I made a video of some of my favorite video locations on a map. Check out all these locations on the map along with the areas along the Lower Kern and Lake Isabella. See it all here: ua-cam.com/video/hUSON6qnqxI/v-deo.html
Ahh the memories! Anywhere in between the upper campgrounds that you have to hike ‘ down’ to will produce a nice Kern Hog. Keeping the stuck fish out of those deep boulder runs makes it all the better. Thanks for the tour!
I’m from Bakersfield. I’ve been fishing the upper Kern since 94 with my grandpa. I just started fishing with some friends in the upper. We have been using lightweight with two small split shots and a treble hook. It works amazing everywhere
I love fishing and rafting on the Kern. I caught my PB Trout on the Lower Kern at Blacks Gulch. It was 21 inches and it had 3 other hooks in its mouth from when it got away. It sucks that they closed Miracle Hot Springs. Hey, people! When you go up there, make sure to pick up your trash. Last time I was up there it made me so angry to see all the litter. Have some respect for nature.
I loved Miracle Hot Springs. Where else can you fish while soaking in a hot tub? It's a cycle, someone will build them back and in 10 years, the Forest Service will tear them back out. And there are some real monsters in the Lower Kern! It's so underrated....
@@RoadandReel Around 1991-ish. I was totally fishing in the miracle spring. Then this old Japanese man got in and was drinking the water and his wife was getting jugs of it to take home. So, I took some home and I drank it too. It was a little stinky but I think it worked. I didn't catch a fish there but I met some nice people. I'm still around so that's one miracle.
Me and dogs were in the upper Kern camping out in September 2023 Then again in March 🤪 I'll be back this winter 😁 We live in Michigan in summer 😃 California desert in the winter 🌴🌞😎
Smart! My favorite time on the Kern is around February/March when the weather is nice and spring runoff hasn't started yet. I've had many 50 days during that time of the year and no one is on the river! Good luck next time you come out! 🤙
Thanks for the video. Never fished the Kern river, was looking for somewhere closer than Bishop/Mammoth to fly fish. Will have to check out your suggestions.
Thank you so much for your time to make this video so valuable. Subscribed, liked, and finished watching ad too. I would like to camp and fish this summer with my son soon. What is the usual set up to catch any fish here? Worms? Spinner? I would love to catch, photo and release. Thank you.
If you are planning to release, I like to throw a mini jig or tube jig on 1/16oz head. Nice tails also work really well along with rooster tails. Fish the edge of the runs with the rooster tails and the deeper runs with the jigs.
Good information.. I've been going up there for 50 years. You gave up some insider information. What you failed to mention is the majority of the campgrounds have limited or No shade. Tough in the summer
If you can get them in front of the fish, they'll hit a microspoon. I've done really well with rooster tails and spoons in the past during this time of year.
It sucks that they closed down Chico flats, but about 2 years ago, you could camp right next to the river, which was one of my most favorite places to go to. If you got lucky you could end up with the whole area just to yourself and family. Kinda sucks that you can no longer camp there
I loved it when they allowed dispersed camping. You could camp right down by the water pretty much anywhere. I guess the trash and vandalism got out of hand and that's why they started closing down areas. They're supposed to open all of the designated campgrounds up again this year, but we'll see.
@RoadandReel yeah I had a shock when I went out there and found out I couldn't camp there anymore. Ended up driving as up as far as the gas took me there's another little spot by a creek idk the name of it but if you take a right after the "y" intersection you'll see an area that opens up if you drive slowly you'll see a dirt road if you take it pretty slow you can make it down no problem. My second favorite spot
@RoadandReel wait a minute it might not be the exact same spot because my creek doesn't have any fish and what it does have they're too tiny...which spot are you talking about!? Lol come one share a spot
That's a good question. I always park across the street and don't block the gate itself. I don't know the exact answer to that, but I've been "talked to" saying they need access at all times.
Across the street next to the River View Lodge is Camp Kernville. They have RV sites with hookups. There's also Rivernook up the way and they have full hookups too.
I am new to all this, so I'm wondering if kids should worry about fishing hooks when they go in the water? Overall, which campground would you consider to be your favorite?
My favorite is probably the Springhill area. Fairview is also nice because it is walking distance to McNally's. I think broken bottles or cans are more of a danger in the water than fish hooks. A good pair of swim shoes is a good idea anyway because the rocks can be hard to walk on.
@@RoadandReel Upper Springhill? I booked the Limestone for this summer bc someone had recommended it. But I always see in reviews that many people at the Kern complain about noise levels and people leaving trash. I'd really like to hike the wild section of the Kern (not sure if you have a video), but I think you would need to carry some sort of protection
@@luperamos7307 Limestone is good. They've been doing a lot better monitoring the campgrounds. People can get rowdy, but the sheriff comes around quite a bit. The wild section is a great place to fish. I've never ran into anyone or anything there that would require protection, but that's up to you. Here's a video of that section ua-cam.com/video/toQFnZWXytM/v-deo.htmlsi=YGTpN1Ohq0ngWb_N
Nice video, informative. I'm planning next month to go with some Friends and they stay up until 2am and talk loud I want to find a campground so we dont bother campers . Most campgrounds have quite time at 10 pm.
