Spring 2011 Your year-round guide to fishing in the the Kern River Valley No. 4

Kern AnglerKern Angler FREE

Mike DevichKern Angler

One of the big stories in February was the big deposit of trout inthe upper Kern River by the California Department of Fish andGame’s Kern River Planting Base. This huge planting didn’t receivethe publicity it should have because it was done just prior to Whiskey

Flat Days, the big annualOld West celebration inKernville where the townrevisits its 1860s rootswhen it was calledWhiskey Flat.

But the great news isthat the weather was notgood during that period,and many of those troutare still waiting to becaught.

Along with severaltruckloads of normal-sized trout were about1000 pounds of trophy-sized trout in the 4 to 6

pound class.If you’re a trout angler, get that Power Bait ready this year and pre-

pare yourself for some exciting fishing. (Photo by Mike Mencarini)

Mike DevichKern Angler

The Isabella Lake Fishing Derby is well over 20 yearsold, and has for years offered a $10,000 tagged trout tobe caught, but just in the last few years it has mush-roomed into what some are calling the biggest amateurtrout derby in the world. Now there are at least 11$10,000 trout, plus one that could be worth $40,000. TheKern River Valley Chamber of Commerce, which putson the derby, will have a trout valued at $20,000; if theregistered angler who catches that trout is wearing anofficial Isabella Lake Fishing Derby shirt at the time, thevalue of the prize doubles to $40,000. (Note: derby shirtswill be in limited supply.)

For the last few years, the derby has offered $200,000in total prizes. The 2011 derby, to be held April 16-18,will feature a quarter of a million dollars in prizes. Thereare many new contests and prize categories. There aremany more national sponsors. (This year’s derby issponsored by Berkley.) The number of local merchantssponsoring $100 trout has jumped to 62. In addition, afully-equipped bass boat will be raffled off, courtesy ofGaley’s Marine Supply in Bakersfield.

You must be registered in the derby to win almost allof the prizes. Derby registration closes at 7 a.m. onSaturday, April 16. Once that time has passed, it is toolate. When the derby begins, there are no more registra-tions.

Registration costs only $20 for an individual and abargain price of $45 for a five-person family – only $5

Truckloads of trophytrout tantalize tourists

2011’s willbe biggestDerby ever

Michael Batelaan/Kern Angler

Shelly Askew of Bakersfield caught a tagged trout worth $10,000 at last year’s Isabella LakeFishing Derby. The fish was sponsored by California Land Management, and with her is a rep-resentative of CLM.

$250,000 in prizes offered

Photo courtesy KRV Chamber of Commerce

This bass boat will be raffled off during the Isabella Lake Fishing Derby, whichtakes place in April, 2011.

You bet your bass

See DERBY, Page 2

Page 2 Kern Angler Spring 2011

Kern AnglerKern AnglerThe Kern Angler is produced by KRVPublishing, P.O. Box 1145, WoffordHeights CA 93285

Publisher Michael BatelaanContributing Editor Mike DevichPhotographersMichael Batelaan, Mike Devich, MikeLudiker, Murdoc DouglasAd ProductionMichael Batelaan, Mike LudikerAdvertising SalesValerie MinouxBusiness OfficeSara WakemanAdvertising policiesPublisher reserves the right to reject or cancelany advertising at any time. Cancellations orrejection shall not preclude payment on similaradvertising previously run. KRV Publishing isnot liable for errors in copy or an advertisementbeyond the cost of the actual space occupiedby the error. Publisher reserves the right toplace the word “advertisement” on any ad copythat appears to resemble editorial matter.

Reproduction policiesThe entire contents of the Kern Angler arecopyrighted ©2011 by KRV Publishing.

Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibitedwithout prior written consent. All rightsreserved.

The Kern Angler is a division ofKRV Publishing

Kern River CourierWhiskey Flat Claim Jumper Kern Angler

KRV PublishingMailing: P.O. Box 1145Wofford Heights, CA 93285

Office: 6392B Wofford Blvd.Wofford Heights(next to WH Post Office)

Phone: 760-376-2860FAX: 760-376-2862E-mail address:office@kernrivercourier.comOffice Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and byappointment.

