Kern AnglerKern Angler

Derby trout-less without them

Trout corps of volunteers

$250,000 in prizes offered

2013: Will you catch the big one?

Michael Batelaan/Kern Angler

Check please - David Gil is one the three $10,000 winners from the2012 Isabella Lake Fishing Derby. The check was so big that fishsponsor California Land Management staff had to help him hold it upfor the photo.

See Derby Page 6

Spring 2013 Kern River & Isabella Lake fishing guide www.kernrivercourier.com No. 6

Twenty threeyears of Derbydata and upper KernRiver map.

2Catch

What’sInside

Mike MencariniKern Angler

If you and the otheroutdoor lovers withwhom you share spacewith, are experiencing acase of cabin-fever, Ihave just the cure. It is athree day fishing andcamping event that hasbeen held onIsabella Lake forthe past 23 years.The official namefor the event is the24th AnnualIsabella LakeFishing Derby.

This fishing derby isthe largest amateur troutfishing contest in thecountry, with a possiblecash payout of a quarterof a million dollars($250,000). For the priceof a movie with the fami-ly, you can enter yourfamily in the Derby forthree days of fishing fun.

This is a major event inwestern United States,

with more than 6,000anglers fishing for thosetop prized trout, someworth $20,000 or more.There are lots of troutworth $50 to a $1,000.The dates for the 2013Derby are April 20, 21,and ending on 22nd.

This event requires somany who do so much,

and shows what a groupof volunteers who carefor their community canaccomplish.

The work begins inearly November andDecember for this year'sevent. The nets are fittedto their temporaryhomes (the pens) at theend of the docks atFrench Gulch Marina.Shortly thereafter, the

Identify the fishof the KernRiver drainagewith theIsabella Lakefish finder.

3Isabella Lakemap with campgrounds,lake features.

4All you need toknow aboutcamping andboating in theKern Valley.

7

Michael BatelaanKern Angler

Almost a quartercentury old, theIsabella Lake FishingDerby has for yearsoffered a quarter of amillion dollars in catch-abletagged trout. In thelast few years, theIsabella Derby hasmushroomed into whatsome are calling thebiggest amateur troutderby in the world.

Now there are atleast ten $10,000 trout,two $500 trout, a $250trout, three $200 trout,plus one that could be

worth $40,000. The Kern

River ValleyChamber ofC o m m e r c e ,which puts onthe derby, willhave a troutvalued at$20,000, but ifthe registeredangler whocatches thattrout is wearingan officialIsabella LakeFishing Derby

Free

Michael Batelann/Kern Angler

Top feeders - A meal of trout pellets is served up to the Derby troutbeing housed raised in cage at French Gulch Marina. More than33 volunteers have been feeding the trout three times a day, rainor shine, seven days a week.See Trout Page 6

shirt or hoodie at thetime of the catch, thevalue of the prize dou-bles to $40,000.Purchase your shirt orhoodie early, becausederby shirts will be inlimited supply.

The 2013 derby, tobe held April 20through April 22, willfeature a quarter of amillion dollars in prizesand have many con-tests and prize cate-gories and multiplenational sponsors. Thisyear’s Derby majorsponsors are Berkley,Shakespeare andBudweiser.

There are at least 60local merchants spon-soring $100 to $500trout. In addition, afully-equipped LoweSuncruiser pontoonboat with motor andtrailer will be raffledoff, from the Kern RiverValley Chamber ofCommerce and Galey’sMarine Supply inBakersfield.

You must be regis-tered in the derby to

California Department ofFish and Game deliversthe young trout. There are5 to 7 of these youngstersto a pound. They are thenput on a feeding programof three times a day;seven days a week until aweek prior to the start ofthe derby. The volunteerfeeders are very dedicat-

ed to raising thesefish; they have to belike mail carriers forthey do this regard-less of the weather.They are a heartybunch.

In case you had-n't figured it out yet, thesetrout are the main attrac-tion. Without them itwould be the trout-lessderby. As the derbyapproaches the daybefore the start, the feed-ers have had several daysoff, and the logistics ofarranging the boats andboat captains along with

HappyCampingKern Angler

Campgrounds inthe Valley and theshoreline aroundIsabella Lake arecontrolled by theU.S. Forest Service.

As of spring 2010,camping fees are ineffect in most camp-grounds. Check withthe Forest Serviceoffices for details.

Also, as areminder, campingin one spot is limitedto 14 days out of a30-day period.

For more camp-ing information, visitthe U.S. ForestService’s offices inLake Isabella orKernville.

