevada border, special “wild trout” regulations are in place, and the river is open year-round, with only barbless artificial flies allowed.

Two fish may be kept from the last Saturday of April to November 15, with a minimum size of 14 inches.

You would be hard-pressed to find a fly angler willing to harvest a fish that is not planted in the Truckee River. The wild trout that reside here are extremely special, and catch-andrelease fishing ensures that the population will continue for the future.

As the Truckee River flows downstream from the confluence of Trout Creek, its character includes pocket water mixed with large boulders, pools, riffles and runs. Glenshire Drive parallels the river and an angler can gain access from several large parking areas along the way. Wellknown runs like Truckee Falls, Cat House Hole, Toilet Bowl and Glenshire Bridge are within easy walking distance from parking areas. From the Glenshire Bridge down to Interstate 80, the water is privately owned and operated by the San Francisco Fly Casting Club and patrolled on a daily basis. The SFFCC club plants broodstock rainbows from a private hatchery in its section of the river, and those fish often migrate upstream and downstream from the club.

The stocked trout can be easily

identified by their squared-off tails (the results of being raised in a hatchery), less vibrant color and more eagerness to take artificial flies than the wild trout of the Truckee River.

There is a short section of river from where it first meets Interstate 80 downstream to where it crosses the freeway a second time. In this section you will find the confluence of Prosser Creek, which flows a short distance below Prosser Dam to the Truckee.

Access is only found by parking off the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 in an unmarked large dirt parking lot.

Anglers will be ticketed by the California Highway Patrol if parked too close to the interstate, or next to signs bearing No Parking warnings.

The Truckee in this section is much like the Glenshire stretch, with shorter runs in the steeper gradient areas. The river then flows in a big

58 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

180-degree loop that has a famous section called Horner’s Corner, which is named after longtime fly angler Jack Horner, one of the most innovative fly tiers on the West Coast.

(Horner invented the “Humpy” dry fly, which is still an effective fly today as it was some 60 years ago.)

Access here is only possible off the eastbound lanes of I-80 after crossing the second bridge. The Loop, as referred to by the locals, will see a major restoration effort in 2017, with improved habitat in the form of logs and boulders that will be strategically placed by Truckee Trout Unlimited Chapter No. 103. The improvements will bring more favorable conditions for both wild trout and the anglers who cast for them.

The Truckee crosses I-80 a third time, where it cascades down through succulent pocket water and comes to

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SIERRAS rest briefly in a very large pool near the Little Truckee River confluence.

Depending on the time of year, the outflow of the Little Truckee River below Boca Reservoir can add a substantial amount of water, and/or turbidity during winter, and from the spring runoff of the melting snowpack.

From The Junction downstream, the river passes under the old historic Boca Bridge, where it crosses I-80 for a fourth time and flows down to the small town of Hirschdale. The gradient steepens here a little more, and with the added water from Boca Reservoir the river is much swifter and widens in size. There is not as much pocket water in this section and the runs become longer in size. Access is only available underneath and near the I-80 bridge and working upstream from the Hirschdale Bridge.

From Hirschdale to the California/Nevada border, the river enters “The Grand Canyon of the Truckee,” and though access is very limited and hard to get to, this section produces large trout that are measured in pounds, not inches. Everything is magnified in the canyon when it comes to water structure, bigger pockets, pools, riffles, and runs.

The flora changes as well, with the northern Nevada desert encroaching the further one fishes downstream.

An angler will have a bit more solitude in the canyon, especially if one is willing to hike a greater distance. This section is my absolute favorite. Access can be found along the Hirschdale road and a few wide pullouts along I-80, and at the Farad and Floriston areas. The Truckee River continues into the state of Nevada, where good fishing can be found down to Reno. Keep in mind that a Nevada fishing license is required here, and Nevada Department of Wildlife regulations must be adhered to.

TACKLE AND TACTICS Every season on the Truckee River requires different tactics and tech-

TRUCKEE INFO STOP For more information around the Truckee River, check out this directory for accommodations and local businesses: TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST Truckee Ranger District: (530) 587-3558; fs.usda.gov/tahoe SPORTING GOODS AND FLY SHOPS Mountain Hardware: (530) 587-4844; mountainhardwareandsports.com The Reno Fly Shop: (775) 323-3474; renoflyshop.com GUIDE SERVICES Thy Rod Staff: (530) 587-7333; cyberfly.com Four Seasons Fly Fishing: (530) 386-0525; flyfishingtruckee-tahoe.com Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters: (530) 541-8208; tahoeflyfishing.com Truckee River Outfitters: (775) 224-5918; truckeeriveroutfitters.com Baiocchi’s Troutfitters: (530) 228-0487; baiocchistroutfitters.com ACCOMMODATIONS Cedar House Sport Hotel: (530) 582-5655; cedarhousesporthotel.com River Ranch Lodge: (530) 583-4264; riverranchlodge.com Mother Nature’s Inn: (530) 581-4278; mothernaturesinn.com Squaw Valley Lodge: (855) 549-6742; squawvalleylodge.com Best Western Tahoe Truckee Hotel: (530) 587-4525; bestwestern.com Truckee River RV Park: (530) 448-4650; truckeeriverrv.com CAMPGROUNDS Granite Flat Campground, Truckee River, USFS Goose Meadow Campground, Truckee River, USFS Silver Creek Campground, Truckee River, USFS Boca Campground, Boca Reservoir, USFS Boca Springs Campground, near Boca Reservoir, USFS Boyington Mill Campground, Little Truckee River, USFS FOR FOODIES Donner Lake Kitchen: (530) 587-3555 Smokey’s Kitchen: (530) 582-4535; smokeyskitchen.com Taco’s Jalisco: (530) 587-1131 Bar of America: (530) 587-2626; barofamerica.com Drunken Monkey Sushi: (530) 582-9755; drunkenmonkeysushi.com Truckee Tavern: (530) 587-3766; truckeetavern.com

niques to be successful; even where the trout like to call home changes dramatically from winter to summer.

But there is one presentation that is going to get the job done every time, and that is subsurface.

Water temperatures will dictate how good the fishing is expected to be, with the prime temperatures between 56 and 63 degrees. Another aspect is that 20 percent of the water

60 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

holds 80 percent of the fish, and reading water effectively is just as important as technique and fly selection.

Rod selection should be a 9-foot, 5- to 6-weight rod, with a 7-weight for casting large heavy streamers.

Floating weight-forward lines are used about 90 percent of the time, and sink tip fly lines are mostly used with streamer set-ups during periods of high water.

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SIERRAS The regulation changes that were passed eight years ago now keep the Truckee River open during the winter. An angler can now fish all four seasons as they hatches throughout the year. Winter conditions bring colder water temps, and the wild trout will not move a great distance to consume a fly; therefore, an angler must present his or her fly right on the nose of a willing trout. Strikes will also be less aggressive and hard to decipher.

Winter trout will take residence in slower-moving water near the tailout of a run with a moderate depth. The time of day is critical, though, and an angler should choose the warmest part, which occurs in the afternoon. A rise in water temperatures of one or two degrees is enough to spur a hatch, whereupon a lethargic trout will become more active to feed. The populations of trout are more concentrated together during this time of year, and the fish will be podded up. Larger trophy trout are usually loners and will occupy their own territorial areas. Tight-line or indicator nymphing and using streamers that imitate sculpins are the go-to techniques. On a warmer day that includes clouds, you may have a brief window of dry fly fishing when a hatch of midges or little winter stoneflies occur.

Big-water events like what we have experienced for the 2017 season can blow out the Truckee River for up to a week or longer, especially when precipitation falls on top of a large snowpack. When these events take place, it is still possible to fish the river as the majority of the trout will be found on the side water where there is a reduction of the flow, and softer water.

Access can be a problem during winter, and with a deep snowpack, parking is very limited. A good game plan is to arrive early to secure your parking spot, then wait on the banks of the river until the air temperatures warm up enough to ensure a

The golden stonefly is a prime rib dinner for a hungry Sierra wild trout. (JON BAIOCCHI)

more productive session. The other option is to be dropped off at a certain location by a friend or your significant other. You may need snowshoes to reach the river, and wearing rubber-soled boots will keep snow from clumping up as when using felt-soled boots.

Basic skills in navigating snow country will be of great value, including donning proper clothing, making equipment choices that will make your day an enjoyable one.

TAKING A CHANCE Spring is a bit of a gamble in the Sierras for fly fishing. There is a small window just before the runoff commences. The days are longer and trout are beginning to feed more as aquatic insect hatches increase and water temperatures rise. The bestcase scenario is a slow thaw, where the slightly increased flows occur during the late afternoon into the night, and then quickly subside from the cold freeze after midnight. This makes for favorable conditions in the morning during the following day.

