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8 California Sportsman AUGUST 2019 | calsportsmanmag.com
California
Sportsman Your LOCAL Hunting & Fishing Resource
Volume 11 • Issue 11 PUBLISHER James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andy Walgamott EDITOR Chris Cocoles CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Brittany Boddington LEAD WRITER Tim E. Hovey CONTRIBUTORS Mark Fong, Scott Haugen, Tiffany Haugen, Todd Kline, Bill Schaefer, Jeff Walters SALES MANAGER Katie Higgins ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mamie Griffin, Mike Smith, Paul Yarnold DESIGNERS Celina Martin, Jake Weipert PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Kelly Baker, McKenna Boulet DIGITAL STRATEGIST Jon Hines ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Katie Aumann INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER Lois Sanborn ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@calsportsmanmag.com CORRESPONDENCE Email ccocoles@media-inc.com Twitter @CalSportsMan Facebook.com/californiasportsmanmagazine ON THE COVER Humboldt County’s Lost Coast features some of the best offshore fishing for lingcod and rockfish. Guide Tony Sepulveda (right) and angler Mark Fong had a productive day in July. (MARK FONG)
MEDIA INC PUBLISHING GROUP P.O. Box 24365 • Seattle, WA 98124-0365 14240 Interurban Ave. S., Suite 190 Tukwila, WA 98168 (800) 332-1736 • Fax (206) 382-9437 media@media-inc.com www.mediaindexpublishing.com
10 California Sportsman AUGUST 2019 | calsportsmanmag.com
CONTENTS
VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 11
39
(CHRISTOPHER ANDREWS)
FROM DROUGHT TO TROUT
For years, Lake McClure was a go-to destination for Central Valley trout anglers. But the drought that dominated the headlines the past decade all but wiped out the reservoir’s fishery. Yet as rains returned in recent years, helping restore declining water levels at McClure, a lake back at full capacity has meant trout releases again – 150,000 pounds worth this summer. Anglers like Christopher Andrews, who caught the above beauty in July, are fired up to hit the water.
FEATURES 29
BOTTOMFISH HEAVEN FOUND ON LOST COAST
After months of planning, correspondent Mark Fong of the Sacramento area was able to hook up with Eureka fishing guide Tony Sepulveda for a deep-sea outing along Humboldt County’s breathtaking Lost Coast. The charter Fong and his buddy Ian Rigler joined caught plenty of rockfish, but everyone wanted a chance to battle some lingcod. Fong has the details of a memorable day on the Pacific.
47 THE BLUES ARE A BLAST
Southern California lakes are chock-full of big and hungry blue catfish that are active in the summer heat. From San Diego to the Inland Empire and even in and around Los Angeles, there are urban fisheries to flock to. All you need is some stinky bait and a sturdy enough rod and reel to handle the tug of whiskerfish tussles. Jeff Walters has the details.
61 GET READY FOR FALL’S FIRST BIRD HUNTS
September marks the official kickoff of bird hunting season and wingshooters will head out for ruffed and sooty grouse and mountain and valley quail openers in various areas of the state. Scott Haugen offers up some preseason scouting and practice tips to be ready to flush some birds, while Tiffany Haugen whips up a yummy upland stir-fry dish in our From Field to Fire column.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 55 67 73
A revered bass angler’s hard fall from grace State duck calling contest returns to Colusa Picking the right kennel for your gun dog
DEPARTMENTS 15 19 23 25
The Editor’s Note Adventures of Todd Kline Photo contest winners Outdoor calendar
Read California Sportsman on your desktop or mobile device. 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) 382-9220 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 © 2019 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. 12 California Sportsman AUGUST 2019 | calsportsmanmag.com
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Summer in California means the catfish will be biting at lakes throughout the state. (COLLINS LAKE)
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orry to deliver this hot take, but summer is a bit overrated. I get that’s probably more about me than anything else. Maybe it’s that I have spent roughly a third of my life living in places where it can become hot/humid/uncomfortable/ miserable between June and September. Or could it be that my baseball team – despite being pretty good and maybe even a playoff team this season – will likely make it a 30-year World Series drought by October? (The Boys of Bummer.) Or perhaps it’s all those summer trips I took when it was too hot and too overcrowded that ensured I would try to avoid anything major until the kids are back in school and flight fares go down. That said, some of my best California fishing experiences have taken place in the summer, especially when it comes to catching catfish. As our Jeff Walters describes in his Southern California tour of the best blue cat fisheries from San Diego to San Bernardino (page 47), there’s something special and simple about hitting a local lake at dawn or after dusk, rigging a basic leader and baiting your hook with dough or a night crawler, casting and then relaxing in a lawn chair. I love that kind of fishing. Sure, it’s been nice when a fat catfish has ended up on the stringer, but I’ve also had fun without getting a bite. One blazing Central Valley summer weekend, I joined my sister, her husband and some friends for a camping trip to Camanche Lake. After dinner, seeking some relief from the sun, we walked down to the shore with our flashlights and gear – plus a few beverages – and just kicked back into the wee hours of the night. So as we hit the dog (cat?) days of summer this month, don’t forget that near-triple-digit temps doesn’t mean it’s too hot to fish. Just go out early or late, get some chicken livers, frozen anchovies or stink bait and cast a line. That said, is it fall yet? -Chris Cocoles
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KERN RIVER VALLEY Bass fishing at Lake Isabella is back in full swing as shown in the photo here. In a recent American Bass tournament held at Isabella, Randy and Mason MacAbee took first place with this incredible 31.9-pound catch, including a 8.2-pound fish that was good for a $1,250 payday. Lake levels are still rising and the spring runoff is just starting. What a bonus year for whitewater rafting, fishing, windsurfing, jet skiing and for the merchants in the Kern River Valley. www.kernrivervalley.com • 760-379-5236
18 California Sportsman AUGUST 2019 | calsportsmanmag.com
Now that the water is warm, I have been going to the beach to surf with my son. (TODD KLINE)
s e r u t n e v d A W
e’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 he’s up to each month. For more on Todd or to book a guided fishing trip with him, check out toddklinefishing.com, and you can follow him on Instagram at @ toddokrine. –The Editor
After morning guide trips, I have been going out to get photos and video while catching frog fish. This is a shot that I really like, especially with the light and the bass’s flared gills. (TODD KLINE)
I had an opportunity to get out on the Pacific Ocean with my friends at Stoked On Fishing. We caught calico bass and a couple of yellowtail. (TODD KLINE)
I had the opportunity to host the 2019 Surfers Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach. Aaron Pai, who is the founder of the hall, Kai Lenny, one of the inductees, and I take in the scene. (TODD KLINE) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2019 California Sportsman
19
Loving that frog bounce. (TODD KLINE)
THEY WRITE THEY COU W ABOUT MORNING ABOUT
Here’s a full-grown fish. (TODD KLINE)
BUT AT 70BU M CAN’T HEAR CA
And this is what you call a good day. (TODD KLINE)
It’s a glorious sunrise, viewed It’s a glorious in fast Because you need to get Because there while you n
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Sunset with this great girl, who gets me to the best fishing spots. (TODD KLINE)
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PHOTO
CONTEST
WINNERS!