The telephonenumbers for the U.S.Forest Service’soffices in Kernvilleand Lake Isabella are(760) 376-3781 and(760) 379-5646.

”“Without them (the volunteers) itwould be the trout-less derby.

- Mencarini

Fishing Derby

April 20, 21& 22 2013

Page 2 Kern Angler Kern River & Isabella Lake fishing guide www.kernrivercourier.com Spring 2013

Kern AnglerKern AnglerThe Kern Angler is a special editionproduced by the Kern River Courier

Publisher Michael Batelaan

Contributing writerMike MencariniPhotographersMichael BatelaanAd ProductionMichael BatelaanAdvertising SalesValerie Minoux, Sara WakemanBusiness OfficeSara WakemanAdvertising policiesPublisher reserves the right to reject or cancelany advertising at any time. Cancellations orrejection shall not preclude payment on similaradvertising previously run. The Kern RiverCourier is not liable for errors in copy or anadvertisement beyond the cost of the actualspace occupied by the error. Publisherreserves the right to place the word “advertise-

ment” on any ad copy that appears to resembleeditorial matter. Reproduction policiesThe entire contents of the Kern Angler arecopyrighted ©2013 by Kern River Courier.Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibitedwithout prior written consent. All rightsreserved.

Mailing Address:P.O. Box 1145Wofford Heights, CA 93285Office:6392B Wofford Blvd.Wofford Heights(next to the 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 by appointment.

©2013 Kern Angler/Kern River CourierAll Rights Reserved.

To Johnsondale

2mile

8mile

10mile

6mile

190

190

4mile

12mile

16mile

14mile

18mile

20mile

Gold Ledge

Limestone

Fairview Dam

Salmon Creek

Salmon Falls

Cannell Creek

Satan’s Slot

Enterance

Fairview

South Creek

Camp 3

Sock-em-dog

Fender Bender

Joes Diner

Limestone

Tobias Creek

Packsaddle Creek

Brush Creek

To Wofford Heights

Kernville •

Bull Run Creek

Headquarters

Bombs Away

• Corral Creek• Springhill

• Chamise Flat• Calkins Flat

• Roads End

Hospital Flat

• Halfway

• Chico Flat

• Thunderbird

• Kernville Fish Hatchery

To Black Rock

Ewings

• Riverkern

• Fairview

north•

190

Towns

Rapids

River, Streams& Creeks

Roads& Highways

Campgrounds

• Day Use

• Other Interests

miles 0

KR3 Powerhouse

Tagged fish Three-daycaught prize total2012: 155 47,850***2011: 191 $26,590*2010: 258 $75,810****2009: 182 $30,640**2008: 116 $6,5102007: 253 $13,2302006: 311 $25,140*2005: 224 $10,3602004: 275 $14,2802003: 208 $10,7002002: 183 $ 8,8702001: 44 $ 2,330

*One $10,000, **Two $10,000, ***Three $10,000 and ****Six $10,000 fishcaught during the derby three-day weekend.

Total entries:2012: 6,2942011: 6,7352010: 6,5472009: 8,8202008: 5,0822007: 4,608

2006: 3,9062005: 3,8352004: 3,2892003: 2,6432002: 3,4732001: 3,833

2000: 4,7021999: 4,1911998: 4,8981997: 4,0801996: 5,0211995: 5,800

1994: 3,7901993: 5,3551992: 4,3151991: 3,0141990: 4,704

Upper Kern River

Emergencies call■ Ambulance■ Fire■ Law Enforcement■ Search & Rescue■ Lake Patrol■ Forest Service

Sheriff/CHP Substation7046 Lake Isabella Blvd.Lake IsabellaWeekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.business calls only, 760-549-2100

Kern County Fire StationsKernville Station 7611018 Kernville RoadKernvillebusiness calls only, 760-376-2219

Lake Isabella Station 724500 Lake Isabella Blvd.Lake Isabellabusiness calls only, 760-379-2626

Southlake Station 719000 Navajo Ave.Weldonbusiness calls only, 760-378-3055

Kern Valley HospitalEmergency DepartmentMcCray & LaurelMountain Mesa760-379-2681

Recreation informationU.S. Forest ServiceIsabella Lake office:4875 Ponderosa Drive. 760-379-5646

Kernville office:105 Whitney Rd.760-376-3781(around the corner from the museum)Closed weekends.

