Kern River Reality

[Gary C.]

I sure hope that things can get straightened out soon. It would be nice to see the river turned into catch and release at least until the stocking can be resumed. I know that it would up-set a lot of people also but least there would be fish there to catch.
Gary C.

[Calduke]

Gary - I agree with you about the Catch & Release. It has to be C&R or the Kern will go dry.
I just returned from 3 days on the Kern and it was tough going. What very, very little success I had could disappear in one weekend if not C&R. I even practiced C&R with the stockers.

I lurked around the cemetery location for a couple of hours on Wednesday. I didn't see one take while watching.

The river seemed to have lots of action with rafters and other water activities.
These users aren't affected by the stop-stocking order, but, these last 3 days for this fisherman was a bit disheartening when I remember my visits last year.

Let's hope something can be done to liven up the Kern once again.

[robby2977]

Anyone have any current information about the Upper Kern for fishing? Going up in a couple of weeks and I know it'll be a fight just to find any trout.

[admin]

Sorry Robby, there's been no change or headway made on the "non-stocking" issue. There are some who've been happy, but you'll have to move around and work for the catch. We've had spotty reports with nothing to send up a flare about to our readers.

We aren't the only area that's suffering. Just heard from some of our people that headed for the Bishop area who said they gave up on fishing and spend time in the casino instead.

[Rusty]

If the fish numbers are off, how about the people... are the numbers off there also? In other words, is it crowded as is typical for the summer, or are folks staying away, what with the economy, the lack of stocking, etc...

[admin]

Crowds have been down somewhat during the week days for this time of year but the weekends are holding their own. Still, overall the season is down from last year at this time. The people that are coming on the weekends are more into just camping, rafting, hiking, biking and such. There's always something to do here for outdoor lovers. We seem to be getting more first timers from L.A., guess due to the economy and price of gas. More are staying within a tank of gas on traveling instead of heading out of state this year.

We did lose a few long-time weekend fishermen and women because of DFG incompetence. A couple of people that had trailers here for over 20 some years just hooked up and left for anywhere that might have some fish right away. They were a might premature but they were also making a statement about the non-stocking mess. Problem is there aren't that many places in California the DFG hasn't screwed up for fishing. There are some fish of size but nothing like before. The lake is ok but people prefer the upper Kern for many peaceful reasons. We're still a convenient getaway. I'd take here over L.A. freeways if there were no fish at all.

[Rusty]

admin - "I'd take here over L.A. freeways if there were no fish at all."

No doubt.... now, lets see... 1yr, 11months before I retire..... hmmm....

[robby2977]

Thanks for the info guys. I hope things aren't too bad, at least it'll be a nice change of pace from working like crazy and thinking about the bills, other expenses,etc.