Olivia Boulet is the winner of our monthly YoZuri Photo Contest, thanks to this great shot of her and her Washington smallmouth bass. It wins her gear from the company that makes some of the world’s best fishing lures and lines!
Nathan Sylvester wins our monthly Hunting Photo Contest, thanks to this pic of him and his north Idaho mountain lion. It wins him a knife!
For your shot at winning hunting and fishing products, send your photos and pertinent (who, what, when, where) details to ccocoles@media-inc.com or 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 | AUGUST 2019 California Sportsman
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OUTDOOR CALENDAR
Stampede Reservoir and Kokanee Power are hosting a team derby on Aug. 10. (MARK FONG)
AUGUST
2-3 Bridgeport Fish Fest, Twin Lakes Resort; twinlakeresort.com 10 Stampede Reservoir Team Kokanee Derby; kokaneepower.org 10 Deer season opens in Zone A (South Unit 110 and North Unit 160) 13 Anterless apprentice elk hunt at Grizzly Island 17 Archery deer season opens in most B and D units 17 Pheasant falconry season opens 24 Pronghorn season opens in most units 24 Zone B-4 deer opener 24-25 Kittle’s Outdoor Sport State Duck Calling Championships, Colusa; kittlesoutdoor.com 31-Sept. 3 Labor Day Derby, Bridgeport; monovillage.com
SEPTEMBER 1-15 1-9 7 14 14 14 21 21 21 21 19-28 28 28 28
Early dove season dates Annett’s Mono Village Labor Day Fishing Derby, Upper Twin Lakes; (760) 932-7071, monovillage.com Shaver Lake Team Kokanee Derby; kokaneepower.org Zone Q1 (mountain quail only) season opens Sooty (blue) and ruffed grouse season opens White-tailed ptarmigan season opens California Fly Fishing Open, Kern River; ssffclub.org Deer season opens in most B and C Zones Deer season opens in X9-A, X9-B and X-12 Zones NorCal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association Salmon Derby; Feather River, Corning; ncgasa.org North area band-tailed pigeon season dates Deer season opens in Zone X-10 Deer season opens in Zone D-8, D-9 and D-10 Zone Q2 (all quail) season opens
Note: For a complete list of bass fishing tournaments, go to dfg.ca.gov/ FishingContests/default.aspx. For more details on hunting zones and regulations, check out wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting.
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FISHING
LAND OF THE LOST ROCKFISH WITH A SIDE OF BIG LINGCOD HIGHLIGHT DEEP SEA TRIP ALONG NORTH COAST By Mark Fong
C
alifornia’s North Coast is home to some of the best fishing opportunities in the West, besides it being a gorgeous setting. One man who knows this area intimately is Tony Sepulveda, owner and operator of Green Water Fishing Adventures. Sepulveda specializes
in guiding for salmon and steelhead on the rivers of Northern California and southern Oregon. He also fishes spring-run striped bass on the Sacramento River and during the summer skippers his six-pack boat, the Shellback, along the waters of Humboldt County’s Lost Coast in search of salmon, halibut and big bottomfish.
Recently, I had the opportunity to climb aboard the Shellback out of Eureka with Capt. Tony. The fishing I experienced was nothing short of amazing. Several months before the date of my actual trip, I phoned Sepulveda to discuss what kind of fishing adventure I was hoping to find. It turns
Author Mark Fong (left) waited a long time to get on a boat with Eureka-area skipper Tony Sepulveda (right). But the lingcod Fong landed was well worth it. (MARK FONG) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2019 California Sportsman
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FISHING out that it was a wise decision to call early, because as I quickly found out, the Shellback is constantly booked, so if you want to fish with Green Water Fishing Adventures, sign up early. On Capt. Tony’s Facebook page I saw post after post detailing the amazing rockfish and lingcod he was putting his customers on. When I told him I wanted to catch big rockfish and lings, he replied that the Lost Coast was just the place to go. “The Cape (Mendocino) is home to the best Alaskan-style rockfishing this side of Alaska,” Sepulveda said. “It’s as good as it gets, but the weather is often rough and the Lost Coast guards her treasures well.” We would head out on a treasure hunt of our own.