General infomationKern River Valley Chamber of Commerce6404 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella(across from Senior Center)Local: 760-379-5236Toll Free: 866-KRV4FUN

KernvilleChamber of Commerce11447 Kernville Rd. Kernville(corner Sierra Way & Kernville Roads) Local: 760-376-2629Toll Free: 866-KERNVILLE

4-1-1

Data

Kern River Valley

Tagged fish Three-daycaught prize total2000: 148 $ 6,9201999: 269 $ 9,5001998: 305 $15,3801997: 138 $ 6,5001996: 85 $ 4,0201995: 250 $15,0001994: 247 $23,000*1993: 104 $ 8,8601992: 235 $13,6001991: 303 $ 8,9101990: 348 $ 6,160

Fishing Derby historical

9-1-1

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.

Fish finder:Game fish of the Kern River and Isabella Lake

A quickidentificationguide

Spring 2013 www.kernrivercourier.com Kern River & Isabella Lake fishing guide Kern Angler Page 3

Please don’t drink & drive!... Call the local

TAXI1-760-376-2227Kern River Valley Local & Out of Town Service

Fishing DerbyDiscount

$500OffAny fare of $20

or more

Mike MencariniKern Angler

Prior to the construction of LakeIsabella, the lake bed as we now know itwas a gold rush town known asWhiskey Flats. In the early part of the1900's, the town prospered and thename was changed to Kernville. TheKern River flowed just on the outskirtsof town, all the way to Bakersfield. Asthe city of Bakersfield grew as an agri-cultural community, the need for waterincreased. In the late 1940's, the ArmyCorps of Engineers developed plans tocreate an artificial lake. The area bestsuited was where the town of Kernvilleand Old Isabella then stood. Beginningin the late 1940's, some homes and busi-nesses were moved to what is nowKernville just a few miles up the roadand Lake Isabella a couple of milesbelow the new lake. Everything else wasdynamited and razed. When the con-struction of the Main Dam and theAuxiliary Dam were finished in 1953,there was California's largest man madelake, 568,075 acre-feet at full pool.

Lake Isabella’s renown for its huge

bass, with many fish hitting the teenson the scales. With an abundance ofshad, crappie, bluegill and the periodicstocking of trout, Isabella bass haveplenty of food to grow them big. Somesay that Isabella could produce the nextCalifornia record bass.

Whether fishing from shore or froma boat, Isabella trout are easily caught.The lake has a great fishery for trout, asthe Department of Fish and Game andthe Chamber of Commerce annuallystock thousands of pounds of beautifulrainbows in Isabella. Trout in the 4 to 6pound class are not uncommon.

Isabella features a year round crap-pie bite with both white and blackspecies in the lake. In the spring whenthe lake water level begins to raise,large schools of crappie can be found inthe submerged willows of the Northand South Forks of the lake.

The Kern River Valley is a sports-man's paradise with great year roundfishing and hunting with a mix of hik-ing, camping, biking, rafting and an air-port for those who have a small plane.There are plenty of accommodations tofit everyone's needs and budget.

ProfileIsabella Lake

Page 6 Kern Angler Kern River & Isabella Lake year-round fishing guide www.kernrivercourier.com Spring 2013

178

155

178

178

Diversion Dam

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

To Bakersfield

• Democrat Hot Springs

• Democrat Picnic /Day Use Area

Pin Ball

Horseshoe Falls

Mill CreekSycamore Creek Delonegha Bridge

Delonegha Creek

Greenhorn Creek

Lilly Canyon

Royal Flush

• Delonega Hot Springs

Old

Ker

n Ca

nyon

R

d

Old Kern Canyon Rd

• Lake Isabella

Isabella LakeTo Kernville

Hobo

Pearl Harbor Drive

Keyesville Bridge

White Maiden’sWalkway

Main Dam

Auxillary Dam

Sandy FlatBorel Powerhouse

Miracle Hot Springs •

Main Dam

• Keyesville SouthKeyesville •

Slippery Rock •

China Gardens •

mile

mile

mile

mile

mile

mile

mile

mile

north•

190

Towns

Rapids

River, Streams& Creeks

miles

Roads& Highways

Campgrounds

• Day Use

• Other Interests

To Southlake

mile

0

Unimproved Road

Lower Kern River

KERN VALLEYCANYON CONNECTIONTHE LONGEST EXISTING KERN RIVER VALLEY

COMMUNITY FORUMSBOARD RECENTLY UPDATED & STILL PROVIDING

VISITOR, FISHING & HUNTING INFO / DISCUSSIONSSERVING THOUSANDS SINCE 1995!