Big warm-ups in air temperatures in spring bring extreme melting conditions of the snowpack, which produces unfishable flows that are turbid and cold. Dead-drift nymphing, whether by high sticking or indicator rigs, will offer the best results. There may be some dry fly opportunities in the softer water, depending on the

62 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

TRUCKEE RIVER FLIES TO KNOW I have categorized the most effective flies as nymphs, streamers and dries. Over decades of fishing, these patterns have proven themselves. Some are created by local individuals and guides specifically for the Truckee River.

NYMPHS Copper John, No. 14-18 (copper, red purple) X-May, No. 16-20 (black, olive, red) Zebra Midge, No. 18-20 G6 Caddis, No. 14-18 (amber, gray, olive) Jimmy Legs Stone, No. 6-10 (black, brown, yellow/brown) 20 Incher, No. 10-16 STREAMERS Stanley Streamer, No. 6-10 Slump Buster, No. 2-8 (olive, burnt orange) Bunny Leech, No. 4-8 (black, purple, white, olive) Zoo Cougar, No. 2-6 (yellow/brown) Dead Drift Crayfish, No. 4-10 Cutter’s Goblin, No. 8 DRY FLIES Sparkle Dun, No. 14-20 (BWO, PMD, green drake) Hackle Stacker, No. 14-18 (BWO, PMD) Crystal Rubber Leg Stimulator, No. 8-16 (yellow, orange) E/C Caddis No. 2-18, (amber, gray, yellow, olive) Double Dutch Bug, No. 8-12 Carpenter Foam Ant, No. 10-14

SIERRAS intensity of the hatches, especially in the warmer afternoons when skwala stoneflies or blue-wing olive mayflies will be active.

Access will be somewhat more available unlike winter, but keep in mind that it will be the muddy season and common sense will keep you and your vehicle from getting stuck on soft shoulders and parking lots.

The spring season in the Sierra is an amazing time as native grasses return to a glorious green color, songbirds fill the air with courtship calls, and the landscape makes dramatic changes as life begins again after taking a subdued break for winter.

Once the bulk of the runoff subsides and the Truckee River moves into the late spring and summer rhythms, some of the best fishing of the year takes place. In the month of June, three dominant hatches occur, starting with the winged carpenter ant. This hatch is very short lived and usually lasts about a week, depending on air temperatures. At times there may be swarms during the nuptial flight of males and females, when warm humid conditions occur. The trout will still take surface patterns for another week after the hatch has ended because it is a substantial meal they recognize and simply can’t pass up.

Following the carpenter ants, the golden stoneflies and the green drake mayflies make their appearance.

Both aquatic insects are rather large and provide the fish with a prime rib dinner, whether it is subsurface or riding the surface of the river’s currents. During this time of year, a wise angler will carry two rods, one rigged with a nymphing set-up, and the other with a dry fly. Carrying two rods saves the angler valuable time from switching from one rig to another.

The evening rise should not be missed since the river can come alive during the last two hours of light with caddis hatches. It may be necessary to scout sections of the river until visible signs of rising trout can be found. Once identified, it’s best

to carefully and methodically fish to active feeding trout for the best success. Crowds increase due to the fantastic weather that blankets the land, so finding a good spot on the river comes down to staking your area of choice by being on the water in the early morning, or scanning the river with binoculars and looking for open runs before venturing down.

The behavior of the trout is much different now than in the winter; the fish will be more spread out in a variety of different water structures. The successful angler will concentrate their efforts on all types of water no matter the rig employed. When the fishing is slow, the angler moves fast and vice versa; when the fishing is fast, the angler moves slowly.

TURN UP THE HEAT When the dog days of the summer season commence on the Truckee River, it’s even more important to be on the water at first light for a num-

64 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

Paul Hegji hooked up near the Glenshire Bridge and has been rewarded many times with early-spring wild rainbows from the Truckee. (JON BAIOCCHI)

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SIERRAS ber of reasons. Most importantly is that the water temperatures will be cooler at this time. The trout will be normally found in the tail-outs of runs during the morning hours, and as the water temperatures increase they will head upstream into riffles that have whitewater.

As water temperatures increase there is less oxygen, but bubbly frothy water provides more oxygen and the fish will be more comfortable and be able to survive. During summer there is a voluntary “Hoot Owl” closure of the Truckee, an unwritten rule among fly anglers that suggests stopping fishing once the water temperatures reach 68 degrees and higher. Trout that are caught and played during these conditions are more susceptible to a higher mortality rate.

Carrying a thermometer and taking readings every hour will provide an angler with the necessary data for current water temperatures, and knowing when to stop fishing. This usually occurs somewhere around the noon hour.

During the heat of summer, many local fly anglers will focus their fishing where cooler water can be found at higher alpine lakes or tailwaters, and some will target bass in nearby Stampede and Prosser Reservoirs.

FALLING BACK INTO PLACE When autumn arrives, the second season begins. Water temperatures return to safer levels for fish and fishing, the hatches increase, and the lower arc of the sun reminds the trout that winter is coming, which increases feeding behavior.

With the kids back in school, there tends to be less pressure on the water, especially on weekdays. Caddis continue to be the most dominant bug, along with terrestrials like grasshoppers and ants. Lower water levels will concentrate the fish in the more prominent runs and pools, or other areas that have sufficient depth of holding water.

A great tactic and rig for this time

This beautiful stretch of highSierra water is full of pristine trophy trout like this brown, caught by guide Chris Maher.

(JUSTIN ANDRESON)

of year is the hopper-dropper set-up, which entails using a buoyant grasshopper pattern with 18 inches of tippet trailing off the hook to a small flashy mayfly or caddis nymph below.

The crayfish that inhabit the Truckee River will be molting during the late summer and early fall, and the wild trout are more apt to eating them with their softer exoskeleton. Using streamer tactics by swinging or dead-drift high-sticking with a crayfish pattern is very effective and should not be overlooked.

When the fall season reaches the middle of October, the blaze of autumn colors in the Truckee area is a must-see experience.

The last major aquatic insect, the October caddis, merges during this time and is the largest caddis in all of North America. These burnt orange-colored bugs have gray wings and are most active during the warmest time of the day on the river’s sunny sections. Look for females ovipositing on the water’s surface laying their eggs, where often they are caught in the water’s meniscus layer and are stuck, making an easy high-calorie meal for a trout. The October caddis lives for a few months, which is a long time for an aquatic insect, or until the

66 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

first hard freeze hits the region.

THE TOTAL PACKAGE The Truckee River is more than just a blue ribbon fishery. It offers one of the best fly fishing experiences in the entire West and redefines the meaning of a true Sierra freestone river.

Though hordes of tourists flock to its headwaters, its true beauty shines when you’re alone with the mountain sun reflecting off the swirling water and the wild trout shimmering like the finest of jewels in your hand.

A renegade force of nature, the Truckee River answers to no one as it flows with no emotion, often humbling and rewarding fly anglers along its course, until it reaches the great sea of the northern Nevada desert. CS Editor’s note: Jon Baiocchi has been fly fishing and tying flies since 1972, and a California licensed guide for the last 20 years, is a published author, educator, innovative tier, and public speaker. He operates Baiocchi’s Troutfitters guide service in Northern California (530-228-0487; baiocchistroutfitters.com), where he has a reputation as a hard-working guide who’s been trained by some of fly fishing’s bestknown anglers. Jon’s philosophy on fishing is to keep it simple, be confident in your presentation and have fun.

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SIERRAS

KEEPING A TRADITION ALIVE

TEEN DAUGHTERS WANT TO START UP SIERRA TROUT TRIPS WITH POP AGAIN

By Tim E. Hovey

A

s a parent, I believe creating traditions in the outdoors with your kids is important, especially since I was also raised outside.

When I was young, my family camped in the coastal range of Southern California and beyond. Summer trips were centered near lakes, and for me almost always involved fishing. These trips also represented my first exposure to most of the local wildlife. I’d find tracks in the damp soil near water and try to identify

Father-daughter time. Author Tim Hovey and his now teenage daughters Jessica (left) and Alyssa have made many trips from their Southern California home to the Sierras for memorable trout trips that have also provided fresh fish for meals around the campfire. (TIM E. HOVEY) calsportsmanmag.com | MARCH 2017 California Sportsman

71

SIERRAS

THE FIRST YEAR WAS a bit tough. My

shore lunch back at camp. I told Jessica that she should feel proud that her angling efforts that morning fed our entire camp. She smiled and got a little embarrassed, but I could see that she was also proud of herself.

Later that afternoon, we hiked around the lake looking for a new place to fish. At the upstream edge of the lake we found a flat granite rock that seemed perfect. We christened the landing “Hovey Rock” and left camp early that afternoon to stake out our new piece of lakeside property.