I am coming to kern river for first time with some friends. We like to stay up till 2am listen to music and dont want to bother other campers. Any suggestion. Which campground
There are some spots around Ant Canyon or Chamise Flat where you might be able to get down and away from everyone else. I do know the Sheriff patrols pretty heavily through all the campgrounds now, so that might be an issue. When we stay up late and listen to music, I usually walk over to the closest camp and see if I can hear my music playing. If I can, I lower the volume until I can't.
@@jwfinley7808 I've had it happen more than once and it's not fun. One time I was hung up and had a salmon egg setup come loose and hook me in the next, eggs and all. That was the worst.
I made a video of some of my favorite video locations on a map. Check out all these locations on the map along with the areas along the Lower Kern and Lake Isabella. See it all here: ua-cam.com/video/hUSON6qnqxI/v-deo.html
“..the solo expeditions you’re looking for.” Exactly!
“Those are minerals”. THATS the kind of logic I can identify with. Nice video mate, this is exactly the sort of knowledge I’m after. Thanks.
@@christopheroconnor7659 Happy to help. Good luck and stay safe!
From a seasoned kern river camper I must say you gave a ton of great information in this short video. Thank you
Thank you!
Ahh the memories! Anywhere in between the upper campgrounds that you have to hike ‘ down’ to will produce a nice Kern Hog. Keeping the stuck fish out of those deep boulder runs makes it all the better. Thanks for the tour!
Yeah, any hike usually produces great fish! I always tell people that, but many just like to fish right where they park.
When I lived out in California I camped at Brush Creek free and did a lot of fishing there and up above around the bridge. Good times! 😎
Brush Creek was a favorite of mine. It's still good, but now it's a day use only.
God bless you and your content, thank you and happy holidays!
Thank you, happy holidays!
Very well done video - thanks
Glad to help.
Thanks!
No problem and Thank you!
@@RoadandReel kern is my happy place my grandfather used to take us up there and to Isabella.
Helpful info, thanks!
You're welcome!
Just subbed...Thanks for the report. Headed to Isabella this weekend, wish me luck haha
Thanks for the sub and good luck! The weather should be perfect!
I’m from Bakersfield. I’ve been fishing the upper Kern since 94 with my grandpa. I just started fishing with some friends in the upper. We have been using lightweight with two small split shots and a treble hook. It works amazing everywhere
I use a similar setup, but I use a single size 10 bait holder hook.
I love fishing and rafting on the Kern. I caught my PB Trout on the Lower Kern at Blacks Gulch. It was 21 inches and it had 3 other hooks in its mouth from when it got away. It sucks that they closed Miracle Hot Springs. Hey, people! When you go up there, make sure to pick up your trash. Last time I was up there it made me so angry to see all the litter. Have some respect for nature.
I loved Miracle Hot Springs. Where else can you fish while soaking in a hot tub? It's a cycle, someone will build them back and in 10 years, the Forest Service will tear them back out. And there are some real monsters in the Lower Kern! It's so underrated....
@@RoadandReel Around 1991-ish. I was totally fishing in the miracle spring. Then this old Japanese man got in and was drinking the water and his wife was getting jugs of it to take home. So, I took some home and I drank it too. It was a little stinky but I think it worked. I didn't catch a fish there but I met some nice people. I'm still around so that's one miracle.
Sent. July. 15
I'm. Glad this. Tik. Tok. Friend. Told .me. About. Your. Group in.
kern. County. 😊
Thank you for this video
No problem, I hope it helps.
Me and dogs were in the upper Kern camping out in September 2023 Then again in March 🤪 I'll be back this winter 😁 We live in Michigan in summer 😃 California desert in the winter 🌴🌞😎
Smart! My favorite time on the Kern is around February/March when the weather is nice and spring runoff hasn't started yet. I've had many 50 days during that time of the year and no one is on the river! Good luck next time you come out! 🤙
Thanks for the video. Never fished the Kern river, was looking for somewhere closer than Bishop/Mammoth to fly fish. Will have to check out your suggestions.
I suggest starting in the Springhill area and moving up. You can also see the trout plants at nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FishPlants/
Ant canyon, is awesome to fish and camp.
Thank you
@@charles9571 You're welcome
The Mighty Kern 🤪
will be heading there early tomorrow!! will salmon eggs work this time of the year?
Salmon eggs are excellent this time of year. I have a few videos from the Kern River using Salmon Eggs that you can find on my channel page.
Thank you so much for your time to make this video so valuable. Subscribed, liked, and finished watching ad too. I would like to camp and fish this summer with my son soon. What is the usual set up to catch any fish here? Worms? Spinner? I would love to catch, photo and release. Thank you.
If you are planning to release, I like to throw a mini jig or tube jig on 1/16oz head. Nice tails also work really well along with rooster tails. Fish the edge of the runs with the rooster tails and the deeper runs with the jigs.
Good information..
I've been going up there for 50 years. You gave up some insider information.
