1st trip to the Kern

[TheRedlines]

First I'd like to let you all know how happy I am to find this board. It's great to find a place with local folks who have 1st hand knowledge of the area and seem to be happy sharing their experiences.

My wife and I are heading up to Fairview campground on Oct.18th - 24th for our first time to the Kern River area. We're going to be camping, fishing, hiking, and basically taking it easy for the week. I'm hoping I might be able to get some good helpful hints as to good places to fish, see, and check out while we're in the area. I'm not knowledgeable in fly fishing so we'll be sticking with ultra light spinning rigs. Any good ideas for bait or lures? I see the Panther Martin spinners seem to be popular. What size/colors?
Thanks in advance. I really appreciate your time.
-Duke

[BIRDHUNTER]

I was up there two weeks ago and did fine with thomas boyants, and rooster tails. I have never had any luck with eggs but, then I seldom use them. My friend was useing worms and all he caught was use another word and squaw fish. I like to go up river just before Johnsondale bridge and work my way down looking for deep holes and back washes. They normally plan on Thur. and the fishing is pretty good Friday and Sat Morn. Keep in mind if you do fish above Johnsadale bridge, its barbless only. You will need to get a fire permit from a ranger or law enforcement, if you are planning on having a camp fire, have a bucket and shovel with you. Most important, don't leave any trash behind, there are more than enough dumpster along the river. I can't believe all the trash I saw along the river when I was there. BIRDHUNTER

[TheRedlines]

Thanks BirdHunter.A lot of good info. I forgot about getting a permit for the fire. My wife and I are pretty active with the SBNF Adopt a trail program and are well aware of how people tend to trash our wilderness. We'll make sure to haul out as much as we see.

[jackh]

Talking about fire permits reminds me to ask if there are any active fires currently in the kern/tulare area. I plan on coming up to fish this week and after watching the major fires going on in L.A. county am hoping that the roads will allow me to make the trip. I know the fire danger is very high is very high right now.