JOINING ME ON MY long-anticipated rockfishing adventure was my equally fishing-crazed buddy Ian Rigler. We met up with Capt. Tony at the Woodley Island Marina, and it was there that we joined the other four members of our fishing party. Capt. Tony announced that it would be about a two-hour trip down to the Cape, so I found a comfortable
seat and settled in for the ride. As we made our way southward, the wind began to pick up. When we reached our first spot, the boat was rocking and rolling pretty good in the sloppy conditions. Luckily there was little swell, which made the drift fishable. Capt. Tony quickly showed us how to bait our rigs with frozen herring and soon we were fishing. Within 30 seconds the first shouts of “Fish on!” began to ring out as the action started fast and furious. All around me big chunky rockfish came over the rail. It took awhile for me to get my first bite, but when it finally happened there was no mistaking. I let my rod load up and I was into a nice fish as well. Soon I had color and could see that I had hooked into a big vermilion rockfish. Our skipper was quick with the hook and in a flash, the vermilion was over the rail and headed for the fish box. And so it continued at a steady pace – sometimes bordering on frenetic and only interrupted by short runs to reset the drift or to explore a new hot spot. When I am in the middle of a
Ian Rigler with a colorful yelloweye he caught aboard the Shellback of Green Water Fishing Adventures. (MARK FONG)
wide-open bite, it’s hard to focus on much else except what’s going on at the end of my line. The thing that made the biggest impression on me was the size and quality of the rockfish. I have experienced a lot of great rockfish frenzies before, but never have I seen so many jumbo rockfish. In the midst of the chaos, I took a moment to watch Capt. Tony work
The day started out a bit foggy for the crew, but after the sun broke out it was gorgeous on the famed Lost Coast. (MARK FONG)
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This is the kind of quantity and quality anglers can expect out of a fishing trip along Humboldt County’s rugged but beautiful Lost Coast. (MARK FONG)
the deck. He was in constant motion: Gaffing fish, untangling lines, baiting hooks – all the while keeping us on the fish. He is truly one of the most knowledgeable and personable skippers I have fished with. I was hopeful he would help me score an even bigger prize.
AS MUCH AS I like rockfish, I came to the Cape to sample its legendary lingcod fishing. After catching a half-dozen or so rockfish, I was anxious to land a ling. Herring are equally tempting to both rockfish and lingcod, so it’s really just a waiting game until your bait gets within range of a hungry ling. “Patience, patience, patience,” I kept reminding myself. My luck was about to change when I felt the very distinct take of a lingcod as it mouthed my herring. I waited patiently until my rod loaded up and I could feel the weight of the fish before I forcefully set the hook. By the way it was behaving I could tell it was a heavy fish. As lings do, the fish made several strong runs in trying to get back to the bottom. I applied steady pressure and just kept reeling against the fish. All the while, the other members of the group were hooked up and en32 California Sportsman AUGUST 2019 | calsportsmanmag.com
gaged in battles of their own. Even with the wide-open action going on all around me, I kept my attention focused on the task at hand. After a spirited tug of war I worked the lingcod in range of the gaff. With a quick swipe, Capt. Tony hauled the fish aboard. The fish turned out to be a beautiful lingcod in the 20-pound range. It was a nice fish for sure, but the Cape is home to much bigger ones. Still, I was truly in a state of rockfish nirvana. As the bite continued on, I became lost in the action. All too soon Sepulveda made the announcement that we had reached our fish limit and that it was time to head home. The ride back to Eureka was filled with laughter, good times and smiling faces.
IF YOU ARE A crazed bottomfishing fanatic like me, the Lost Coast is a must-fish destination. Because of the weather conditions, Capt. Tony was unable to fish his A1 spots. As great as the fishing was, I can only be left to wonder what if. You can be sure that I will be back soon to find out. CS Editor’s note: If you would like to fish with Capt. Tony Sepulveda, he can be reached at (707) 845-9588, or you can visit his website at eurekafishing.net.