760-376-2177Everything You

Need to Impress The World...

In One Location

No ObligationQuotes & Answers

Always ShopBefore You Invest!

Check it Yourself... JustGoogle, Yahoo or Bing ~ Kern Valley

Welcome Back

Returning Fishermen

Our Fishing Forum has renewed it’s

active exchange now that stocking has

resumed. Join the Discussions,

Ask questions, Share info & concerns.

Derby, Continued from page 1

win almost all of the prizes. Derbyregistration closes at 7 a.m. sharp onSaturday, April 20. Once that time haspassed, it is too late. When the derbybegins, there are no more registra-tions accepted.

Derby registration costs only $20for an individual and a bargain priceof $45 for a five-person family andonly $5 more for each additionalchild. Tickets for the boat are $20 eachor six for $100.

In-person pre-registration will beheld at the Kern River Valley

WWW.SOUTHERN-SIERRA.COM

760-376-4485 Visit us on your smart phone

Chamber of Commerce office at6416 Lake Isabella Blvd. until 4 p.m.on Wednesday, April 17. BeginningFriday, April 19, Derby headquar-ters moves to the Moose Lodge at6732 Lake Isabella Blvd.

You can also register by mail toKRVCC, P.O. Box 567, Lake IsabellaCA 93240 or go online toisabellafishingderby.com until 4p.m. April 17.

Trout, Continued from page 1

the fish handlers takes center stage. Theboats are fitted with aerated tanks for theplanting of the trout to all parts of thelake.

The day prior to the start, the handlerswill net a pre-determined amount of troutfor the stocking of non tagged fish. Oncethe planting is done, each boat captainwill be issued an envelope with a setnumber of tags, each boat will have aperson responsible for physically recon-ciling each tag to its place on the taginformation form, also on every boatthere is a netter, a tagger, and an official

observer who matches approximatelythe fish's size so it corresponds to thetag number for reference.

After all the fish designated to betagged and released are stocked, theoutdoor part of the event is done. If youwere wondering, no one has any ideawhich tags are worth what. As anyonecan see, this is a huge responsibility andthis does not include all the volunteerswho start their jobs once the derby hasstarted or for that matter the pre-regis-tration. This event has but one goal, foreveryone to just have a great time.

Spring 2013 www.kernrivercourier.com Kern River & Isabella Lake fishing guide Kern Angler Page 7

Isabella Lake boating information

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

2013 Isabella LakeFishing Derby

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

Open 6:00am • Dinner 5:00pm till Close • Breakfast Served all Day

11030 Kernville Road, Kernville 760-376-6131

inerDheryl’sC inerDheryl’sC28 yearsserving theKern River Valley

• Daily Specials • Breakfast Served All Day •• Home Style Desserts • Seasonal Patio Dining •

Friday Night: All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry!Saturday Night: All-You-Can-Eat Ribs

or Spaghetti!

CherylBorthick

Voted 2010Kern County

SmallBusiness

Personof the Year

Shore thingThe Isabella LakeFishing Derby isone sure way tocatch some fish,a sunburn andsome zzzzzz’s.

Boating Regulations■ Speed Limit is 5 mph (no wake)within 200 feet of shore, within 100feet of swimmers (other than water-skiers), near docks, marinas or withinSouth Fork Wildlife Area. ■ Alcohol or drug use is illegalwhile operating a boat and is afelony if such use causes death orserious injury. Conviction maybring a $1,000 fine and sixmonths in jail.■ Boat operators must be at least 16years old. Each person aboard musthave US Coast Guard approvedPersonal Flotation Device; waterskiers and personal watercraft ridersmust wear PFDs at all times. ■ A tow boat must qualify to hold atleast 3 people, including an observerat least 12 years old, capable of rescu-

ing an injured waterskier. The observ-er must raise a red flag whenever aline is out or a skier is preparing to skior a skier is down. ■ The Right-of-Way rules apply toeveryone on the water, includingwindsurfers. As with driving a car,passing is on the right, yielding at acrossing gives the go-ahead to thevessel on the right and overtakinganother vessel requires a wide berth.Anchored and sailing vessels usuallyhave the right-of-way. ■ Waterskiers, personal watercraftriders and windsurfers often seek thecalmer waters near the AuxiliaryDam. They may reach speeds from35-70 mph, posing a hazard to eachother as well as to boaters. It is bestto simply avoid congestion.

