Stocking - question for Mike/webmaster.

[kernriverlover]

Going camping in Johnsondale next thursday-sunday. does anyone know if they are still stocking up there at the campgrounds. We usually stay at camp 2 and with the water going so high on the main river, felt it was safter for the kids up above until end of summer till we feel safter on the main river. but really want to catch some fish and need to know if they are stocking there. also, if we DO decide to change our mind and camp at the lake, is it safe to say we will get lucky and get a campsite on the lakeside??? Thanks for any info...hopefully mike can answer. Thanks much, bobbie.

[admin]

The stocking, or should I say non-stocking, issue is still in effect. Some stock is going up river from drops at the cemetery. A couple have snagged some 4# trophy trout at Riverside Park and just above. There are some streams up above Johnsondale that are supposed to be getting stock but that's been very fuzzy lately.

With the lake being heavily drawn down, the few "shoreline" camps would be Auxiliary area and Boulder Gulch. They both leave a lot to be desired. Exposed to sun and wind. Paradise Cove and Camp 9 would be ok but you still have to trek down to the shore. As far as campgrounds go, the upper river camps are still better than lake campgrounds but not by much. We're talking Forest Service and CLM's increasing lack of management ability here. The crowds are still coming but they are slightly lower than recent years. Still,to be safe, I'd reserve through ReserveUSA, unless you come during the week.

The lake catch has been just OK. They were hauling them in, both in numbers and size, but it's gotten kinda quiet and spotty as far as reports and word on the streets the last few days. Right now the lake is still a lot less work than the river though. To be truthful, if you're just coming to fish, I can't really promise the catch will be worth the trip, at this time anyway. We promote the heck out of this great outdoor area but we also protect our readers that spend big bucks on gas to get here. Right now the Forest Service and Fish & Game are messing with our local economy big time and we see no light at the end of the tunnel.

If I still lived a distance, I'd shine the fish wish for now and just head for the high country for a getaway. It's beautiful and coooooool up there. But I think I remember that your kids are just getting to really enjoy fishing now. Mine just wanted to camp, explore & find boys. At any rate have a safe trip here and watch everyone around any water no matter how calm it looks. We just lost 2 more on the lake recently, both adults who would know better and they were close to shore and sober at the time. Protect yourselves and with the kids be extra, extra careful.

If we get some better news I'll post it asap. Thanks for participating in our forum. Mike

[kernriverlover]

Crap, i posted a thank you with a note and somehow got it saved in drafts...how the heck to i get it back.

Okay, figured it out...dork...lol

[kernriverlover]

Thanks so much Mike. I think we will venture up to johnsondale and hope for the best. Maybe we will get lucky and catch some fish. We lost our dog in Easter and his favorite place was the slides at camp 2 so we plan to let half his ashes out there anyway. The kids love the slides and it gives them something to do. Hopefully we wont run into smoky the bear this time...talk about scary...LOL. First time in 25yrs we have been camping that we woke up to a bear in our camp. Looking forward to the cool air since its been anywhere from 108-100 degrees here in fresno...uggg.

Anyway, thanks SO much for all the info, i was a bit worried about the wind in isabella and the water on the main river so im glad we have decided to keep it safe up above. Hopefully we will get our camp that we always seem to get lucky and get. Thanks again...Bobbie.

This whole not stocking thing on the main river makes me sick for the people and the businesses in Kern. I hope they get their S..T together soon.