DESTINATION ALASKA
DESTINATION ALASKA
FISHING
A TROUT RESURGENCE AFTER YEARS OF DROUGHT, LAKE MCCLURE’S BACK UP AND 150,000 POUNDS OF RAINBOWS AND BROOKS ARE REVIVING THE FISHERY
What a difference a few years makes. Once nearly empty due to drought conditions, Lake McClure in Mariposa County is now at capacity, and a recent stocking of trout should help revive the reservoir’s fishery. (MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT)
By Chris Cocoles
T
hat dreaded drought that plagued so many California lakes and reservoirs through most of this decade had really taken a toll on Lake McClure. McClure, a popular Mariposa County destination along with its sister lake downstream on the Merced River, McSwain, saw its trout fishery all but devastated as the state suffered through extended periods without rain or snow runoff. The lake hit a new low, literally, in early 2015. According to Mike Jensen of the Merced Irrigation District, which oversees the two reservoirs, in
February of that year McLure was at a mere 6 or 7 percent of its 1-millionacre-foot capacity (63,500 acre-feet at the time, half the regulatory minimum pool of 115,000 acre-feet). Around that same time, the dis-
trict sent a letter to local growers about the crisis. “MID is planning a position of hoping for the best but preparing for the worst,” the letter read. “We are preparing for a season with no allo-
Trout plants at both Lake McClure and Lake McSwain, which are connected by the Merced River, will help get these once elite fisheries back on track. (MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2019 California Sportsman
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FISHING cation of surface water for 2015.” So yes, the state’s lakes and their fishing prospects were suffering, and at McClure trout plants were a nonstarter as California baked in the sun. Yet as the 2010s moved on, rain and snow began to replenish the Central Valley’s water supply. In March the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska sent out a tweet proclaiming California drought-free for the first time since Dec. 20, 2011. Then as summer approached and McClure had returned to capacity, MID announced that 150,000 pounds of rainbow and brook trout were planted in early July. “This stocking is an absolutely superb step in restoring Lake McClure’s fishery, supports MID in meeting numerous objectives and restores an
incredible opportunity for fishing on Lake McClure,” said general manager John Sweigard. “The lake had both a natural fishery and a stocking program. Although the reservoir recovered after the drought, the trout population has yet to reestablish itself to abundant predrought conditions,” a press release stated. “The trout stocking will
A 2015 image of McClure’s dam and spillway and before and after photos of the Highway 49 crossing (inset) show how dire the lake’s prospects were. But these days the lake is full of water. (PAUL HAMES/CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES; MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT) 40 California Sportsman AUGUST 2019 | calsportsmanmag.com
also help MID in supporting recreation and trout management at Lake McClure as part of its relicensing process through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.” Included in the plants – coordinated by Calaveras Trout Farm, which is partnering up with the irrigation district – was a stocking of trophy fish weighing from 4 to 8 pounds. Six of
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“We have a lot of people catching a lot of big fish,” says Brooke Gutierrez of Merced Irrigation District. “This is what anglers have been waiting for. The lake is full of trout.” (MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT)
those fish were tagged and two had already been caught by the middle of the month. Anglers were given $1,000 cash prizes for turning in the fish. “We have a lot of people catching a lot of big fish. This is what anglers have been waiting for. The lake is full of trout and we have camping and other recreation available,” said Brooke Gutierrez MID Parks and Recreation director. “We encourage anyone and everyone to visit Lake McClure. Come on out, stay at our campgrounds and see if you can bring in these tagged trout and a trophy-sized fish.” CS Editor’s note: For more on McClure and McSwain Lakes, go to lakemcclure.com and like at facebook.com/Lakes-McClure-and-McSwain-Parks-and-Recreation-102751150114371. 42 California Sportsman AUGUST 2019 | calsportsmanmag.com
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FISHING
DOG DAYS’ CATS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WATERS ARE FULL OF MASSIVE WHISKERFISH By Jeff Walters
E
ver have a “case of the blues” during the hottest midsummer days? That’s right, we are talking about fishing for those big blue catfish found in Southern California’s many reservoirs. Most successful catfish anglers have their own secrets that they use and are very tight-lipped about it. From Grandpa’s old recipe that involved some secret and very stinky ingredients to the more popular commercial brands of baits, there is al-
ways something worth trying when going for these lumbering monsters. From county and city lakes to private lakes and state parks, the Southland has some of the best catfish catch rates in the entire state. Here we will talk about popular places to get a case – or stringer, as it were – of the blues, plus techniques to get the best results.
THE WARMER THE BETTER Catfish are always hungry, but in summer they also seek out cooler, more oxygen-rich water. The more they move, the hungrier they get. Bottom fishing is the preferred
method of angling for catfish. Heavy weights get the bait down faster and hold it in place. Live bait such as night crawlers, minnows and shad fished under a bobber are popular as well. Some areas have their own restrictions for fishing their waters. A few rules you may run into include using just one hook per line, actively fishing only one rod at a time, no live bait except night crawlers and commercially processed catfish baits. These restrictions are in place for two reasons: to protect both water quality and the fish. So please check before arriving to your desired location to see
Giant blue catfish like this El Capitan (San Diego County) monster are swimming in several Southern California lakes, from San Diego to Los Angeles. (EL CAPITAN LAKE) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2019 California Sportsman
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FISHING timber. Of course, evening is the best time to go after catfish.
HEAVY LINE RECOMMENDED Using a good strong monofilament or braided line is a must when fishing for big blue cats. They will roll around trying to break free, bringing your line in contact with lots of underwater obstacles. Most anglers use mono with a very long section of braid attached to the end to add that extra line strength when needed. Heavy slip sinkers are the way to go because this gives the fish the chance to pull the bait and not the line, giving you a little bit more time to set the hook. Now let’s look at some of those locations where serious anglers go to get a big blue. Lake Jennings, northeast of San Diego, is one of the county’s most popular destinations, and features a thriving fishery for catfish. (LAKE JENNINGS)
if any restrictions are in place.
READ THE WATER
Night fishing for cats is popular at lakes that allow anglers to wet a line after the sun goes down. (LAKE POWAY)
Casting out as far as you can may not work in areas of high brush, rocky shorelines or even along rock and earthen dams. Smaller baitfish are found in these areas and so are the bigger catfish. Look at your area, study the shoreline and check for natural holding areas that may produce results. If possible, look at older photos online and use Google Earth to show some of those hidden areas you can’t see from shore. Read the water and shoreline for better results, because sometimes at night you just can’t see everything. Water flow and currents are another consideration because the scents of the bait will either travel with the currents or stay remain in one place. Inlets are always a good place to cast a line or two because new water sometimes brings new food to the table. Deep holes provide an area for the bigger fish to rummage around in in search of food items that sink to the bottom. Favorite places for these bigger fish to hide include under docks, along rock piles and around fallen
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SAN DIEGO AREA San Diego City Lakes Program has some impressive catfishing all summer long, featuring stocks of fish both from private hatcheries and the state that are released into nine area reservoirs. These waters are located throughout the county and provide some very good fishing year-round. However, when the dog days of summer arrive, not only do the temps get higher but the catfishing gets hotter! San Vicente, El Capitan, Barrett, Sutherland and Hodges all produce nice-sized catfish. Upper and Lower Otay also have catfish. Miramar and Murray are smaller lakes with a lot of fishing pressure, so the bigger catfish have become more line-shy than the rest. Yet they still produce very good catch rates. Most of the lakes are open until 10 p.m. at most locations for shore fishing only, so you can find a way to beat the heat while fishing. San Diego County also boasts a few private and city lakes that have a generous stocking program and very good catch rates. Lake Jennings in east San Diego County is one fine example. Complete with a campground, a store and night fishing from shore, the action seems to heat up when it gets hot.
