A little help please...

[jmart122]

Hey everyone,
I had typed out a long post about this topic but accidently deleted it, so here is a shorter version. My name is Josh and I am from Porterville. I have never made a trip up to the Kern River or even Lake Isabella. The reason why I am saying this is because a few of my friends and I want to camp up there on the 13th and the 14th. Since I am totally unfamiliar with the area I do not even know where to begin. Also what techniques work best on the Kern? I usually fish with lures with barbless hooks, I'm in it for the sport, and I release 95% of the trout I catch. I know this a lot to ask for on my first post, but I love natue and I always leave the campsite in better shape then I found it. Again any help on where to camp on the kern that has access to some good fishing would be great. This trip will revolve around it, and I really hope we can have some fun up there. Thanks for any information you can provide!

[BIRDHUNTER]

There are lots and lots of camp sites above Kernville, right on the river, some have fees and some don't, this time of year finding a site wont be a problem. As far as I know they are only planting from Kernville up to the power house. I mostly use lures,but have been know to switch to power bait. Dont even worry about a camp spot just go and have a good time. Above Kernville there is a stretch about 25 miles up to the Johnsondale bridge that has some great spots for fishing and camping. There is a bait shop in the market in Kernville, talk to anyone there and they will let you know for sure about the stocking areas. I know they are now stocking alpers in the lake along with the normal stockers. Most of the alpers tend to be 2lbs +.

[bnaginey]

Headquarters Campground is about 4 miles above town along the river. It is the only organized public campground that is open year round. The rest do not open until late April. It has a camp host, picnic tables, fire pits, running water and somewhat clean outhouses. There are some private campgrounds closer to town with showers. There are also plenty of free areas (Dispersed campgrounds) up and down the river. They only have porta- potties. Nothing else. If you camp in these areas remember to pack out what you bring in. These areas are sometimes trashed by visitors. You can always go to kernvalley.com and go to the canyon connection and click on recreation. There is campground info and a map of the stretch of river above town.

Good Luck
Nag

[jmart122]

Thanks for the information guys. I really appreciate it. I'll probably go to headquarters then. When you say powerplant, how far is that up rive from kernville. I have never been there so I am not sure what you are talking about. Do you guys know of any sites that has a map of the kern in this area? That would go a long way in getting to know this stretch of area better. This may seem like a dumb question. But how far is Bakersfield from Kernville? Thanks again for the help!

[bnaginey]

Answers:
1. Powerhouse is no more than 2 miles above town. Look for the big pipes running down the hill that pump the water in. Pretty obvious when you see it!

2. Bakersfield is 45 to 1 hour away depending on how many motor homes are in front of you. Lots of twists and turns coming up the canyon.

3. you really do not need a map. There is 20 miles of fishing with easy access from Kernville to the Jonsondale bridge. The fish are there you just have to be patient this time of year. We go every March and some years are much leaner than others depending on the water temp and flow.

Tight Lines, OUT!

Nag