©2011 KRV Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

Isabella Lake Fishing DerbyHistorical Data

2010: 258 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $75,810***2009: 182 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $30,640**2008: 116 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $6,5102007: 253 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $13,2302006: 311 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $25,140*2005: 224 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $10,3602004: 275 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $14,2802003: 208 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $10,7002002: 183 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $ 8,8702001: 44 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $ 2,3302000: 148 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $ 6,9201999: 269 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $ 9,5001998: 305 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $15,3801997: 138 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $ 6,5001996: 85 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $ 4,0201995: 250 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $15,0001994: 247 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $23,000*1993: 104 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $ 8,8601992: 235 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $13,6001991: 303 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $ 8,9101990: 348 tagged fish caught, three-day prize total $ 6,160

* One $10,000 fish caught during derby three-day weekend** Two $10,000 fish caught during derby three-day weekend*** Six $10,000 fish caught during derby three-day weekend

Total entries:

2010: 6,5472009: 8,820 1999: 4,1912008: 5,082 1998: 4,8982007: 4,608 1997: 4,0802006: 3,906 1996: 5,0212005: 3,835 1995: 5,8002004: 3,289 1994: 3,7902003: 2,643 1993: 5,3552002: 3,473 1992: 4,3152001: 3,833 1991: 3,0142000: 4,702 1990: 4,704

more for each additional child).Tickets for the boat are $20 eachor six for $100.

In-person pre-registration willbe held at the Kern River ValleyChamber of Commerce office at6404 Lake Isabella Blvd. untilnoon on Thursday, April 14.

Beginning Friday, April 15, Derbyheadquarters moves to the MooseLodge at 6732 Lake Isabella Blvd.

You can also register by mail toKRVCC, P.O. Box 567, LakeIsabella CA 93240 or go online tohttp://www.isabellafishingderby.com

DERBY continued from page 1

Spring 2011 Kern Angler Page 3

FISH FINDER: Game fish of theKern River and Isabella LakeA quick identification guide

Rainbow TroutLateral band on the sidesis reddish to violet. Quitesilvery except on theback. No small red spotson the sides.

Brown TroutDark brown or olive brownon the back, shading togolden brown on thesides and white or yellowon the belly.

Little Kern GoldenTroutHighly colored with dis-tinctive shades of red andyellow on lower sides andbelly.

Large Mouth BassUpper jaw extends past avertical line drawn throughrear margin of eye. Dorsalfin deeply notched com-pared to small mouth bass.

Small Mouth BassDark vertical barring onsides. Upper jaw does notextend to rear margin ofeye and dorsal fin notdeeply notched.

Black CrappieSilvery with irregular darkgreen or black mottling.Length of dorsal findabout equal to front ofdorsal fin to eye.

Blue GillDark spot at rear base ofdorsal fin, vertical bars onsides, body very deep andcompressed, mouth small,pectoral fins long, pointed.

Red Ear SunfishOpercular lobe stiff, withbroad red or orange marginbelow and behind. Gill rak-ers short and stout. Pectoralfins long and pointed.

Channel CatfishSmall irregular spots onsides. Tail deeply forked,with pointed lobes. 24 to 29rays on anal fin. Narrowerhead than white catfish.

Black Bullhead Fin membranes usuallyblack. Pectoral spineweakly barbed on rearedge. Tail squarish and isnot deeply forked.

Kokanee SalmonHas elongated, torpedoshaped body, bluntlypointed snout. Typical col-oration is bright red with apale green head.

CarpBody ranges from brassygreen to golden to silver.Humped appearance, largescales. Long dorsal fin.

Page 6 Kern Angler Spring 2011

Recreation InfoU.S. Forest Service

Lake Isabella office:4875 Ponderosa Dr. (enter from Hwy.