FISHING Santee Lakes is another well-kept area that offers camping, store supplies and night fishing from shore on two of the seven lakes located there. The city of Escondido operates two lakes, Dixon and Wohlford, both well-known for bass and trout, but don’t overlook the catfishing. Poway City operates Lake Poway and offers limited night fishing from shore in the summer. Lake Morena is the furthest of all the lakes to reach and is way out in eastern San Diego County. Don’t let this location fool you: For being so far out there, the catfish are big and plentiful in this very old reservoir.
INLAND EMPIRE Moving further north up along the coast you will soon run into the Temecula Valley and one very popular county-managed reservoir, Lake Skinner. Known for its populations of striped bass, largemouth and huge
panfish, don’t overlook the catfishing. You just can’t seem to go wrong here, whether fishing from shore or from a boat. Shore catfishers outshine most boat anglers, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. With camping, swimming, trail riding and more, Skinner is a well-kept area for the entire family. Check their website (rivcoparks.org) for further information on night fishing. Diamond Valley Lake is in the town of Hemet, about 45 minutes east of Temecula. This huge reservoir has produced some monster catfish over the years and still impresses many shore anglers with good catch rates during the hot summer days. The lake isn’t open to night fishing, but you can launch private boats and rentals are available if you don’t have your own watercraft. Note that when you are out here, catfish are not the only big monsters you will run into. Large striped bass, carp and
huge panfish are found throughout the lake. So just don’t plant your pole in between a bunch of rocks, because it just might get pulled in without you even knowing it. Lake Perris is a state park located about 45 minutes north of Temecula near Riverside. Perris features campgrounds, a beach and swimming area, boat launch and plenty of nowake zones for fishing. This lake produces all year long, and 2019 marks the first time in over 10 years that it is 80 percent full! This water level provides some very interesting fishing all over the lake. However, do be careful on Perris because there is a lot of watercraft traffic during the summer. There is a fulltime state park police force on duty and that is complemented by state game wardens, which translates into a peaceful atmosphere. Lake Silverwood is another state park, complete with campgrounds,
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FISHING are in the high desert near Victorville in San Bernardino County. These lakes are mainly shallow and offer night fishing at most locations. They are stocked with catfish during the summer and draw large crowds of anglers going after some impressive catch rates. Again, please do your research before heading out, as some locations may offer different amenities during the summer.
LOS ANGELES AREA
Just because these are the dog days of summer, don’t neglect the cats, which can provide some great summer entertainment. (LAKE MIRAMAR)
boat launch, swimming area and more. This very deep lake produces some impressive numbers of catfish during the hot months. Since this is a deep lake, you may have to do some research on the best spots for catfish since they do
like to stay near the bottom. A word of caution for this area: Please park within the park – not outside of it – because it is a very remote area. Hesperia Lake, Mohave Narrows Regional Park and Jess Ranch Lakes
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Along Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles, you’ll find Castaic, Pyramid and Quail Lakes. Just off the interstate are Lakes Hughes, Elizabeth and Piru, along with a few more here and there. The areas to wet a line for a big catfish seem endless, but this list should give you a very good idea of waters to investigate. Summer means catfish are active biters, so get out and explore some great fishing destinations throughout the Southland. CS
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FISHING
A KING’S HARD FALL FROM GRACE MIKE LONG WAS KNOWN NATIONALLY AS A BIG BASS GURU. BUT HE’S BEEN ACCUSED OF BEING A FRAUD AND CHEATER, SHAKING UP SOCAL’S FISHING SCENE By Bill Schaefer
R
ecently, an article came out regarding one of the world’s greatest big bass fishermen. That angler, Mike Long, was the main subject of the article that, through years of research and interviews, came to an end with him being accused of questionable tactics when it came to fishing for large trophy bass. If you read the report by Kellen Ellis, editor of sdfish.com, you will have reached your own conclusion, but the case against Long couldn’t be sounder, as Ellis produced a well-documented account of Long’s history. Words are strong, but video is even stronger. Ellis posted videos of Long’s wrongdoing, making the case for this icon’s dethroning more solid than just one person’s word against another. Long has been the idol of many big fish hunters all over the world, so how did this news affect them? Well, some are still protecting him, but it seems the majority are roasting him. Fishing forums and Facebook lit up with comments from those who looked up to him and now feel betrayed. Companies have publicly dropped Long from their pro staff lists and joined the masses that can’t believe that he would do such a thing. At last check, Long’s website remains down and his Facebook page was turned off. So it’s not looking
Mike Long’s reputation as one of Southern California’s trophy bass savants was blown up when a report on the fishing website SDfish.com accused him of cheating, snagging fish and bullying fellow anglers. (SCREEN SHOT OF SDFISH.COM)
good for the idea that he’s not guilty of what he’s been accused of. Will he come back and publicly address all the allegations? Only time will tell.