Kern Angler

If you brought your boat toIsabella Lake, you’ll need a permit forit.■ Boat permits must be purchased,according to the Kern County Parksand Recreation Department, whichlicenses boats on the lake and patrolsthe surface of the lake with a BoatPatrol vessel. ■ Regulations must be strictly fol-lowed. Citations may be issued tothose violating boating regulations.■ Permits are available at any marinaand at several convenience stores inthe area including IsabellaSupermarket and Crossroads Shell in

Lake Isabella, James Sierra GatewayMarkets in Southlake and Kernville.■ Unmarked underwater haz-ards, such as submerged fencing(particularly near and aroundcanals), tree snags, rock outcrop-pings, sand bars and rockislands appear and disappearwith Isabella's ever-changingwater level. ■ Be aware that Isabella Lakehas sudden winds that come upthat can 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 after sun-set.

What to do when the fish are not bitingKern Angler

If the fish just aren’t biting, here’ssome things to try. Sometimes the slug-gish have to be coerced. ■ Change your bait. The only way tocatch a fish is to use the right bait. If allyour neighbors are using salmon eggs,use stinkbait. It’s like an advertisingsales campaign. When responses startsto flounder, take a look at your offer. Areyou giving your prospect an incentive tobite? Or are you simply saying, “Here ismy product or service. Let me know ifyou want it.”■ Change your tackle. Inexperiencedfishermen often use hooks and line thatare too heavy. Try a lighter approach.■ Go where the fish are. Fishermen goback to the same spot again and againbecause they have success there. Ask

the marina or bait shop owners wherethere’s a good spot. There are lots ofbait shops in the area and they’re allwilling to help you find the right spot.■ Cast your line in new waters. Whenyour fishing spot goes dry, it’s time tomove to a different spot. Cautious test-ing can reveal a hot spot. If it doesn’tpan out, try yet another one. ■ Fish when the fish are hungry.Timing is everything. The most success-ful fishermen cast their lines at the crackof dawn when the fish are hungry andmore apt to bite. Resist the urge to havethat extra cup of coffee and get outthere. ■ Be patient – and persistent. A suc-cessful fisherman may cast his line andreel it in a dozen times before a fish willbite. It’s patience and persistence thatbrings in a limit at the end of the day.

Kern Angler

Here are some Dos and Don'ts,that might help make your Derbyexperience be a most pleasent oneand keep you out of deep Doo, Doo.■ Do make sure that you are proper-ly registered prior to the morning ofthe opening.■ Do follow all of the Derby regula-tions.■ Do follow all of the California fish-ing regulations.■ Do follow the Forest Service regu-lations, and last but not least,■ Do follow the regulations of theLake Patrol. That will cover theDerby, the state, the feds, and thecounty. That's a big to do list.■ Don't let your dog use your neigh-bor's property to mark its territory.■ Don't let your children go un-supervised because there are dangersaround the lake shore.■ Don't play your music louder than

is necessary, being able to hear it inyour camp area only is perfect.■ Don't leave unattended fishinggear cast in the lake for long periodsof time. Reel them up and leave themin the holders to save your spot.Unattended lines could cause some-one to loose a tagged fish in a tangleof lines. ■ Don't park your vehicle in a waythat would prevent someone theability to access their vehicle; emer-gencies do occur.■ Don't get intoxicated. It maychange your attitude, or worse, itcould get you arrested.■ Don't leave any trash lying aroundyour camp as the wind will move it,and when you are packing to leave,please take all your trash to a dump-ster (they will be provided for thispurpose) or home. Your effort willbe greatly appreciated.■ Do have a great time and a safedrive home. Good luck.

Lake Safety Dos and Don'ts

CampingHappy

Special use free and fee camping should be plentiful all around thelake during the fishing derby. For camping information seewww.reserveamerica.com or contact 1-877-444-6777.■ Notice: Individuals will be cited for camping in areas normally closedto camping unless otherwise posted.

Rainbowfor the

RainbowA Power Bait buffet

of every color in therainbow is sure to attact

one of the samewith worms and

salmon caviaron the side.

Michael BatelaanKern Angler

Page 8 Kern Angler Kern River & Isabella Lake fishing guide www.kernrivercourier.com Spring 2013

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 Storage

Looking for a home away from home?Look no further!

We currently have mobilehomes for sale and monthlyRV spaces for rent. Call or stop by today!

Every campsite 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 book yournext vacation to the Kern River Valley!

www.campkernville.com“Now Taking Online Reservations”

CirclePark

CampKernville ■■

Bridge

Kernville Road

N

Sirr

etta

St

■Ewings