Lake Oroville in Butte County is known as a top-notch fishing lake (especially for bass), but its 167 miles of shoreline also beg exploring. There's no better place to wait for the fish to bite than on the deck of a houseboat with Fluffy lazing by your side. Houseboaters can explore the three arms of the lake extending eastward to the South, Middle and North forks of the Feather River, and pull up overnight at three boat-in campgrounds. Pet-friendly Forever Resorts, a major player in the houseboating world, rents vessels out of Lake Oroville Marina in the Lime Saddle Recreation Area. They're big, measuring in at between 50 and 70 feet. The top-of-the-line Silver Millennium sleeps 10 comfortably and sports amenities including a 45-inch TV and a wet bar, six-person hot tub and barbecue grill on the top deck. Dogs are welcome aboard with a $100 nonrefundable deposit.
Photo: "You Fish, I'll Watch" – Kyle Tetlow