155 just over the hill from Hwy. 178)(760) 379-5646

Kernville Office:105 Whitney Rd. (around the corner

from the museum)(760) 376-3781(760) 379-5236

General KRV Info

Kernville Chamber of Commerce11447 Kernville Rd. KernvilleCorner Sierra Way & Kernville Road Toll Free: 866-KERNVILLELocal: (760) 376-2629

Kern River Valley Chamberof Commerce

6404 Lake Isabella Blvd. Across from Senior CenterToll Free: 866-KRV4FUNLocal: (760) 379-5238

Emergencies - call 911

Kern Valley HospitalMcCray and Laurel, Mt. Mesa(760) 379-2681

Kern Valley SubstationSheriff’s Department and CHP7050 Lake Isabella Blvd.(760) 549-2100Weekdays only, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Kern River Valley information

• Speed Limit: 5 mph (no wake) within 200 feet of shore, within 100 feet of swim-mers (other than waterskiers), near docks, marinas or within South Fork WildlifeArea.

• Alcohol or Drug Use: Alcohol or drug use is illegal while operating a boat and isa felony if such use causes death or serious injury. Conviction of intoxication whileoperating a boat may bring a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.

• Age and Safety Gear Requirements: Boat operators must be at least 16 years old.Each person aboard must have US Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device(PFD); water skiers and personal watercraft riders must wear PFDs at all times.

• Towing Rules for Waterskiers, Inflatables, Etc: A tow boat must qualify to hold atleast 3 people, including an observer at least 12 years old, capable of rescuing aninjured waterskier.The observer must raise a red flag whenever a line is out or a skieris preparing to ski or a skier is down.

• Right-of-Way Rules: These rules apply to everyone on the water, including wind-surfers. As with driving a car, passing is on the right, yielding at a crossing gives thego-ahead to the vessel on the right and overtaking another vessel requires a wideberth. Anchored and sailing vessels usually have the right-of-way.

• Avoidance Measures: Waterskiers, personal watercraft riders and windsurfersoften seek the calmer waters near the Auxiliary Dam. These people may reachspeeds from 35-70 mph, posing a hazard to each other as well as to boaters.Attempting to judge the speed of an oncoming person is difficult, particularly in aglare or mist; better to simply avoid congestion.

Isabella Lake Boating Regs

Spring 2011 Kern Angler Page 7

Valley camping informationCampgrounds in the valley and

the shoreline around Isabella Lakeare controlled by the U.S. ForestService, with two offices in the val-ley.

As of spring 2010, camping feesare in effect in most campgrounds.Check with the Forest Serviceoffices for details.

Also, as a reminder, camping in

one spot is limited to 14 days out ofa 30-day period.

For more camping information,visit the U.S. Forest Service’soffices in Lake Isabella orKernville.

The telephone numbers for theU.S. Forest Service’s offices inKernville and Lake Isabella are(760) 376-3781 and (760) 379-5646.

Camping isplentiful inthe valley.

MichaelBatelaan/Kern

Angler

Isabella Lake boating informationKern Angler

If you brought your boat toIsabella Lake, you’ll need a permitfor it.

Boat permits must be pur-chased, according to the KernCounty Parks and RecreationDepartment, which licenses boatson the lake and patrols the surfaceof the lake with a Boat Patrol ves-sel.

Also, regulations must be strict-ly followed. Citations may beissued to those violating boatingregulations.

Permits are available at anymarina and at several conven-ience stores in the Lake Isabella

area including James SierraGateway Markets in Southlakeand Kernville.

Unmarked underwater hazards,such as submerged fencing (par-ticularly near the South Forkarea), tree snags, rock outcrop-pings, sand spits and islandsappear and disappear withIsabella's ever-changing waterlevel.

Be aware that Isabella Lake hassudden winds that come up thatcan gust to 60 mph. When indoubt, get off the lake!

Keep in mind that the law limitsboating to the daytime - one hourbefore sunrise to one hour aftersunset.

If the fish just aren’t biting,here’s some things to try.Sometimes the sluggish have tobe coerced.

• Change your bait. The onlyway to catch a fish is to use theright bait. If all your neighborsare using salmon eggs, usestinkbait. It’s like an advertisingsales campaign. When respons-es starts to flounder, take a lookat your offer. Are you givingyour prospect an incentive tobite? Or are you simply saying,“Here is my product or service.Let me know if you want it.”

• Change your tackle.Inexperienced fishermen oftenuse hooks and line that are tooheavy. Try a lighter approach.