I KNEW LONG AND, as I am with most people, I will not listen to rumor and instead am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt until I have reason to think otherwise. I wrote articles about Long, promoting his big bass skills, as well as used his pictures. I shared his boat with him in trying to produce the “big one” for an article, though it didn’t happen. At the time, I thought of it as no big deal, but Ellis’ story showed me how I had been duped, along with others. I’m not necessarily angry, more just mad at myself for falling for this conman’s tales. I’m glad this is finally settled once and for all, at least in me and
many other anglers’ minds. Now, this controversy didn’t just come out of nowhere. For years, rumors were rampant and small groups of anglers attempted to get the masses to listen, but Long’s image was too strong. Whether the rumors were Long cheating in tournaments or snagging fish, a lot of the bass fishing world looked up to this guy. Long could be intimidating as well, which Ellis pointed out through eyewitness testimony in his reporting. Many fishermen tried to get Long to go away on his own, but for some reason he wouldn’t. The urge to be the king of big bass was too strong. It is the reason – and probably the money he was earning as well – as to why I think he kept going on with this. Since Long wouldn’t go away, a
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FISHING group of anglers – led by Ellis – decided to, once and for all, see if the king was real or a fraud. As Ellis stated in his article, a network of anglers and lake staff helped track Long’s every move. Ellis wanted to get Long on video, either catching big bass or doing something illegal. Eventually he got what turned out to be the footage that rocked the fishing world: Long was snagging bass and posting them to social media as great catches. The alleged cheating in tournaments was collected from interviews done by Ellis and seemed to be legitimate as well. Past tournament partners, regulars and fill-ins, came forward with stories about questionable catches and results. The story and data just kept snowballing for Ellis. Tournament directors as well as participants felt slighted and will probably discuss taking further action against Long. And don’t forget about all the lake records Long
California Sportsman’s predecessor, California Fishing and Hunting News, once lauded Long as the state’s most elite bass angler in an annual ranking in the early 2000s. Author and longtime bass angler Bill Schaefer writes that the story detailing Long’s alleged misdeeds “showed me how I had been duped along with others. I’m not necessarily angry, but more just mad at myself for falling for this conman’s tales.” (CALIFORNIA SPORTSMAN)
holds. Petitions have already started to remove his name from most or all lakes’ biggest fish marks. Ellis kept collecting data, and it took months to chronologically put together his case. Witnesses from the past, who had been afraid to talk, came forward finally after feeling it was time
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to end their pain and tell their stories. This was not taken lightly by anyone involved, considering it’s an issue that would ruin someone’s reputation. But once you see all the evidence, you know it just had to be done. There are many big bass hunters who do things the right way and are rewarded for their catches with praise. Long cast a shadow over even them. There are a lot of disappointed fishers out there because of Long’s alleged improper behavior. Ellis’ article and video will help them to some extent. I talked with Ellis about the story he worked on and the length of time it took to bring this investigation to where he felt comfortable sharing it. “While rumors circulated for more than a decade, the parties involved that witnessed these instances in the article hadn’t been able to compile them all together for a sound conclusion,” Ellis said. “Many of them are circumstantial at best on their own; it’s not until they are linked together that any sound conclusions can be drawn from them. None of these guys would have been able to prove anything or convince the public that Long was a cheater by themselves. In many cases they still tried, but their claims were squashed.” You can see Ellis’ video and read his story on his website and decide for yourself. But in almost all anglers’ eyes, the big bass king has fallen. CS
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F
HUNTING
FROM FIELD...
THE DOWNLOW ON UPLAND BIRDS
Author Scott Haugen, along with his two pudelpointers, Echo and Kona, show off a brace of sooty grouse and a prized mountain quail. Now is the time to start preparing for upland bird seasons. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
GET READY FOR THE GOLDEN STATE’S QUAIL, GROUSE SEASONS By Scott Haugen
N
ow is the time to start planning for California’s enjoyable and challenging forest upland bird hunting seasons. Last fall was one of the best seasons in decades for many ruffed grouse, sooty (blue) grouse, mountain quail and valley quail hunters. At the time of this writing, this season was looking promising too. Though a bit excessive, spring rains resulted in thick vegetation. For upland birds this means ideal cover for nesting, plus lots of food. Now, as summer draws to a close, this is a good time to call regional biologists and start asking questions about quail
and grouse numbers in areas you’d like to hunt as seasons get going later this month and next. Ask about last year’s nesting success and how this year’s broods seem to be doing. If your hunting areas have been recently hit by wildfires, inquire about bird numbers in those places. Surprisingly, forest grouse and quail fared well in many burned areas, but it’s nice to have confirmation from biologists. Frequently, when birds move back into a burned area, they congregate on the fringes where cover is thick, food is plentiful and water not far away.
PREP WORK August is a great time to do some pre-
season scouting for quail and grouse. For valley quail in low-elevation habitats, listen for the distinctive threenote call early in the morning and in the evening. Where these birds are calling now, rest assured that they’ll be in the same area come the opener. Visually locating birds with the use of a spotting scope or binoculars is a great way to map future hunting spots. Mountain quail are tougher to find, and there’s a reason these are perhaps the most highly prized and most challenging member of the topknot family to hunt. Search for flocks of a half-dozen or so birds. Mountain quail thrive in higher elevations than valley quail. While valley quail can be found in the low-
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HUNTING A stir-fry quail dish is a great way to make use of that bag of upland birds that you’ll harvest this season. (TIFFANY HAUGEN)
... TO FIRE CREATE A STIR-FRY SURPRISE By Tiffany Haugen
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ith quail season almost here, now’s the time to start making sure you have the ingredients to cook these birds multiple ways. Even if you don’t happen to bag your limit of valley quail, this stir-fry can be whipped up using any upland game bird, including turkey breast. One advantage to slicing game bird meat into thin strips for stir-fry is you have the opportunity to inspect every piece of meat for any stray shot. There’s nothing worse than biting down on a pellet, so take care to get them all removed. The key to this recipe is the flavorful marinade that can easily be adjusted for desired “heat.” When cooking any upland game birds, take care not to overcook this lean, delicate meat. For a lighter meal, the quail can be served over greens tossed with olive oil, rice vinegar, salt and pepper.