That evening and the days that followed, my daughters and me sat on Hovey Rock and caught one fish after another. After an evening bite, when we all caught nice-sized trout, I took a group photo of the three of us and our catch. To this day, it remains my absolute favorite memory of camping with my girls.

oldest daughter, Alyssa, didn’t feel well but she pushed through, caught some fish and enjoyed the company of the other kids in camp. My daughters were the only girls in camp, but their fishing experiences on the coast helped them easily outfish the boys.

Despite the rough start, both my daughters made it clear on the drive home that they wanted to return the following year and camp the high-elevation lakes again.

The next year we were able to secure a campsite right on the shore of Rock Creek Lake. With some upgraded gear and a new tent, our wilderness accommodations were top notch. We camped with friends and fished every day.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains a routine stocking schedule for the lake and makes sure that weekend anglers will have ample opportunity to hook into stocked rainbows or resident brook trout that also call the lake home.

In year two the fishing was amazing. My youngest, Jessica, outfished everyone, landing an impressive stringer of 1½- and 2-pound trout during her first morning. The fish were cleaned and cooked up for a

AND IT SO WENT for the next four years.

We’d make plans with our regular group and pick a date that worked for everyone. We’d head up early to the lake to secure good campsites.

Alyssa and Jessica would help me set up camp and get our fishing gear together. At the lake, we’d always save a few fish for the stove, and after dinner we’d enjoy the good company of friends around a roaring fire. It became our tradition.

Over those early years, I watched both my daughters develop self-confidence in their outdoor abilities and an increase in their own self-esteem.

I suppose those early trips with my dad help me shore up those same qualities in myself, but I can’t say for sure. I only know that the confidence I have in my hunting and fishing abilities today started with those early trips with my dad.

As the girls got older, other activities began to crowd their summer, so getting away for our regular camping trip was tough. Gathering our regular group together also became more difficult as high school activities began to take up the free time of everyone.

Other obligations kept all of us from

them. When I spotted wild game, I would always try to get as close as I could. My interest in the outdoors began on those simple weekend family camping trips, and I always knew that when I became a parent, I would pass this rich tradition on.

Starting in 2011, I began to take my daughters on summer camping trips to the high Sierras. We’d pick a summer weekend, load up the truck with camping gear and head for the lakes above Bishop. We’d meet up with a small group of friends and spend the weekend fishing and exploring during the day, and staring into the campfire at night. The original goal was to just enjoy our time together outside, but I also wanted to start our own family tradition in the outdoors.

72 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

As part of the full fishing experience, Alyssa Hovey cleans fresh-from-the-lake trout. Rock Creek Lake has become the go-to destination for a group of parents and their kids to enjoy the outdoors. (TIM E. HOVEY)

our regular camping trip to Rock Creek Lake for the last two years.

As a father, I just expected other interests to develop in my daughters and keep them from carrying on our regular tradition. I enjoyed it while it lasted, and I have fond memories of those trips and my time with Alyssa and Jessica. With the strained schedules, I figured they were no longer interested in camping with dad. I was wrong.

Earlier this year, Jessica and I were headed someplace in the truck and talking about life. She reached up, turned down the radio and said the words that warmed my heart. “Daddy, you know what I really miss? I miss those camping trips up to Rock

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SIERRAS Creek Lake.”

Thinking about it now, I realized that I just assumed that as my daughters got older, they would no longer be interested in our annual camping tradition. As their activities piled up, I simply stopped asking them about Rock Creek Lake. That was my mistake.

THIS SEASON, WE PLAN to once again load up our camping gear and head to our lake for a weekend of fishing and embracing the outdoors.

I’ve passed the word to my good friends, and so far it looks like we’ll have a good group for the trip back to the mountains.

I don’t remember the last camping trip I took with my dad, but I will forever cherish those early trips with him as I discovered my outdoor obsession. Passing this tradition on to my daughters makes me realize how special those early trips were.

A much younger Alyssa Hovey celebrates her first Rock Creek Lake trout years ago. As the kids have gotten older, more activities have made it more difficult for everyone to get away. (TIM E. HOVEY)

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SIERRAS Just like before, we’ll head up early and stop off at the small town of Aberdeen to see the wild mules that hang out there. We’ll grab lunch in Bishop and drive up to Tom’s Place for any last-minute supplies. Then it’s off to the lake.

After we set up camp, we’ll do some fishing, maybe reacquaint ourselves with Hovey Rock, and hopefully catch dinner. Back at camp, someone will build a fire far bigger than needed and we’ll all obediently set up our lawn chairs around it.

We’ll tell stories of past trips and talk about life. My dad would be proud.

The family tradition continues. CS Editor’s note: California’s statewide trout opener is on April 29, but there are several Sierra fisheries that will be open for fishing in March. Consult the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s inland fishing regulations page for more information (wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland).

A more grown-up Jessica Hovey told her dad she misses the camaraderie of trips to the high country that haven’t taken place the last couple years, so the gang is getting back together for a trout fishing reunion soon. (TIM E. HOVEY)

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SIERRAS

THERE WILL BE WATER A

AFTER AN EPIC WINTER IN THE SIERRAS, HOW WILL THE MASSIVE SNOWPACK AFFECT TROUT FISHING THIS SPRING AND SUMMER? AN EASTSIDE EXPERT WEIGHS IN

By Mike Stevens

Heavy snow blanketed the Sierras this winter after years of drought conditions. Just how that affects the Eastern Sierra trout fishing prospects remains to be seen. (KELLY M. GROW/ CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES)

nyone who has spent any longer than a week in the Eastern Sierras would likely testify to the variable nature of the region’s weather, even in the summer.

Bluebird upon arrival, three days of that, then a thunderstorm and torrential downpour, another nice day, then hail; it’s almost a broken record at this point if you read a lot about the Eastside. Recreating in the area is a constant state of “expect the unexpected” and fishing conditions may vary, especially in the spring. While I prefer not to beat the “be prepared for anything in the Sierra” horse to death, given the freakish weather and biblical precipitation California received in early 2017, it’s safe to say that Eastern Sierra trout fishing could be a little different this year.

Much of the credit for the rainy miracle month goes to a weather phenomenon known as an “atmospheric river,” in which long, slithering plumes of highly concentrated moisture flow out of the tropics towards the West Coast, not unlike a river on the ground takes the path of least resistance down long-defined channels of rock, soil and sand.

The weather stats were pretty fun to geek over for a while there, and plenty of them will directly affect fishing from the late April trout opener through the end of the season. Here are a handful that will give you an idea of the magnitude of the precipitation in January alone: *By Jan. 10, California’s reser-

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SIERRAS voirs held 2 million more acre-feet (enough to cover an acre in a foot of water) of water than they did three days prior. For reference, total water consumption for the entire state over a year is about 40 million acre-feet. *Since Oct. 1, more precipitation has dumped into key Northern California areas this winter than any time since 1922. This includes eight zones from Lake Tahoe to Mount Shasta that feed many of California’s biggest reservoirs. *The rain totals at those eight NorCal stations are more than double the historic average for this time of year, and running about the same as 198283 and 1997-98, both rain seasons that were characterized by gnarly El Niño flooding, mudslides, etc. *January 2017 officially became the snowiest January on Mammoth Mountain in history on the 20th of the month. A few days later, it became the snowiest month the mountain has ever had – in the post ice-age era, I imagine. How snowy? Try 246 inches – 20½ feet – in one month. *In the Eastern Sierra, chains being required starting just south of Mammoth Lakes is normal on respectable snow days. Several times in the second half of January, the road was completely closed from Bishop to Mammoth, and Mammoth to June Lake. There were also days when chains were required on Highway 395 “down the hill” between Lone Pine and Bishop. *Snow-water equivalents (snowpack) in the Sierra, when broken up by sections as early as Jan. 24, were 162 percent of normal (as of that date) in the north Sierra, 195 percent in the central and 240 percent for the south. The statewide percent of normal was 197 percent and 108 percent of what it should be by April 1.

Whether it’s larger rivers or small creeks, heavy snow might make early access to higher elevations a little more challenging, but it should provide ample water flows throughout the season. (MIKE STEVENS)

Thus, it’s clear that water levels are not going to be a problem anywhere.

But how else will it affect fishing in the Eastern Sierra throughout the season? The only effect that might be 80 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

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SIERRAS felt in the Lower Owens is a greater number of high-flow days. Flow rate on most of the Owens is governed by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LAWP), and sending more water downstream to make room for the way-more-than-usual snowmelt that will be rushing down this spring is a no-brainer.

In Bishop Creek Canyon, I talked to Parchers Resort owner Jared Smith (parchersresort.net) about how he thought opening day (April 29) would play out on his side of the mountain.