• Go where the fish are.Fishermen go back to the samespot again and again becausethey have success there. Askthe marina or bait shop owners

where there’s a good spot.There are lots of bait shops inthe area and they’re all willingto help you find the right spot.

• Cast your line in newwaters. When your fishing spotgoes dry, it’s time to move to adifferent spot. Cautious testingcan reveal a hot spot. If it does-n’t pan out, try yet another one.

• Fish when the fish arehungry. Timing is everything.The most successful fishermencast their lines at the crack ofdawn when the fish are hungryand more apt to bite. Resist theurge to have that extra cup ofcoffee and get out there.

• Be patient – and persist-ent. A successful fisherman maycast his line and reel it in adozen times before a fish willbite. It’s patience and persist-ence that brings in a limit at theend of the day.

What to do when the fish are not biting

Satisfaction Guarantee: Your Satisfaction is our goal... We Guarantee! Note: L&M Lumber is not responsible for printing errors. Some merchandise may be subject to stock on hand. L&M Lumber however will make every effort to honor most out of stock items with a rain-check.

L&M LUMBER INC. 4700 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella 760-379-4631Monday through Friday 7:00 to 6:00 Saturday & Sunday 8:00 to 5:00 Ace Rental - Ace Contractor Center

Hardware

2011 Isabella LakeFishing Derby

$100 Trout SponsorYour Lumber, Masonry, Hardware, Paint, Tool & Plant Nursery Place

2011Isabella Lake Fishing Derby

$100 Trout Sponsor

TH ERAPY HOUSEChair MMassage

by PPatricia AArellanoStarting aat $$5.00 - DDeep TTissue $$35.00

Fri., SSat. && MMon. 99am-77pm

6074 LLake IIsabella BBlvd.Same llot aas DDowntown SStorage

& GGators GGarage

Get in... get out... get back to fishing

760-4417-99044Make aan aappointment tto eensure pparking

Scotty’s TEXACO& Mini Mart

6701WoffordBlvd., Wofford Heights760-376-2900

•Gas •Food Snacks •Hot & Cold Drinks•Water Toys •Camping & Fishing SuppliesOpen 5am to 8pm

Derby weekend

Mike Devich/Kern Angler

Mike Mencarini, a volunteer at the Kernville Fish Hatchery, displays one ofthe huge trophy trout that they planted early in the year.

Page 8 Kern Angler Spring 2011

Fishing Derby Specials*

H&E General Store 6498 Wofford Blvd. Wofford Heights 760-376-6409In the Post Office Shopping Center

Special Derby Hours: Friday 8 to 8Saturday & Sunday 6 to 8

Monday 8 to 7Full line ofFishing Bait& TackleSalmon Eggs,Power Bait& Live Worms

*Special offer items whilesupplies last

“The only bait and tackle store on the north shore”

18pk 12oz. CansBud, Bud Light or Coors

$1199

Camping Supplies

Picnic Items

Firewood & Ice

Beer and Wine

Ice Cream

Groceries & Snacks

Cold Sandwiches

Hats, Caps & Visors

Life Jackets (PFDs)

SR100 Rod & Reel

$1499

With Purchase of$20.00 or more

Free Bagof Ice

24 Sirretta StreetKernville, CA760-376-2345

■ Full Hook-Ups

■ Shaded Campsites

■ 30/50 Amp Service

■ Tents Welcome

■ Table & Fire Ring/Grill

■ Hot Showers (Included)

■ Air Compressor Station

■ Dump Station

■ Ice & Firewood For Sale

■ Laundry Available

■ Year Round Camping

■ RV StorageYou can find us between Ewings Rapid and theKernville Bridge with over 1,000' of Private Shoreline!

Every site is equipped with water and electric (mostinclude sewer)... no generators here!

Our downtown location is easy and convenient for ourguests to explore the restaurants and shops.

Come visit us today to take a look around and bookyour next vacation to the Kern River Valley!

www.campkernville.com“Now Taking Online Reservations”

Monthly (Long term) Sites are AvailableCirclePark

RiverViewRV Park ■■

Bridge

Kernville Road

N

Sir

retta

St

■Ewings