8 valley quail breasts, cut into thin strips 2 tablespoons olive or coconut oil ½ cup orange juice 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives or green onions 1 to 3 teaspoons chili sauce, if desired ¼ to 1 teaspoon chili flakes Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish MARINADE FOR STIR-FRY 2 tablespoons olive or coconut oil 1 tablespoon minced onion 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon minced garlic ½ teaspoon smoked paprika In a small bowl, mix marinade ingredients until thoroughly combined. Marinate quail four to eight hours in the refrigerator. Remove quail from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. In a large skillet, heat oil on medium-high heat. Brown quail two to three minutes and remove from the pan, set aside. Deglaze the pan with the marinade,
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orange juice and rice vinegar. To deglaze, place the skillet back on the heat after removing the quail. Add ingredients to the pan and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Let liquids boil and reduce slightly for about a minute. Remove from heat, add browned quail back to the pan along with chives or green onions, chili sauce and chili flakes. Add additional soy sauce to taste. Serve over rice with fresh parsley or cilantro. Editor’s note: For signed copies of Tiffany’s popular book, Cooking Game Birds, send a check for $20 to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489 or visit tiffanyhaugen.com. Follow Tiffany on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and watch for her on the online series Cook With Cabela’s and The Sporting Chef TV show.
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HUNTING er elevations of the Coast Range and many other mountain ranges, mountain quail are more prevalent around the 4,000-foot mark and higher. Mountain quail can be found in many places in the state with high-elevation mountains. They often are not far from water. Last spring while turkey hunting in the foothills below Mount Lassen, I heard several mountain quail making their breeding calls.
THE GROUSE GAME Ruffed and sooty grouse are doing well in areas throughout the Coast Range, as well as several mountainous regions. A number of hunters I spoke with last fall commented on seeing a larger number of sooty grouse at lower elevations than they could ever remember, making for a fun mixed bag opportunity. When quail and grouse hunting, having a dog will greatly boost the odds of success. A dog’s nose can pick
up the slightest of smells and alert hunters to what’s really out there. It’s amazing how many more quail and grouse you’ll find when hunting with dogs, compared to not hunting with them. Dogs are also invaluable when it comes to retrieving downed birds in thick cover and amid rugged and steep country, where many mountain quail and sooty grouse thrive. Be sure to take plenty of water for you and your dog, as well as some healthy snacks. Staying hydrated on these physically demanding hunts, especially early in the season when it can be very hot, is extremely important.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Quail and grouse are some of the most challenging birds for hunters to hit, largely because shooting windows are brief and the birds are moving fast. The best thing you can do now is practice shooting clay birds. Shooting hand-thrown clay pigeons is great. Sooty grouse are thriving in many parts of their range, and this season could be another good one. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
Even better is getting to a skeet or trap facility, or shooting at a sporting clay course. Here, clay birds are moving fast and at many angles, providing very realistic shooting scenarios that you’ll surely encounter when hunting quail and forest grouse. With the opener fast approaching, it is time to start preparing for quail and grouse season. Work your dog to get it in shape and its feet conditioned. Be sure you are also in good enough condition to cover ground, and get as much shooting practice as necessary. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of experiencing just how fun and rewarding quail and grouse hunting can be in California. CS Editor’s note: Scott Haugen is a full-time author and TV host. Follow him on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Signed copies of his many books can be ordered at scotthaugen.com. 64 California Sportsman AUGUST 2019 | calsportsmanmag.com
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The state’s best duck callers will return to the waterfowl hunting-mad community of Colusa this month for the California State Duck Calling Competition, scheduled for Aug. 24 and 25 at Memorial Park. (SUE GRAUE PHOTOGRAPHY)
GIVE ME A CALL STATE DUCK CALLING CONTEST RETURNS TO COLUSA THIS MONTH
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olusa is one of the flagship communities in the Golden State’s waterfowl hunting scene and Kittle’s Outdoor and Sport serves sportsmen flocking here in the fall and winter. Kittle’s and the city of Colusa also host the annual California State Duck Calling Contest. This year’s contest is scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 24-25 at Memorial Park. Among the two days of events are qualifiers to send winners to the world championships the week of Nov. 24. “The California State Duck Calling Competition is a waterfowl tradition with a long heritage of providing duck callers the opportunity to compete for an invitation to the
World Duck Calling Championship in Stuttgart, Arkansas,” Kittle’s said in a press release. “This California duck calling tradition has produced multiple world-champion duck callers and we are proud to continue our support in the pursuit to master the art of calling waterfowl.” New to the 2019 event is a junior seminar scheduled for Saturday and two additional seminars taking place on both Saturday and Sunday (specific topics weren’t available at press time). Besides the calling events and seminars, you can expect the usual amount of vendor booths and concessions. “Additionally, Kittle’s Outdoor
& Sport is holding their annual huge preseason waterfowl and dove opener sale,” the press release stated. “Make sure you stop by and take advantage of the sales you don’t want to miss! More details will follow as the date gets closer!” The event gets started at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 with the opening ceremony, and the first world championship qualifier, the Butte Sink Regional Duck Calling Contest, kicks off at 10 a.m. The following day’s events include the State Duck Calling Contest final round that gets going at 10 a.m. For more information, go to kittlesoutdoor.com or call (530) 458-4868. CS