“Access above 9,000 feet on Bishop Creek could be somewhat limited, depending on snow conditions, but there should be ample creek-fishing opportunities for most of the folks,” Smith says. “The return of ice fishing is likely for South Lake, Lake Sabrina and North Lake. Intake II should have open water, will be well stocked and is probably the best bet for those not prepared to ice fish. Vehicle ac-

Usually active brook trout will be a bit more sluggish in the spring with the later ice out and melting snow in higher elevations. You might have to wait a little longer for these fish to bite your lures or flies when they would normally be more aggressive feeders. (MIKE STEVENS)

cess to South Lake and Lake Sabrina will depend on the final snowfall totals and whether or not the county is able to clear the roads and parking areas in time for the big event.”

The big news here is the return of South Lake. Technically, it was recharged enough for fishing last year,

but before that it was barely there.

The water level was so low, the tube that extends from the stocking trucks wasn’t long enough to reach the water, and it wasn’t stocked. This will be the first season in years that the true jewel among Bishop Creek Canyon lakes will return to form, and fishing there should be outstanding. Lake Sabrina, which got low but not to the extreme level as South Lake, will be full pool as well.

Most of the lakes from Rock Creek Lake to Crowley, Convict and the Mammoth Lakes Basin remained reasonably full throughout the drought years, as did most of the June Lake Loop. Grant Lake was likely the most noticeably down in this stretch, and it should also be fully recovered.

SNOW RULES However, it’s not just a matter of maintaining fishable water levels.

Just as important as it is for the water supply in most of the southern half of the state, a heavy snowpack means it will be melting into the lakes, creeks, aquifers, etc., deeper into the season.

Instead of seeing inlet creeks down to a trickle by July, they should remain respectable through summer.

That sustained supply of new, frigid water will keep the water temperatures at the lakes down.

What that means is that fishing in July and even August could feel a 82 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

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lot like being on the water in May or June in past years. For at least the last three years, you almost had to troll leadcore or ďŹ sh bait deep to get down to the cooler water the trout had scurried to in July and August. While itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s refreshing when you can wade in shorts and ďŹ&#x201A;ip ďŹ&#x201A;ops in the Sierra, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a good sign for ďŹ shing.

That snowmelt factor alone will positively affect an overwhelming majority of Eastern Sierra Lakes for the entire 2017 season, at least.

There will be some negatives, but they will be small prices to pay when you think big picture. There will be entire weeks this spring when even a minor heat wave will have all the snow melting so fast and creeks will overďŹ&#x201A;ow their banks; they will run off color and be way too fast to ďŹ sh effectively.

That can also cause the lakes they ďŹ&#x201A;ow into to get a little off color as well, but nothing that will shut down stillwater ďŹ shing. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no way to really tell ahead of time when that big â&#x20AC;&#x153;spring thawâ&#x20AC;? is going to happen, but if it does during one of your trips, stick to the lakes. If you just have to ďŹ sh moving water, opt for deep, slow tactics in any pool or eddy thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not blown out.

Backcountry access will, of course, be affected, but ďŹ shing will also be different than you are used to. Snow could bury trails to the point where it might not be worth the effort to trek through it when your lake might not be iced out yet anyway.

If you can get to your favorite backcountry lake, you will deďŹ nitely notice that even the usually suicidal brook trout arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reacting to your lures and ďŹ&#x201A;ies the way you are used to.

The late ice-out and late-season snowmelt keeps the water ice cubecold, and backcountry brookies are catchable, but sluggish. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see plenty follow your offering for 20 feet without committing, so your best bet is slowing down and scaling down as spring slowly arrives in the mountains this summer. CS

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86 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

calsportsmanmag.com | MARCH 2017 California Sportsman

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CENTRAL VALLEY Lake Isabella’s popular trout derby is back for a full event this April, giving anglers a chance to catch stocked trout for big cash prizes.

(KERN VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)

BACK IN BUSINESS MORE WATER AT LAKE ISABELLA MEANS FAMED TROUT DERBY RETURNS IN FULL IN APRIL AFTER A LIMITED 2016 EVENT

By Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce

W

e are looking forward to welcoming friends and families to the 28th Annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby. The derby date this year, as always, is planned for the weekend before Easter: April 8, 9 and 10.

This provides a great opportunity for some family time, as most kids are out of school for spring break, and Isabella is looking very good, with water levels much higher than they have been in many years. Keep in mind that if you register before March 20, you will be eligible for the $500 early bird drawing.

Derby chairman Fred Roach announced that, as advertised, this year’s derby promises to be new and improved over past derbies. We will be featuring our longest trout contest, which features a payout of $2,000 for the longest trout – $4,000 if the lucky angler catches it while wearing our official derby T-shirt.

Other cash awards include $1,500 for the second longest, $1,000 for the third, $500 for the fourth, and $250 for the fifth longest. We will again be offering the very popular Bobber Bowl for anglers who are close but do not make the leaderboard. They can draw for prizes of $100 to $300.

The Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce is again

purchasing 5,000 pounds of tremendous Nebraska tailwalker trout that weigh up to 10 pounds and measure 27-plus inches. Last year’s winning tailwalkers measured from 23½ to 27¾ inches.

In addition to the tailwalkers, volunteers for the chamber have been feeding and raising over 10,000 trout since Dec. 1. These fish, which should be close to 1 pound each, will be released before the derby to ensure that the lake is well stocked. The fishing should be outstanding, with opportunities for everyone by derby time.

Something new this year will be a blind bogey held each of the three days. Any registered angler may bring a trout of any size to the headquarters to register. Only one registration per day will be accepted, and at the end of each day, 10 lucky winners will be drawn to each receive $100. Registered anglers must be present to win. That’s $1,000 per day for all three days of the derby!

Everyone will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for this year’s grand prize, a 14-foot 1667 CRV Crestliner Boat with a 9.9-horse Mercury, and a trailer. There will also be the ever-popular Saturday night raffle at the headquarters, where hundreds of prizes are given away.

Whether you are a derby veteran or a potential first-timer, the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to say that the lake is stocked with thousands of trout ready to bite, and we look forward to seeing all of you at the 2017 Isabella Lake Fishing Derby. CS Editor’s note: For more on the derby and the Kern Valley Chamber of Commerce, check out kernrivervalley.com/our_property. calsportsmanmag.com | MARCH 2017 California Sportsman

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Lake Isabella, located in the Kern River Valley in the Southern Sierras, is full again with water AND full of fish! The miracle rains of this past winter have restored the water level and with increased vegetation from several years of low water drought levels, this year will be terrific for lake fishing.

The season kicks off with the Annual Lake Isabella Fishing Derby, April 8-10th with thousands of dollars in cash prizes and hundreds of entry prizes. Contact the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce at www.kernrivervalley.com for all the info.

In addition, the Kern River is known as one of the best first class whitewater rafting rivers in the state. From “Lickety Split” river runs to week-long trips through the “forks”, and sizes in between, there are adventurous river trips for all.

Kayaking is also one of the more exciting experiences offered on the “Kern”.

Lake Isabella offers services of two floating marinas with rentals and refreshments. Around the shoreline, you’ll find campgrounds with individual and group sites operated by the California Land Management, with reserved and first come, first serve sites.

Giant Sequoias, nature preserves, hiking and biking trails, or shade trees on the river bank for sitting under, the Kern River Valley has something for everyone. So drive in or fly in to the “Bountiful” Kern River Valley and Lake Isabella.

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92 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

SOCAL

RUSH TO THE

BRUSH

WET SOUTHLAND WINTER HAS BASS, ANGLERS HEADED FOR DROWNED COVER

By Bill Schaefer

T

his winter sure was a wet one, wasn’t it?

Many Southern California lakes have returned to more respectable water levels, and with that, there is a ton of brush in the water along the banks. It is also prespawn time at most, and there will be a ton of male bass roaming the shorelines, looking for a nesting place for their oversized mamas.

All the rain we have experienced so far and brush that comes with it near the shore will bode well for this year’s spawn, as the fry will be able to stay away from predators longer and hopefully increase the bass population in your home lake. Since the bass will now be in thick brush, you will have to go in and get them.

Don’t be afraid to try everything this time of year. If the bass are chasing shad in the very shallow waters, then topwater baits will come into play more so than in drought years. With the fish in only 1 or 2 feet of water, they will see the buzzbait or frog you throw run over their head and attack it! Just remember that with all those sticks and brush in the water you will have to run braided line or heavy mono.

With surface lures size isn’t so important, since the fish don’t really see the bait, per se – it’s a reaction bite.

I will usually go with Maxima 50- or 60-pound braid.

If using mono, 20-pound green Maxima is about the same diameter as the braid and plenty tough enough.

If using plastics, you may want to drop a little in line size, but I still use braid. With all those sticks, grass and brush, the line will just blend in and you still have the power to pull the bass out. Remember to set the hook and wind so you can turn their heads and get them coming your way. Give them an inch and they will run under and through every nook and cranny down below, blowing your chance at that giant.