What you failed to mention is the majority of the campgrounds have limited or No shade. Tough in the summer
@@thomashansen3932 yeah, very tough and even in the shade, it's still over 100 degrees.
Next weekend I'll go there and will use micro spoons. It would be work?? I'm not sure haha. Oct I went to there and 15trout got by spoons.
If you can get them in front of the fish, they'll hit a microspoon. I've done really well with rooster tails and spoons in the past during this time of year.
It sucks that they closed down Chico flats, but about 2 years ago, you could camp right next to the river, which was one of my most favorite places to go to. If you got lucky you could end up with the whole area just to yourself and family. Kinda sucks that you can no longer camp there
I loved it when they allowed dispersed camping. You could camp right down by the water pretty much anywhere. I guess the trash and vandalism got out of hand and that's why they started closing down areas. They're supposed to open all of the designated campgrounds up again this year, but we'll see.
@RoadandReel yeah I had a shock when I went out there and found out I couldn't camp there anymore. Ended up driving as up as far as the gas took me there's another little spot by a creek idk the name of it but if you take a right after the "y" intersection you'll see an area that opens up if you drive slowly you'll see a dirt road if you take it pretty slow you can make it down no problem. My second favorite spot
@@epenaloza52 I know that exact spot. I fish it every spring. The road has gotten worse, but the creek is still full of fish!
@RoadandReel wait a minute it might not be the exact same spot because my creek doesn't have any fish and what it does have they're too tiny...which spot are you talking about!? Lol come one share a spot
@@epenaloza52 find me on Instagram and message me 😁
I need a trip up there. Just kind of leery of going alone.
When I'm alone, I try to stay out of the water. Although, I ran into a bear last night at the lake and that wasn't fun by myself in the dark.
Question my friend.! Sooo if the gates are locked its ok to park on the raod and wall down with out getting cited?..ty
That's a good question. I always park across the street and don't block the gate itself. I don't know the exact answer to that, but I've been "talked to" saying they need access at all times.
@RoadandReel ty Sir love you're videos ..GOD bless
Hi, is Fandy’s the only campground with hook up in that area? Thank you
Across the street next to the River View Lodge is Camp Kernville. They have RV sites with hookups. There's also Rivernook up the way and they have full hookups too.
Are these all first come first serve? the recreation website doesn't let me reserve anything before may
I believe it's first come first serve in the off season. Most sites are available to reserve May-September and sometimes into mid November.
is this paved road all the way up to johnsondale bridge?
Yes it is. It's nice and wide too.
Where can I find the map that was used in the Thumbnail?
@@WestSideOutdoors it's on the USDA website for the Kern Wild and Scenic River.
I am new to all this, so I'm wondering if kids should worry about fishing hooks when they go in the water? Overall, which campground would you consider to be your favorite?
My favorite is probably the Springhill area. Fairview is also nice because it is walking distance to McNally's. I think broken bottles or cans are more of a danger in the water than fish hooks. A good pair of swim shoes is a good idea anyway because the rocks can be hard to walk on.
@@RoadandReel Upper Springhill? I booked the Limestone for this summer bc someone had recommended it. But I always see in reviews that many people at the Kern complain about noise levels and people leaving trash. I'd really like to hike the wild section of the Kern (not sure if you have a video), but I think you would need to carry some sort of protection
@@luperamos7307 Limestone is good. They've been doing a lot better monitoring the campgrounds. People can get rowdy, but the sheriff comes around quite a bit. The wild section is a great place to fish. I've never ran into anyone or anything there that would require protection, but that's up to you. Here's a video of that section ua-cam.com/video/toQFnZWXytM/v-deo.htmlsi=YGTpN1Ohq0ngWb_N
Nice video, informative.
I'm planning next month to go with some Friends and they stay up until 2am and talk loud I want to find a campground so we dont bother campers . Most campgrounds have quite time at 10 pm.
If you ever want to fly fish it together, let me know. We can bring a few friends put something cool together
@@PHARRAOH that sounds fun! Hit me up on Instagram and maybe we can do something this spring before the run off.
I am coming to kern river for first time with some friends. We like to stay up till 2am listen to music and dont want to bother other campers. Any suggestion. Which campground
There are some spots around Ant Canyon or Chamise Flat where you might be able to get down and away from everyone else. I do know the Sheriff patrols pretty heavily through all the campgrounds now, so that might be an issue. When we stay up late and listen to music, I usually walk over to the closest camp and see if I can hear my music playing. If I can, I lower the volume until I can't.
@@RoadandReel thank you 😊
Its fun swimming even better when you get a fish hook in you!😢
Yeah, my kids wear water shoes. All the better because the slippery rocks lead to smashed toes. Oh and don't forget the cans/glass and bottle caps...
@@RoadandReel when I was a kid I got a fish hook in my finger barb and all!!
@@jwfinley7808 I've had it happen more than once and it's not fun. One time I was hung up and had a salmon egg setup come loose and hook me in the next, eggs and all. That was the worst.
@@RoadandReel sh.t happens. id rather have it my finger!!
Did you say pay toilets?
I don't think so. Do you have a timestamp for the video?
Thanks!
I appreciate it, thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you!