Spring Waters & Secret Spots: What the Biologist Said

Spring Waters & Secret Spots: What the Biologist Said

Author: Host: Michael Ruffino ; Producer: Michael Wood April 12, 2025 Duration: 31:41

Join your favorite “expert at being terrible,” Michael Ruffino, for a jam-packed episode of Terrible at Fishing! This week, Michael shares insights straight from a recent fly-fishing club meeting featuring ODFW biologist Bill Tenniswood. From thawing lakes like Fish Lake and Lake of the Woods to hot crappie spots like Gerber and Willow Valley, Michael covers the best early-season locations for bass, trout, and panfish.

He dives into the effects of drought recovery, the return of fish to eastern Oregon reservoirs, and some fascinating fish-stocking updates—including shocking methods used during dam removals. Get the scoop on bass spawning in Bonanza, fly patterns that work, and even a trout that ate a rat (yep, a whole vole).

Later, Michael breaks down what’s happening on the Klamath River post-dam removal, where salmon are returning, and what’s to come as fish ladders and water flows improve. It's an adventure through creeks, lakes, rivers—and plenty of fish tales.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting to get the bug, this episode is packed with info, humor, and encouragement to get outside and cast a line. Tight lines and remember: it’s okay to be Terrible at Fishing!

Tune in Fridays at 7 PM and Sundays at 6 AM on Gold Country Radio! 🎣

Watch Michael Ruffino on his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@terribleatfishing


You might be terrible at fishing, but that’s exactly where this show begins. Terrible at Fishing Radio Show on Gold Country Radio is built on the idea that the best lessons come from mistakes, and host Michael Ruffino has made plenty of them. An expert fisherman with deep roots in Southern Oregon, Michael doesn’t just share polished tips; he digs into the messy, real-world process of figuring out what actually works on the water. While the focus is on local lakes, rivers, and waterways, the insights are universal, applying to anglers casting a line anywhere. Each episode feels like a conversation with a seasoned friend who’s more interested in you catching fish than sounding like a textbook. You’ll hear practical tricks, seasonal advice, and honest discussions about why some days nothing seems to bite. Produced by Michael Wood, this podcast transforms a regional radio broadcast into a personal guide for the wilderness. It’s for anyone who loves the sport but could use a nudge away from common pitfalls, delivered with a dose of humility and a clear love for the outdoors. Tune in to shift from frustration to a more confident, enjoyable day by the water.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 25

Terrible at Fishing Radio Show on Gold Country Radio
Podcast Episodes
Careless, Crazy, or just plain Ignorant? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:16
This week Michael re-emphasizes the need to practice precautions while out on new ice. He tells of people that he saw this week who were either careless, crazy, or ignorant. Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing! What baits and…
Hanging in the Ice Hut -- First Ice Fishing Adventure of the year! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:07
Hard ice, trouble with errecting the shelter, beautiful green translucent floor, and the first fight and catch under the ice. Scary cracking sounds making you ponder if you should get up and run! Tips on baits and lines…
Fire Week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:04
Why Michael fled California for Oregon. Prayers for those facing the fires. Arcade memories from childhood and a super cool blast from the past! Michael emphasized the need to be safe on the ice while out on the frozen w…
Ice Fishing! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:41
When is it safe to get out on the ice? How do you find out? What the heck is a spud bar? What can you catch while ice fishing? Ways to be safe out on the ice and get excited about all the fish you will catch while out on…