Western Outdoor News

BY MATT SPOLSKY Special to Western Outdoor News The Ascent On June 13, 2026, we set out to finally fish the Cottonwood Lakes above Lone Pine. I’ve fished other alpine lakes above Bishop and Lone Pine previously. The Cottonwood Lakes were the next lakes on the list. The Cottonwood Lakes fully open in September. My September is busy this year so I had to go early in the season which meant only Lake 5 would be open.

BY MIKE STEVENS WON Staff Writer LAKE ISABELLA – Once again, Lake Isabella is ringing the big bass bell as consistent fishing continues to be the rule at the popular SoCal fishery. This time, it was largemouth that fell just short of 9 pounds that was caught on a new bait that’s been getting a ton of buzz lately.

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BY DAVE HURLEY WON Staff Writer BENICIA – There are a few locations where anglers congregate shoulder-to-shoulder to toss spinners in search of salmon, and for the first time since 2022, bankies will have the ability to wear out a shoulder and avoid flying hooks starting July 16 from the Carquinez Bridge east to the Woodson Bridge on the Sacramento River.

HER FIRST OCEAN SALMON – Anna Connolly of Lafayette, aka ‘Guaranteed Limits,’ is no stranger to limits of halibut and striped bass, but she reeled in her first ocean salmon with Captain Trent Slate of Bite Me Charters. Photo courtesy of Captain Trent Slate.

CI SHOOTOUT WINNING LING, landed by Larry Johnson, left, gaffed by Pacific Eagle deckhand, Nick. The only ling cod taken during the 2026 Western Outdoor News Channel Islands Shootout gave the angler top prize in the competition. BY BOB SEMERAU Western Outdoor News Staff Writer VENTURA — This was the 18th annual Western Outdoor News Channel Islands Shootout, setting a record for prizes and swag.

OPENING DAY PERCH—Bridgeport Reservoir is also growing a reputation as a good place to fish for Sacramento Perch, like this 2.94-pound trophy fish caught by angler Justin Hanks on opening day a few years ago. BY ERNIE COWAN CROWLEY LAKE—As summer days heat Sierra waters and move trout deeper, a growing number of anglers are putting aside the trout tackle and discovering the excitement of fishing for Sacramento perch at Crowley Lake, home of the world record for this prized table fish.

BY MIKE STEVENS ISLA CEDROS – Serious saltwater anglers are well aware of the world-class fishing for yellowtail and calico bass that goes on at Baja’s Isla de Cedros. Tack on possible side quests for white seabass and halibut (among other species), and it’s bona fide bucket list adventure that’s well within reach of anglers of all skill levels.

Furuno is expanding its line with the introduction of the TZMAP9 and TZMAP13, two new, powerful all-in-one stand-alone Multi Function Displays with built-in TruEcho CHIRP™ Fish Finders that bring the power of Furuno’s acclaimed TZ MAPS cartography to smaller vessels. Designed for boaters who want simplified, reliable navigation without network complexity, these models deliver powerful features through a user-friendly multi touch interface.

Inspired by the control center of a boat and engineered for elite protection on the water Costa Sunglasses unveiled Pilothouse PRO, the first semi-rimless shield delivering a “full-screen” high wrap view of the water. The launch marks the return of shield eyewear from the brand for the first time in 15 years, offering advanced lens technology for unparalleled clarity and superior protection from the elements in a new full coverage shape.