Kern River Fishing Report
View the latest Kern River fishing report updates for current conditions, tips, and updates.
On the Upper Kern, flows are pumping right now, sitting at about 1,600 CFS below the powerhouse and around 1,000 CFS above it. It’s fishable, but not for the lazy. You’ll want to stick tight to the edges, pick apart the soft pockets, and find those slower seams behind big rocks and in eddies. Wading isn’t a casual stroll this time of year, so tread...
On the Upper Kern, flows are pumping right now, sitting at about 1,600 CFS below the powerhouse and around 1,000 CFS above it. It’s fishable, but not for the lazy. You’ll want to stick tight to the edges, pick apart the soft pockets, and find those slower seams behind big rocks and in eddies. Wading isn’t a casual stroll this time of year, so tread smart.
Clarity’s a little off-color but workable. Bigger, flashier flies are your friend right now — think buggers, San Juan worms, and nymphs with some bling under an indicator. The good news? A weather cooldown is on the way, and if temps drop like forecasted, flows might ease off by the weekend and open up more spots.
Down on the Lower Kern, water temps are up to the 60s and bass are starting to come alive. The bite should keep improving as things warm up.
Guy Jeans reports that the Upper Kern River is fishing well. Flows are low at 35 CFS near Roads End, making wading easy, while below the Powerhouse in Kernville, they jump to 600 CFS. The water is clear with a slight tint, pretty ideal. Although temps are cold, ranging from 34-40°F, meaning fish are staying deep. Jeans suggests skipping dry flies...
Guy Jeans reports that the Upper Kern River is fishing well. Flows are low at 35 CFS near Roads End, making wading easy, while below the Powerhouse in Kernville, they jump to 600 CFS. The water is clear with a slight tint, pretty ideal. Although temps are cold, ranging from 34-40°F, meaning fish are staying deep. Jeans suggests skipping dry flies and focusing on nymphing with olive or black zebra midges, blackfly larvae, and possibly some stonefly patterns. Target deep holes and get your rig down to where the fish are holding. A storm midweek could bring fresh snow up high and may muddy the river, so check conditions before heading out.
Check out his video for more details.
Guy Jeans from the Kern River Fly Shop shares his latest update: flows are steady at 350 CFS on the upper river with ideal clear, green-tinted water. Squala stoneflies, blue-winged olives, and smaller mayflies are hatching, and many fish are feeding on the surface. Slower presentations are working best. Check out the video for more details.
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