This year may be a game changer for some anglers,

Joe Cargel pulls in a nice El Capitan Reservoir bass he took out of shoreline brush and weeds on a Yamamoto Senko. Rising water levels from a wet winter should provide spawning bass with a lot of shoreline brush. (BILL SCHAEFER)

but all of you should be able to adapt, and you should see more exciting action. I love the battle of trying to pull a bass out of cover. Just don’t be afraid to go into all that brush after them. They will be there where you least expect them to be, in the shallowest of water.

At the rate we’re going we may still see some more rain this spring, and with it the lakes will continue to fill even more. It is a good thing for nature and those of us who will be fishing. CS calsportsmanmag.com | MARCH 2017 California Sportsman

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SOCAL

HEAD FOR THE SHALLOWS SALTWATER BASS MOVING OUT OF THE DEPTHS ARE RIPE FOR CATCHING ON SWIMBAITS

By Capt. Bill Schaefer

A

s we head towards spring this month, calico and sand bass are spread out along their saltwater “trails” to shallower water.

The winter homes will always hold some fish and so will the shallows, but finding the bulk of the bass will make for a great day of fishing. During winter, the calicos and the sand bass head to deeper waters with more stable temperatures. As spring arrives and water temperatures start to rise they move to the shallow rocks and kelp.

This gives you a lot of clues as to where to fish. You have to picture the places where you have caught them in the deeper waters and consider the route they would take to more shallow depths. If you traditionally catch deeper fish out on a break or point, then the fish will slowly travel up that point to their summer home. Start in deeper waters and work your way uphill. It may be 100 feet of water or even 80 when you start catching bass. Or it could be 60 or 40 feet when you get that first bite. Just don’t give up after the first spot – be persistent and you will find them.

For tackle, you can use the same gear for shallow feeders as you would use for deep bass. My favorite is a Proteus rod with a Lexa 300 loaded with 50-pound Maxima braid and a 20- to 30-pound-test fluorocarbon leader.

About the only different and changing item is your lure. You may need a 1½-ounce jighead on your swimbait in 100 feet of water but maybe just a 1- or even a ¾-ouncer in shallower water. For swimbait colors, I like darker colors the deeper I go. Although the fish are using their lateral line to feel the baitfish they want to feed on, they eventually key in with sight.

That brings up the subject of always carrying different companies’ swimbaits. They all have a different kick of their tail, throwing out their own vibration. That is why your buddy may be catching them like crazy and you are standing there wondering why. Go to the same brand bait, just not necessarily the same color. The fish are following and attacking the vibration of that tail.

A meter is an important tool as well, and a musthave for saltwater fishing. It is a good investment for catching more fish. You certainly can go fish the kelp and catch a few and you can fish deep and hook some, but if you travel the bass road to the shallows you may experience a day like you never have before while saltwater fishing. CS

Bill Butcher shows off a nice calico taken off a deep Point Loma ledge on a 1½-ounce Big Hammer brownbait swimbait. As spring approaches, fish will begin to head for more shallow waters in the Pacific. (BILL SCHAEFER) calsportsmanmag.com | MARCH 2017 California Sportsman

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96 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

SOCAL

ON WITH THE SHOW! 3 FRED HALL EVENTS IN MARCH SHOWCASE BEST IN CALIFORNIA OUTDOORS

By Chris Cocoles

I

n California, March Madness means more than college basketball and the beginning of spring.

Outdoorsmen and -women and their kids have annually flocked to Long Beach and San Diego for the massive Fred Hall Shows that celebrate the love of fishing, hunting, camping, and whatever other outdoor activity you can think up.

In this 71st year of operation, the vision of the late Fred Hall has evolved into one of the West Coast’s premiere events that anglers and hunters attend to pick the brains of experts, plan trips and check out all the latest gear and shiny new toys.

With the addition of a show in Bakersfield (March 10-12 at the Kern County Fairgrounds) to the usual stops in Southern California (March 1-5 at the Long Beach Convention Center; March 23-26 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds), there are even more opportunities to check out what the shows offer this month.

We caught up with Fred Hall head showman, Bart Hall, to talk about what’s new and what his shows do to support California sportsmen (and -women).

Chris Cocoles So another year of Fred Hall Shows is upon us. How’s the preparation been going?

Bart Hall This has been the busiest year in our 71-year-old history. The addition of the Bakersfield show and our attempt to turn it into a Fred Hall Show has been a tremendous amount of work, but it looks like it will pay off for us. The response from the fishing, boating, hunting, travel and RV communities has been overwhelming.

CC Is there anything new about the

Bart Hall (inset, right, with his friend Jack Nisel) says one of the values the Fred Hall Shows started by his dad 71 years ago is “to promote and protect the fishing, hunting boating and outdoor recreation lifestyle that so many of us cherish.” (FRED HALL SHOWS)

Long Beach and San Diego shows that you want to share?

BH The Long Beach show sold out of exhibit space much earlier than ever before. Exhibitors were excited to get their display requests in early and to plan for a great show.

Long Beach is the world’s largest sportfishing show, California’s largest boat show and Southern California’s largest hunting and fishing travel show.

This year we will have the largest display of marine electronics at any show in the West. We will have a greater selection of boats than ever before: high-performance boats, towboats, cruisers, pontoon boats, and every fishing boat used in Southern California. We will have big, little, fiberglass, aluminum, inflatables and the largest display of kayaks and SUPs seen anywhere.

On the Hyatt Lagoon attendees this year can test-drive a Hobie Mirage Drive Kayak or the new Ho-

bie Eclipse Mirage Pedal Drive SUP. They can cast Daiwa, Shimano and Avet reels on that lagoon.

San Diego will be bigger than ever.

We reworked the map and added 25 to 30 new booths in the O’Brien building. We are in the process of trying to get the permits to erect a new structure so that we can get everyone into that show who wants to be there. We are currently sold out.

CC How exciting has it been to take over the show in Bakersfield, and what are your expectations?

BH Bakersfield is a 40-year-old show that has been run very successfully

by Mike Hatcher for the last 20 years.

It has been a very good show with a lot of entertainment for attendees.

At first we were reluctant to put the “Fred Hall” name on it because that means a big commitment to fishing and boating and we wanted to make certain we could fulfill everyone’s expectations. But we did it and we are

calsportsmanmag.com | MARCH 2017 California Sportsman

97

SOCAL glad. Previously that show had one boat dealer; this year there will be eight boat dealers. We had to erect a structure and take over a new building to get them all in. There are three main building at the Kern County Fairgrounds and we have turned one of them into the fishing hall and it is completely filled with just things related to fishing. Of course, it is still one of the largest RV shows in the Western United States. One dealer alone will bring 100 RVs.

CC You’ve talked about the Fred Hall Shows’ place in helping to protect the fishing culture. How important is that to you?

BH All of us at the Fred Hall Shows – Mike Lum, Tim Baker, Katie Hall and Ginny Hall – believe that our primary job is to promote and protect the fishing, hunting, boating and outdoor recreation lifestyle that so many of us cherish. If we do a good job at that,

Show guests practice their casts at the Hyatt Lagoon adjacent to the Long Beach Convention Center, which kicked off the Fred Hall Shows on March 1. (FRED HALLS)

we believe that the shows will take care of themselves. This year, if you join the Coastal Conservation Association of California at either the Long Beach or Del Mar shows, you will get into the show for free and you will be given a (coupon) booklet that is, potentially, worth thousands of dollars.

Stop by and chat with them outside the gates of these shows. CCA CAL is a national organization that protects

the resource and promotes anglers’ access to that resource. All California anglers should be a member.

CC From your interaction with anglers and hunters, how do they feel about increasing regs, like nonlead bullets? It seems like many California outdoors enthusiasts are disillusioned about the state’s policies.

BH Californians are fed up with Cali-

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We have full cell phone coverage, wireless internet, and satellite TV. In the evenings, we also have plenty of room to socialize while sitting around a bonfire. Call or visit our website for more information!

Book Your Next Hunting Trip In Alberta, Canada CALL NEIL: 780-808-0318 | EMAIL: neil@northstaroutfitting.com

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SOCAL fornia and the excessive regulations that are imposed upon us without our input and without adequate scientific information. The state doesn’t have the resources to do extensive scientific investigations, so much of the regulations are based on “modeling” that is often rife with inconsistencies.

None of us object to protecting the resource if it needs it. We all want fish and game for our children and grandchildren. But too often, those of us who are “consumptive users” have a better idea of what’s going on with the resource than scientists who sit in a room and work models with incomplete or inadequate data. It is a formula for failure. Lately, I’ve seen some younger scientists like (San Diego-area) Dr. Lyall Belquist, who is an avid angler and hunter, take a keen interest in getting the correct data. That gives me hope.

