Kern River Trout Festival April 30

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April 18, 2011 by CA DFG News Leave a Comment

Contacts:
Jana Rae Leiran, Hatchery Interpretive Services, (916) 539-6644
Greg Kollenborn, Region 4 Hatchery Supervisor, (559) 243-4017 ext. 257

Kern River Trout Festival Set For April 30

Kern River Hatchery in Kernville will host its annual Trout Fest on April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Coinciding with the statewide trout opener, the free event will provide hands-on learning experiences and demonstrations for people of all ages.

“We encourage kids to bring their parents out to this year’s Trout Fest,” said Saul McGarity, president of Friends of the Kern River Hatchery. “Trout Fest is a kid-friendly event that gives younger anglers the opportunity to learn firsthand from the experts.”

Art activities will run continuously, including gyotaku, the traditional Japanese art of fish printing. Event-goers can also watch graduate artist Kyle Hailey paint a mural of the Rainbow trout life cycle.

Pan-frying and grilling demonstrations featuring free recipes and samples will be held throughout the day.

Fly-fishing clinics for varying skill levels and all-ages basic fishing clinics will be held throughout the day. Kids can try their hand at catching a trout in the greased trout pond, and a Trout Derby will award prizes to the anglers who catch the three largest trout (measured by weight).

“Local merchants have donated some really great prizes for the derby,” said Marvin Waters, manager of Kern River Hatchery. “We also want to remind folks to catch your fish before you come to the Trout Fest, as there is no fishing on hatchery grounds other than the demonstrations that day.”

The Fishing and Natural History Museum, sponsored by the Friends of the Hatchery, will be open all day for guests to peruse the many collections of native plants and animals in the area as well as an exhibit featuring fishing tackle used by early anglers.

Kern River Hatchery is located at 14415 Sierra Highway in Kernville, one mile north of the James Store and across from Camp Owen.