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The kids will get their chance to compete this year with Junior Duck and Speck Calling events. (SUE GRAUE PHOTOGRAPHY)
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 9AM : 10AM: 12PM: 1PM: 2PM: 3PM:
SATURDAY, AUG. 24
Opening festivities Butte Sink Regional Duck Calling Contest/ World Championship Qualifier Seminar, TBD Junior and Intermediate Duck Calling Contest Junior and Intermediate Speck Calling Contest California State Live Duck Calling Contest
SUNDAY, AUG. 25
9AM: Opening 10AM: California State Duck Calling Championship/World Championship Qualifier 12PM: Seminar, TBD 1PM: California State Speck Calling Contest 2:30PM: California State Two-Man Meat Calling Contest 68 California Sportsman AUGUST 2019 | calsportsmanmag.com
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HUNTING When it comes to choosing a dog kennel, don’t let price be a factor, as your four-footed hunting partner’s safety and comfort are the top priorities. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
LOOKING TO JOIN THE KENNEL CLUB? By Scott Haugen
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hat’s in a kennel? Your dog is in a kennel. Your most prized hunting tool, one of your best hunting companions, and for some hunters, our best friend; that’s what’s in the kennel. When it comes to selecting a kennel for your hunting dog there are a lot of options. Price points vary, design and structure are vast, and functionality covers a wide range. For instance, the kennels our two hunting dogs stay in at home are different from the kennels they ride in when on the road, and those are different than those they occupy when flying on airplanes. While home kennels are safe havens for your dog to spend comfortable time in, selecting one of these comes down to personal preference. When flying to a hunting destination with your dog, airline
standards determine what, er, flies. But when it comes to driving to hunting destinations, choosing the right kennel is your choice, and an important one. For most bird hunters, driving is how we get to where we’re going. It may take us two days to reach the hunting grounds, and that’s a lot of kennel time for your dog. Or you may spend two months on the road, traveling state to state, hunting as you go. On road trips, many hunters simply have their dog ride in the cab with them, either in the back seat or the passenger’s seat. Others keep their dogs in the back of the truck inside a kennel. Recently, there’s been an increased awareness of the value of kennels that are safe for your dog to travel in. These models have undergone extensive crash tests and have a high likelihood of saving your dog’s life should you get in an accident.
OVER THE PAST several months I’ve used two kennels that have impressed me: a Gunner Kennel and a Primos KennelUP. Let’s take a look at each. When it comes to safety for your dog, no kennel on the market offers what a Gunner Kennel does. These are the only dog kennels that have passed and dominated the many intensive and comprehensive crash tests they’ve been put through, earning these travel crates the first five-star crash-test rating from the Center For Pet Safety. Gunner Kennels (gunnerkennels. com) are the only double-wall, rotomolded model on the market. They’ve been tested to withstand over 4,000 pounds of force, a blast from a 12-gauge shotgun at close range, an impact of over 600 pounds dropped on them, and they’ve been tossed off 200-foot cliffs and made it. But some of the most impressive testimonials of Gunner Kennels come from hunters who’ve survived
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HUNTING crashes, as have their dogs. To hear some of these stories gives you chills, but to see pictures capturing the severity of the wrecks, and how the dog and kennel survived, leaves any serious hunter who travels a lot with their dog realizing what their next kennel purchase should be. Gunner Kennels come with a plug and specially designed floor for draining, aftermarket accessories, and a lifetime warranty.
I’VE BEEN FORTUNATE to live in the country, where right out my door I’ve had access to hundreds of miles of logging roads in the Cascades. It’s here that I do a lot of upland bird hunting and shed antler hunting with my dogs; we also spend a lot of time training and just going on hikes in this area. This situation is a great fit for a comfortable kennel the dogs will be getting in and out of all day long. From the early-season heat of
Lightweight, easy to handle, secure, with builtin drains and adjustable vents that ensure a clean, comfy ride – that’s what the new Primos KennelUp Dog Kennel has to offer. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
September to snow-packed conditions in winter, my dogs were very comfortable with the new Primos KennelUp Dog Kennel (primos.com). Weighing just 37 pounds, this kennel is easy to move and manage, thanks to its heavy-duty handles. The single-
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walled, one-piece rotomolded kennel features a sleek, practical design. Its rubber feet and integrated aluminum tiedowns ensure it stays secure in the truck, meaning it’s a safe, comfortable ride on those bumpy gravel roads. The built-in drains of the KennelUp
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The G1 large Gunner Kennel weighs in at 72 pounds, the right size for the author’s 70-pound pudelpointer Kona. This double-walled kennel has the highest tested crash rating of any kennel in the world. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
are great during waterfowl season, and the adjustable vents are perfect on hot days. The vents can also be closed to hold in heat on chilly outings.
THERE ARE MANY kennels on the market, and I’ve tried a number of
them and seen many more in use by fellow hunters. When it comes to picking one, only you know what’s best for your dog. A hunting dog is a valuable, irreplaceable companion, so carefully weigh all the options when it comes to picking a kennel
for your hunting partner, and don’t cut any corners. NS Editor’s note: To see some of Scott Haugen’s puppy training video tips, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
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