CC How important is it for the kids

who attend the shows to get really engaged by the exhibits and activities there, and thus ensure that future generations discover the outdoor opportunities the state offers?

BH Well, at a Fred Hall Show all kids 15 and under get in free – always.

While at the show there will be over 600 seminars between Long Beach and Del Mar. Kids can fish at the Mammoth Lakes Kids Fish Free Trout Pond (tens of thousands stocked); they can participate in the Great American Duck Races. They can be entertained at the Progressive Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show. They can cast for prizes in the Fishing in the City kids casting contest; they can watch the Ram Trucks Ultimate Air dogs. Kids can also try a Hobie Kayak in the Hyatt Lagoon. There is archery for kids, a BB Gun Range, a soft air range, a Laser Shot range, face painting. They can take their picture in a shark tank with a mount of a 1,300-pound mako lurking above.

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They can learn to SCUBA dive in the Deep Blue Dive Tank. And one of the great things kids like to do is go on boats. They have no idea what they cost, so it’s cool for them to climb on board and say, “Hey, Mom and Dad, let’s get this one.”

The most common thing I have heard over the seven decades of our shows’ existence is “My kids love coming to your shows,” and that is why we have all of the (kid-friendly activities) that we have. We want kids to have a great time at a Fred Hall Show while being exposed to fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation. They also are mesmerized by the mounts in the hunting displays as well. Kids love the Fred Hall Shows and, hopefully, that translates into a love of outdoor recreation as they get older. CS Editor’s note: For more, go to fredhall. com and like at facebook.com/TheFredHallShows.

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HUNTING

FROM FIELD ...

THE TURKEY SHOOT

GAME PLAN

WITH SPRING GOBBLER SEASON AHEAD, TIME TO PATTERN SHOTGUNS, TARGET PRACTICE WITH BOWS

By Scott Haugen

M

y turkey hunting adventures began over 30 years ago, and my passion still runs deep. I pride myself on accurate shooting, no matter what I’m hunting.

So when I rolled into a turkey camp and met a bunch of fellow writers and hunting industry leaders, then missed two easy shots at big toms the first two days of the hunt – both within 15 yards mind you – I was flat-out embarrassed.

Back at camp I checked the shotgun’s pattern. At 20 yards it was shooting my loads 8 inches high.

There was no one to blame but myself, as I should have shot the borrowed shotgun prior to heading afield. I fixed the problem and promptly filled two tags.

SHOTGUN PATTERNING

Scott Haugen has over 30 years of turkey hunting experience throughout the West. While specialized turkey hunting gear has greatly advanced in recent years, he considers matching the load, choke and gun to be the most critical part of filling a tag. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

Today’s turkey shotguns are light years ahead of what they were 30 years ago, when I shot my first turkey. I put many birds on the ground with my Remington 870 because I was comfortable with the gun and knew how it shot. Today, extra-full chokes, tight-shooting, high-energy shells and shotguns designed to deliver firepower make patterning them a necessary part of the prehunt preparation process.

Magnum turkey loads pack a punch, and short-barreled shotguns with minimal comb pitch deliver jaw-shaking recoil. To pattern such calsportsmanmag.com | MARCH 2017 California Sportsman

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HUNTING

... TO FIRE

GOBLET OF MARSALA FLAVORS GOBBLERS

By Tiffany Haugen

W

ith turkey season here later this month, be sure you have a game plan for how you want to cook up your bird. Almost all of the ingredients in this recipe can be purchased ahead of time.

With many of our wild turkeys, we like to remove the breast meat, cook it up right away and reserve the legs and thighs for a slow-cooker meal. In addition, the best turkey stock comes from wild turkey bones, so once the breast meat is removed and the legs and thighs are taken care of, put that carcass in a pot of water with some onions, carrots and/or celery and simmer up a delicious stock that can be used in many recipes.

An amazing flavor combination, this recipe pairs incredibly well with wild turkey or any upland game bird.

One bite and we’re transported to a cafe in Rome, where we first enjoyed this dish with a crisp Italian chardonnay. Serve over a bed of buttery pasta or mashed potatoes. This recipe, like

so many others when done properly, will dispel the myth that wild turkey is tough and flavorless!

1 turkey breast, boned and skinned ¼ cup flour ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning 4 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups sliced mushrooms ¾ cup Marsala wine* ¼ cup turkey/chicken stock or broth Juice from half a lemon 4 tablespoons butter, optional Fresh parsley for garnish Cut turkey breast into six to eight portions and pound to half-inch-thick pieces. In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together flour and spices. Coat turkey pieces in flour mixture. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Place turkey in the pan and lightly brown on both sides. Remove turkey from pan and set aside. Sauté mushrooms for two to three minutes. Add wine, broth

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A trip to Rome and meal of Marsala-infused game birds gave Tiffany Haugen an idea to kick up her wild turkey breast recipe. (TIFFANY HAUGEN)

and lemon juice to pan and stir well, removing all the browned bits from the bottom. Once liquid has thickened, add butter if desired. Add turkey back to pan and simmer an additional 10 to 20 minutes or until turkey is tender. *Although it will change the signature flavor of this dish, ¾ cup of dry white wine and 1 tablespoon of brandy can be substituted for the Marsala in this dish.

Editor’s note: For signed copies of Tiffany Haugen’s popular cookbook, Cooking Game Birds, send a check for $20 (free S&H) to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489, or order online at scotthaugen.com.

Follow Tiffany on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and watch for her on the online series Cook With Cabela’s, as well as The Sporting Chef TV show.

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HUNTING a gun and not get a bruised shoulder and jaw, get a portable shooting bench that’s solid and easy to set up. Next, get a Caldwell Lead Sled and weigh it down with 25 pounds of shot, lead or a weight-lifting plate. This bench set-up will allow you to shoot in comfort for hours without flinching.

Invest in a minimum of three brands of specialized turkey loads.

Within those three brands, get two different shot sizes, then get out and shoot them all. If using a red dot reflex sight or fiber optics sights on your gun, take some upland loads of No. 6 shot to sight in with.

This will save the more expensive turkey loads for pattern testing, not sighting in. Treat your turkey shotgun like a rifle, shooting at 20 yards and adjusting the sights until the pattern hits dead center. Once dialed in, start comparing loads.

Begin shooting each load at

Three-D turkey targets offer great practice, leaving no question as to where an arrow is hitting. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

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HUNTING

Three different brands of shotgun shells fired from the same gun from a bench, show how the point of impact can vary at 30 yards. While the density of each shell is good, the center point of impact shows the importance of sighting in your advanced turkey shotgun, just as you would a rifle. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

20 yards. I like shooting at a target that has a life-size turkey head on it, like the Orange Peel targets made

by Caldwell Shooting Supplies. Get a packet of targets so you have plenty.

Change out targets after each shot, counting the number of pellets that hit the vitals; this is where anatomically correct targets come in handy.

Not only are these targets good for counting pellets, they allow you to see how much of the bird’s head your sight covers up when placed at

various distances.

Mark each target with the load used and when done, pick your best one. Once you’ve determined the most accurate load at 20 yards, shoot it at 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 yards, just so you know what to expect should a follow-up shot be needed. It’s also a good idea to shoot it at 10 yards, so you know how tight the pattern is.

I’ve shot many birds over the years inside 10 yards, and because patterns are so tight, these are far from slam-

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dunk propositions.

If you do a lot of shooting, consider investing in a Bullseye camera system. Place the camera near the target, and after each shot tap the screen of your wireless device after downloading a free app. This will record your shot, allowing you to shoot a single target multiple times and then have a permanent record of it. If you’re an avid shooter, this device saves time and money, as it can be used with all guns, including

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HUNTING long-range guns out to a mile away.

Treating your specialized turkey gun and loads like a rifle will greatly increase accuracy. You might even want to experiment with aftermarket chokes. The more you know what your shotgun is capable of, the more accurate your shooting will be, translating into fewer misses.

BOW PRACTICE What can archers do to become better shots at turkeys? First, study the anatomy and behavior of wild gobblers. Know where the vitals are and how, or if, they can be penetrated with an arrow at certain angles.

Also know the skeletal structure, as their tough, hollow bones can deflect sharp broadheads and fast-moving arrows. Study turkeys from a distance to learn their nervous-by-nature behavior, as knowing how and why they move will help determine when shots should and should not be taken.

Once the anatomy and behavior is etched in your brain, get two 3-D targets. My favorite 3-D turkey target is Cabela’s Alert Turkey. This is the most upright standing target I’ve shot, and my favorite angle to arrow a turkey. My preferred shot is when a bird is alert, standing tall and facing away. This exposes the entire spine and makes the vitals easy to penetrate.

Shoot this target from all angles, closely studying where the arrows exit as this will indicate what vitals were hit.

