Contact Info
Porterville, CA 93257
- Phone:
- 559-784-1500
Basics
- Season:
- April to November
Description
The Little Kern River drainage within the Golden Trout Wilderness is open to fishing from the last Saturday in April to November 15. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks can be used. The daily bag and possession limit is 5 trout. The Sequoia National Park portion of Soda Springs Creek is closed to all fishing. Check fishing regulations at the California Department of Fish and Game website.
Fishing
Fish:
Details
Season:
Additional Details:
The California Department of Fish and Game, Sequoia National Forest and Monument, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service are working together to restore pure populations of Little Kern golden trout through its native range. Since 1975, 90 miles of stream and 8 lakes have had their non-native trout removed. Eight artificial barriers to upstream trout migration thirty-two erosion control structures have been constructed to facilitate the recovery effort.
Persons visiting the Little Kern River are urged to follow the Leave No Trace Wilderness ethic. Minimize impacts by camping at least 100 feet from streams, lake, and trails. Pack out all materials that you pack in. Body waste is to be buried at least 6 inches deep and 100 feet from river and streams. Keep fires small and leave them DEAD OUT by pouring water on it, and then stirring. Avoid overgrazing of packstock in meadows, excessive trampling and polluting waterways. Little Kern golden trout have been tremendously impacted by introduction of other trout species. Never transport trout in the Golden Trout Wilderness and immediately report any evidence of illegal transporting of fish to the California Department of Fish and Game or the Sequoia National Forest and Monument.
Amenities
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
The Little Kern River is located within the Golden Trout Wilderness on the Sequoia National Forest. Access is the river is primarily via trail. Trails can be accessed from State Highway 190 near Quaking Aspen via Forest Service Road 21S50, which leads to Summit, Clicks, and Lewis Camp trailheads; Lloyd Meadow Road (Forest Service Road 22S82), which leads to Jerkey and Forks of the Kern trailheads; or Balch Park Road to Mountain Home State Forest (Shake Camp trailhead). Visitors to the Golden Trout Wilderness must obtain a wilderness permit and campfire permit if they plan to stay overnight.
