Limestone in June
Upper Kern River
June, 2003
We arrived at
Limestone campground on a Friday evening around 10pm. I normally
prefer to arrive (anywhere) before nightfall, but you have to do what you
have to do. And for us, June signals an ideal time to visit the Kern
river.
Usually in
early to mid June, the snowmelt runoff has completed the 'flushing' of
debris from the river. Thus, leaving behind a steady flow of crystal
clear water. The only problem is the onset of the summer
hordes.
Limestone is a
seasonal campground, normally open May-Sept. As somewhat expected,
the campground was full., so we decided to find a pullout for the night
and scout for a better spot Saturday afternoon.
Pullouts
and Dispersed camping areas can be found all along the Kern.
Pullouts are ok
if you have enough room and don't mind the sound of vehicles whizzing by
throughout the night. On some nights, they'll even honk their horn
to ensure you a restless night.
The dispersed
camping areas are better. During the peak summer months, you can
expect that those too will be filled to capacity. But hunt around a
little and you're sure to find a spot somewhere. We always seem to.
Saturday
morning I started by drifting Salmon Eggs along a familiar fall, pool and
outflow. In less than an hour I had caught three rainbows ranging
11-12". The river was beautiful, the weather was perfect and
the fishing was great! I moved a little further down river to drift
eggs along an also familiar run.
I watched other
anglers down river, coming and going empty handed. Yet, everywhere I
tossed was producing strikes. In truth, I felt like I had entered
the twilight zone and came out in 'trout fishing' heaven.
Between the
C&R's and those I kept, I lost count of how many I had on. And
so, I wasn't bothered by the flotilla of rafts that required us to haul in
our lines till they passed.
Patiently we
waited, as raft after raft passed by. It seemed to last
forever. I traded my rod for a camera and started taking pictures of
the spectacle. For the next hour, or so, fishing heaven had become
rafting heaven. The Kern offers many opportunities., and we've
learned to share.
Obviously, this was a 'first'
trip for some of the rafters. They bounced from rock to rock,
resembling a ball in a pinball machine. The majority, however,
appeared to have a pretty good idea of what they were doing.
I don't believe I was able to
fish for more than 30 minutes when the next Conga line of rafters
arrived. Well past noon, I broke for lunch.
The
afternoon bite was less intense for some reason. I eventually made
my way to the BIG pool. Having seen anglers test its waters all day,
I was doubtful as I climb the boulder for my turn at it. From the
boulder top I could see a couple of very LARGE trout in the deep
water.
Ever notice how the ones you
see, are the less likely to bite? Well, it was like that now.
I fished that spot till the sun started to wan. And then,
disappointed but hopeful for the morrow, I called it a day and returned to
camp.
Planning to leave at noon, I
returned to the BIG pool the next morning. Not even so much as a
nibble. I made my way up river, testing the
various bodies of water as I went. Again, fish where found in
familiar spots. Before long it was time to start our return trip
home.
On
leaving the Kern, I was amazed at the multitude of people. And yet,
the river provided all with sufficient enjoyment and opportunity.
Campers, Swimmers, Tubers, Rafters and Trout Seekers.
We'll return to the Kern in a
couple of months. Hoping to arrive after the summer hordes have
thinned.
We'll
be back