The second target worth investing in is Cabela’s Pinnacle 3-D Turkey Target. This is a strutting tom and offers perfect shot angles from the side, front and rear. The rear shot is my second favorite bow shot angle, for when the bird is in classic full strut position, an arrow placed where all the tail feathers converge will drive through the boiler room and out the base of the neck.

Practice shooting these targets from a ground blind in the clothes you’ll be wearing on the actual hunt,

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and shoot from all possible positions.

If you can shoot with both eyes open it’s all the better, for the key to consistently killing turkeys with a bow is knowing their behavior and anticipating how they move; this only comes with time in the field and observing numerous live birds. Know when to let an arrow fly, concentrate on that small kill zone, and practice, practice, practice on those 3-D targets.

No matter if you hunt with a shotgun or bow, know how they perform. Be aware of your effective shooting range, and your abilities, and you’ll end up with fewer misses and more tags being filled. CS Editor’s note: California’s spring turkey season begins March 25 and runs through April 30. For signed copies of Scott Haugen’s popular book, Western Turkey Hunting: Strategies For All Levels, send a check for $20 (free S&H) to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489, or visit scotthaugen.com.

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Trixie displays a bag’s worth of birds she worked hard to retrieve at South Grasslands duck club in Los Banos. (MARC LING)

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HUNTING

GUN DOG 101: Bringing A New Pup Home

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Y

ou’ve picked out your gun dog, it was born seven weeks ago, now it’s time to bring it home. How hard can that be, right?

When it comes to establishing discipline, expectations and developing a line of consistent communication, it starts the day you bring that pup home. The key to success is being prepared.

I LIKE BRINGING pups home when they are seven to eight weeks old, no sooner. By seven weeks of age the pups in the litter have had a chance to bond, and now they’re starting to establish a pecking order, but it’s not developed to the point they’ll be stubborn. In order to get a pup that’s not too headstrong, one where you can bond with it and begin to fulfill the position of master, seven weeks is the ideal timeframe. However, if you bring a pup home at this age, it will be biting more and acting up, meaning you have to take action immediately to start teaching it right and wrong behaviors.

Before the gun dog pup comes home, be ready. The goal is to never put your dog in a position where it can get into trouble.

Pick up all shoes, cover any exposed electrical cords, position or cover parts of furniture you don’t want getting chewed on, and make sure any low-hanging items you don’t want the pup grabbing are out of reach. If you

When you bring your puppy home, one of the most important things you can do is play with it, every day.

This will begin to establish a strong bond that will carry over into the field. (SCOTT HAUGEN) calsportsmanmag.com | MARCH 2017 California Sportsman

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HUNTING have other pets, or children, make sure all their toys are picked up and put away. It works well to have an area in the house completely puppy-proofed for playtime and socialization when out of the kennel. Have items like gates and pens already in place to contain the pup.

I like having two, even three kennels in place before the puppy comes home. I keep one right by the door where it will be potty trained, one by our bed for sleeping at night, and one outside where the puppy can be when not closely supervised. Kennels, or crates, should never be a place of punishment. They should always be a place of comfort. I’ll focus on crate training in my July column.

As soon as the puppy comes home, let it explore and praise this behavior. Let it see and smell all there is, inside and out. This will take a few days, and even if covering the same ground, that’s good, as this is how the pup becomes familiar with its new surroundings and builds confidence.

Take it for walks outside and introduce it to clean water right away.

Let the puppy walk through the water, and if it’s reluctant, get down on its level and make it fun. Even if it’s just getting its paws wet, that’s great.

Avoid forcing the dog into water, especially if it’s cold. You don’t want the pup to have a negative association with water, so be patient, as it can take five months or more for them to become comfortable with it, especially if born in the winter.

IF YOU HAVEN’T had a hunting dog, you’ll be surprised how much a puppy sleeps during the course of the day.

Rest is valuable, as their body and brain need it. When the pup is ready to crash, let it. When it’s ready to play, give it your undivided attention.

If the new puppy has to be left in a crate while you’re at work all day, now might not be the time to get one. A growing puppy needs a lot of stimulation, attention, love, guidance and bonding time, which is

Having multiple kennels, pens and a puppyproofed play area are important for not only keeping your pup out of trouble but providing it a place to rest and feel secure. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

established through playing. This is when they learn to trust you, their master and hunting partner. Their brains are like a sponge, and they need you every day, teaching them how to behave and introducing them to new sights, smells and sounds. The more you’re around them, the more they trust you and the better they’ll

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be at following your commands as they mature.

A puppy will get into mischief, and rather than swatting at them or hollering, try a simple, raspy, highpitched “Eh-eh!” This sharp, fast sequence of notes will teach them right away that what they’re doing must be stopped. Learned young, your dog

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HUNTING will respect this verbal cue for the rest of its life.

The first few days is a good time to introduce your pup to other people in the neighborhood, friends, relatives and, especially, kids. You want them to meet many people and learn to trust them. Also, get them around the vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, drier, lawn mower and anything else that makes loud sounds. Do it in a subtle manner, so the dog isn’t scared or intimidated.

Hold the pup if you have to, rather than leaving it on the ground where things can be intimidating.

Above all else, when that puppy is awake, spend as much time with it as possible. Introduce it to safe toys and play with the pup. Get on the ground and roll around with it, hug it, rub its ears, teeth, mouth, and toes, talk to it and make it feel welcome. Remember, a quality gun dog is going to be a better hunter than you; that trait

When playing with your puppy, put your hands in its mouth, rub its ears and between its toes.

This helps form trust that will come in handy once the dog starts hunting. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

it’s born with. It’s up to you to make its early days at home safe and positive, and establish yourself as the one who’ll be in charge throughout its life. Puppies are meant to be played with and have fun, even if it’s a gun dog. Don’t be hard on them at this young age, and don’t have unrealistic expectations.

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Next month I’ll focus on potty training your gun dog puppy, then we’ll get into teaching it how to efficiently hunt a range of things, while maintaining self control. CS Editor’s note: To watch some of Scott Haugen’s dog training tips in action, check out talltimberpudelpointers.com.

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122 California Sportsman MARCH 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com

THE CLOSER YOU GET FINDING PEACE WITH SHORT-RANGE PRECISION HUNTING

Brittany Boddington

Author Brittany Boddington has hunted in a variety of situations, sometimes when a longer shot is required to harvest big game. But it’s her preference to get as close to the animals she hunts as she can, though she understands that what some in the industry are calling precision hunting is all the rage now. (BRITTANY BODDINGTON)

I

’ve gotten a lot of questions about where I stand on hunting and shooting from long distances, although I usually tend to stay out of these matters, because I figure that everyone has her or his own reasons to hunt.

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People always have their own driving motivations and passions, and hunting is a personal experience. It is rooted in being alone in the wild and connecting to Mother Nature. This can be done no matter what weapon you choose to hunt with or how far you choose to shoot from, but for me hunting is all about the stalk and getting up close and personal with animals in their natural habitat. Bowhunters often criticize rifle hunters because they don’t get as close to the animal they are stalking before they are able to take a shot, but the same is now happening with traditional hunters and a technique that some in our sport are calling precision hunting.

I HONESTLY HAVEN’T MADE up my mind For Boddington, getting close on her first bow hunt was very exhilarating. She says she finally understood all the hype about archery. This rusa deer in Australia was taken at 25 yards with a Bowtech Heartbreaker set at 48 pounds draw weight. (BRITTANY BODDINGTON)

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on how exactly I feel about the new wave of long-distance shooters as hunters. I agree that hunters should be able to take long shots here and there when the conditions demand it; in some cases, a long shot may be your only shot. Open plains, for one.

I have taken animals out to around 500 yards when I’ve run out of cover and conditions were calm enough for me to feel comfortable with the shot.

I certainly do not go looking for animals to shoot at 500 or more yards, but then again, the rifles and scopes I am using are sighted to shoot well at around 200 yards because that was where I put them when I sighted them in at the range.

I always try to close the gap and to get as close as possible. This is probably because I am a decent shot but my accuracy increases as the target gets closer, as is the case with most people. I also like to see the animal up close, and I enjoy the challenge of staying still as a statue when the animal looks my way, and then moving ever so slowly to get just a little bit closer and shorten the range.

It is always a gamble to take that step or move to the next tree for a better shot. You have to weigh the likelihood of the animal running with the advantage you gain by mov-

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Sometimes, long distances are required to take a shot. This hartebeest in Mozambique was taken at 475 yards. Boddington had no options but to take the shot or give up since her party had run out of cover on the edge of a floodplain.

She knows that other hunters prefer to shoot from this far out but she likes getting significantly closer; “my hunt ... revolves around the animal,” she says.

