A popular location in the spring of the year, and also within the recreational mining area, is lower Hogeye Gulch. The recreational mining area is about two miles northwest of the community of Lake Isabella, about one-quarter mile below State Route 155. The west side of the river is accessed via paved Keyesville Road, and on the east by the dirt road that leads to the Slippery Rock picnic area. Panning, dredging, sluicing, suction dredging and dry washing are allowed. All activities are subject to any other applicable Federal, State, or County laws or regulations.
Camp fires require a current fire permit.
Camping is permitted up to 14 days within any 30 day period and up 28 days in a year. Dredges working Hogeye Gulch must have an intake nozzle diameter of 3 inches or less. When working in the Kern River, dredges must be at least 100 feet apart. Cables may not cross the river, and must not create hazards for boaters. Water may not be pumped from water courses for any purpose.