Kern Valley Canyon Connection Community Forums

DFG suspended trout plants in the southern half of the state since July 1. The suspension is supposed to be effective for 180 days and selective for the state but it seems SoCal has been shut down. Perhapse things will change toward the end of the year.

On a side note, the natural trout population has exploded where you can find water in the Sequoias. Wet a line off the 190 and caught a bunch of rainbows and a golden, which I've never seen there before. All were less than 10", caught on Chunky Cheese, and released.

To: Anyone

Trying to schedule my trips to the Kern for 2016.
I travel about 150 miles, 4 hours, to get to the Kern
Will it be worth the effort this year?

If the planting has been cut way down, what camps or locations would I expect plantings. Of course, the park area, but, where else?

Thanks for any input

Any indication when DFG will begin plants on the Upper Kern?

CDFW planted some trout on Section 4 (below KR3 to and mostly in Riverside Park) for Whiskey Flats so kids could catch some trout at the festival. Many baiters already cleaned up there already. River flows coming up slowly. No plants on Section 5 and 6 since November (river still too cold up there). No other plants scheduled for Feb at this time.

We need more snow soon!

Do you expect the planting will be very limited like last year?
Will they plant only in the camp areas(of course, the park area)

All CDFW hatchery budgets still much lower than previous years including Kernville Hatchery. The hatchery will have new races constructed this summer. They may not be able to keep many trout alive while construction is going on. For now sections 5&6 still to cold for planting I guess. Probably only section 4 Kernville will be planted sparingly in March.

Unless things change for the better, this will be the first year in 25 years we won't be spending fathers day weekend on the Kern. I do hope to make at least one trip to the river in late spring, just because. I and my group are currently in the process of scouting out other location for our annual family trip. Sad state of affairs this State is in. :(