(BRITTANY BODDINGTON)

ing in. I like to hear them breathing and see where their eyes are looking. I like to be able to smell them as I sneak in closer and closer. These little details are lost when you start shooting from long distances.

THERE’S SO MUCH TECHNOLOGY being released these days in relation to long-distance shooting. Scopes are more powerful and more versatile than ever. The best way to really experience everything these rifle/scope combinations have to offer is to shoot targets or animals at long distance.

It takes skill and practice to take an animal at 1,000 yards. I can understand that it must give the shooter some serious satisfaction to take long shots like that and be successful. I only worry about what happens when a shot at that many yards goes slightly awry. What will the result be when whatever species you’re shooting at is hit poorly and a follow-up shot is needed but the brush or landscape will not allow it? It seems like a perfect scenario for inexperienced long-distance shooters to end up wounding suffering animals.

Hunting for me is about the experience. Guns are the tools of my trade, but my hunt does not revolve around my tools; it revolves around the animal. I can understand the skill and the allure of long-distance shooting and precision hunting, but I think it is safe to say that it is not for me. CS Editor’s note: Brittany Boddington is a Los Angeles-based hunter, adventurer and journalist. For more, go to brittanyboddington. com or facebook.com/brittanyboddington.

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HUNTING Author Dave Workman had a chance to shoot Browning’s new Hell’s Canyon Long Range Rifle in .300 Win. Magnum at January’s SHOT Show, and he found it to be deadly accurate. (DAVE WORKMAN)

A Hell’s Of A Rifle NEW BROWNING, PLUS WINCHESTER XPC, RUGER GP100 IN .44 SPECIAL IMPRESS AT S.H.O.T. SHOW

By Dave Workman

M

edia Day at the Range once again preceded the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas, and it gave outdoor and gun writers – including yours truly – the opportunity to press a lot of triggers.

One experience I won’t soon forget is the all-too-brief time I spent at the Browning display because the centerpiece of that exhibit was a brand-new entry in the X-Bolt family they call the Hell’s Canyon Long Range rifle. It’s a gem.

Keep in mind, this is the 100th

anniversary of the famous Browning Automatic Rifle, and the company chose the occasion to introduce a BAR Safari model, a handsome self-loader chambered in .30-06 Sprg.

Only 100 of these guns were made to commemorate this centennial anniversary, and they’re likely all gone by now. So, for the people who want a rifle to shoot rather than admire in a display case, the Hell’s Canyon Long Range is just the ticket.

Browning chambers this rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 22-inch barrel, .270 WSM and .300 WSM with a 23-inch barrel, and 26 Nosler, 7mm Rem. Mag., 28 Nosler and 300 Win.

Mag. with a 26-inch barrel. MSRP on the Hell’s Canyon ranges from $1,229.99 to $1,299.99.

So, what’s the big deal? Well, for starters, from a sandbag rest at 200 yards, I hit everything I shot at, including a small steel plate. Since an elk, deer, moose, goat, sheep, caribou, black or brown bear are much larger, I’d say that at double the distance, they’re all in big trouble.

Translation, this rifle was dead-bang accurate, and it had been fired by at least a few other people before I got my grubby little hands on it.

The sample gun I fired was chambered in .300 Win. Magnum.

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HUNTING The author also was able to put a couple rounds through Winchester’s XPC bolt-action tactical rifle.

He reports that with a suppressor attached, the .308 Winchester round sounded more like a .22 rimfire. (DAVE WORKMAN)

Thanks to modern recoil pad technology and materials, this baby is a delight to shoot. I was wearing a lightweight nylon jacket and felt re-

coil was no different than with my own ’06.

Browning put some eye-catching cosmetics into this model. It’s got a

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burnt bronze Cerakote finish that is unlike anything I’ve seen before.

It wears a fluted heavy sporter contour barrel, and the composite stock

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HUNTING is finished in A-TACS AU camo with Dura-Touch armor coating. The grip has a palm swell and gripping surfaces are textured, which is important to anyone who hunts in the Pacific Northwest, Northern California, North Idaho or Western Montana, and especially in Southeast Alaska.

While the other cartridges are dandies, especially the 26 and 28 Nosler, I think the .300 Win. Mag and 7mm Rem. Mag are probably the two most popular long-range big game cartridges now in common use in North America. I like that .30-caliber pill for any number of reasons, and being a handloader, if this was my rifle I’d already be tinkering at the loading bench with a good supply of Hodgdon powder and an assortment of 180- to 220-grain bullets from Nosler, Hornady, Barnes, Speer and Sierra.

ANOTHER ENTRY THAT impressed the hell

out of me is Ruger’s brand new GP100 in .44 Special. I’ve never owned a .44 Special, or even a .44 Magnum for that matter. I’m a fanatic for the .41 Magnum, and I have a couple of Ruger single-actions in .45 Colt.

That said, when I cut loose with the GP100, which is all stainless steel with a Hogue Monogrip, adjustable rear sight, smooth double action and crisp single-action, I was impressed.

The .44 Special can be handloaded to fairly stout levels for defense against bears and other predators. The fiveround GP100 no doubt will handle factory and recommended handloads, and I happily discovered that it is also a comfortable and accurate shooter. You can find several good loads in the various loading manuals.

With any luck I’ll round one of these wheelguns up for a more extensive test and evaluation. With a 2.75-inch full shroud barrel, this will make a terrific trail gun for backpackers – frankly, it’s a revolver that will

be right at home in the backcountry.

If you’re a fisherman who hits rivers in bear country, this could be a perfect handgun because it’s just about impervious to wet conditions.

I ALSO HAD the chance to shoot Winchester’s new XPC rifle, a hot little bolt-action with a tactical stock, steel receiver wearing a Permacote black finish, button-rifled free-floating barrel and a Cerakote-finished machined alloy chassis frame.

The one I fired was fitted with a suppressor, and chambered in .308 Winchester. It was a kick in the pants to shoot, with a good crisp trigger and was very quiet. For hunting in areas that might have seen human encroachment, or for gun ranges that are now falling victim to suburban sprawl, suppressors might be the answer.

There is legislation before Congress called the Hearing Protection Act that would remove suppressors from the red tape that currently in-

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Winchester’s new 20-gauge Long Beard XR load should be on dealer shelves in plenty of time for spring turkey hunting. General season opens March 25, with youth hunting opportunities beforehand, and this might make a good shell for smaller-framed gobbler gunners. (WINCHESTER)

cludes registration, background check and payment of a $200 tax under the National Firearms Act of 1934.

LAST BUT CERTAINLY not least, Winchester Ammunition has introduced what it calls a “ground breaking Long Beard XR” load in 20 gauge, just in time for spring turkey season. This new 3-inch magnum comes with either No. 5 or No. 6 shot and it is packaged ten rounds per box.

So, what makes this stuff so hot?

This new entry in the Long Beard XR family features Shot-Lok technology.

Shot-Lok is injected into the hull with the lead shot and it then hardens, keeping pellets in place until the shot is fired. At that point, the Shot-Lok fractures into what Winchester calls a “micro-buffer” that prevents the shot from deforming, so that when it exits the muzzle, it maintains its shape to create a uniform pattern. The result, provided you do your part, is a tom in the bag.

Over the past few years, I have grown increasingly fond of 20-gauge shotguns, even though I have hunted since my teens with a 12-gauge Beretta S/S double barrel that has put more grouse and pheasants in my cooler than I can remember. CS Editor’s note: Dave Workman is a longtime gun writer and a columnist for California Sportsman’s big brother magazine, Northwest Sportsman.

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Our area offers some of the very finest Halibut and Ling Cod fishing on the whole BC Coast, including Alaska. We are offering a special early season COMBO Halibut and Ling Cod package for the 2017 season. The dates we have selected for our 2017 Halibut Express are from May 1st to May 5th, May 5th to May 9th, May 9th to May 13th, May 13th to May 17th, May 17th to May 21st, May 21st to May 25th, May 25th to May 29th, May 29th to June 2nd, June 2nd to June 6th, June 6th to June 10th, June 10th to June 14th, June 14th to June 18th and June 18th to June 22nd 2017.This will be a 4 night/5 day package and will include up to 40 hours of guided fishing, all meals and 4 nights accommodations. An added bonus will be that the VACUUM PACKING and FLASH FREEZING of your fish are included in this pricing. This is a heck of a good deal and this package would make a wonderful gift for the fisherman in your family. We will also have our fly-in service available from Seattle, Wash., or Vancouver, BC for these dates.

You will also have the opportunity to target the early runs of CHINOOK and COHO that will be coming through our waters at the time of the season. The pricing for this exciting package is as follows: Party of 2 fishing, 2 per boat…$1875.00 PP + 5% tax. Party of 3 fishing, 3 per boat…$1675.00 PP + 5% tax. Party of 4 fishing, 4 per boat…$1475 PP + 5% tax.

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