vargoje3

Actually, the only reason it was 10 miles was because I opted to start at the Freeman Creek trailhead instead at the Forks of the Kern. Mileage-wise and time-wise it looked like it would be faster if I hoofed it, rather than driving way down south, and then having to come back north just to save me a little over 7 miles of hiking. I didn't see any good access roads coming from the north, but I do know if you're headed up from the south, you can drive right up to the Forks trailhead where it's then just 2.5 miles down to the water. Admittedly, it's about an 1,100 foot drop which means a big uphill on your way out Check out forest service road 20S67. Also, the primary reason I wanted to be upstream of the Forks was because I had read that these 'bows were more pure than the hybrized ones found down near the Johnsondale bridge (http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Resources...RivRbwDesc.asp), and I was going after the California Heritage Trout Challenge.

All that to say, I think you'd have a blast catching these fish anywhere on the Kern. Without a doubt, they are feisty fighters. And off 178 you can bet you'll get into some good fish. Funny you should mention that. I still have great memories as a kid living in the San Fernando valley and driving up to fish Lake Isabella.

Be sure to contact these guys too:
http://www.kernrivertroutfitters.com/

Good luck!

John