Five Outdoorsmen to be Inducted to California Outdoors Hall of Fame
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Outdoors Hall of Fame (COHOF) will honor five exceptional individuals who have left indelible marks on California’s outdoor legacy during its annual induction ceremony. The event will take place on Saturday, January 18, at 11:30 a.m., at the International Sportsmen’s Exposition at Cal Expo in Sacramento.
A special presentation by the Golden State Salmon Association to previous Hall of Fame inductee Dick Poole will precede the ceremony at 11 a.m., highlighting Poole’s enduring contributions to California’s salmon conservation efforts.
Celebrating a Tradition of Inspiration
Since its founding in 2002, the California Outdoors Hall of Fame has recognized over 100 individuals whose extraordinary contributions have enriched the state’s hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor recreation traditions. Each inductee has inspired countless others to embrace the wonders of nature and play an active role in preserving California’s outdoor heritage.
Hall of Fame President Tom Stienstra underscored the importance of the 2025 inductees, stating, “Each of these great outdoorsmen inspired thousands to take part in outdoor adventures and conservation and took part in a paramount scope of personal adventures. They represent the best of California’s outdoor traditions and demonstrate what it means to share a love for nature across generations.”
Meet the 2025 Inductees
Belno “Bel” Lange
A beloved voice for California’s outdoors, Belno “Bel” Lange brought hunting, fishing, and camping adventures into living rooms for nearly three decades. His Emmy-winning television program, The Outdoorsman, which began airing in 1954, and his popular radio call-in show reached thousands of viewers and listeners across Northern California.
Lange’s engaging style blended humor, trivia, and expert insights, making the outdoors accessible to enthusiasts and beginners alike. His signature closing line, “Take Time to Enjoy the Great Outdoors,” became a mantra for generations. In addition to his broadcasting work, Lange was a prolific writer, with his book Bel’s Bafflers: Outdoors Trivia, Recipes, and Cartoons showcasing his wit and knowledge.
Lange’s adventures spanned from local trout fishing to Alaskan salmon trips, and his colorful storytelling continues to inspire outdoor enthusiasts even after his passing in 2013 at the age of 88.
Mike Aughney
A trailblazer in digital innovation, Mike Aughney revolutionized the way anglers accessed information by launching USAfishing.com in 1994, the first internet-based fishing report platform. The site became an essential resource for Northern California’s fishing community, providing real-time updates on freshwater and saltwater fisheries for over two decades.
A staunch advocate for salmon conservation, Aughney has dedicated his career to protecting California’s fisheries. As a charter board member and current vice chair of the Golden State Salmon Association, he works tirelessly to ensure the survival of salmon populations through advocacy, education, and restoration projects.
Aughney’s deep love for the outdoors is evident in his lifelong pursuits as a commercial and recreational angler, waterfowl hunter, and environmental steward. From fishing Alaska’s Kenai River to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, his passion for the sport and his commitment to conservation inspire anglers across the state.
Brian Riley
Brian Riley’s transformative contributions to outdoor education have changed the landscape of youth engagement in hunting and fishing. As the owner of Red Bank Outfitters and founder of the Red Bank Outdoor Academy, Riley has spent over 25 years introducing young people to outdoor traditions, teaching safety, ethics, and conservation.
Riley’s innovative youth-focused camps have educated more than 5,000 children, creating a ripple effect of enthusiasm for the outdoors. His programs have inspired many to pursue careers in wildlife management, guiding, and conservation. By providing scholarships to ensure accessibility, Riley has opened the world of outdoor adventure to countless individuals.
Beyond his work with youth, Riley is an accomplished hunter and angler, with adventures ranging from big game hunts in New Mexico to bird hunting in South Africa. His legacy lies in the thousands of young people who have discovered the joys of the wilderness under his guidance.
Yancey Forest-Knowles
Described as the “embodiment of the authentic outdoorsman,” Yancey Forest-Knowles has spent seven decades immersed in the natural world. A passionate advocate for conservation, Forest-Knowles has played pivotal roles in efforts to restore wetlands, protect fisheries, and secure water rights for wildlife refuges.
Forest-Knowles’ adventures span the globe, with highlights including waterfowl hunting in the Sacramento Valley, fly-fishing in the Pacific Northwest, and leading white-water rafting trips. His leadership extends to numerous organizations, including the California Waterfowl Association and the Golden Gate Salmon Association, where his efforts have helped protect California’s outdoor heritage.
As a published author and accomplished sportsman, Forest-Knowles inspires others to cherish and protect the environment. His tireless advocacy ensures future generations can enjoy the same opportunities he has treasured throughout his life.
Dusty Baker
Major League Baseball legend Dusty Baker’s passion for the outdoors rivals his achievements on the field. An avid angler and waterfowl hunter, Baker has pursued outdoor adventures across the U.S. and beyond, fishing for trout in Montana, tarpon in Mexico, and bass in California’s lakes and rivers.
Baker credits his father for instilling a love of fishing and has carried on that legacy by introducing young people to outdoor sports. His engaging personality and inspirational speaking skills have made him a sought-after advocate for conservation causes, particularly the California Waterfowl Association.
Baker’s ability to connect with people through storytelling and mentorship has inspired countless individuals to explore the outdoors. His motto, “To be lucky, you’ve got to think lucky,” reflects his belief in the transformative power of nature and adventure.
Continuing a Legacy of Conservation and Adventure
The California Outdoors Hall of Fame ceremony celebrates the contributions of these extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to enriching and preserving the state’s outdoor traditions. Their stories remind us of the importance of connecting with nature and passing that passion to future generations.
For more information about the California Outdoors Hall of Fame and this year’s inductees, visit COHOF.org.
COHOF Media Contact: John Poimiroo, [email protected], 916-801-1013
ISE Director of Communications, John Kirk, [email protected], 360-397-0209
Photographs are found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12fRHPXH4qsObvI9TQ2lbeG9KwdiK4EoC?usp=sharing
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