Kern River Fishing Overview

The Kern River originates in the Sierras near Mount Whitney and winds its way southward through Sequoia National Park, Golden Trout Wilderness, and Sequoia National Forest before reaching Isabella Lake. This river benefits from the waters of many tributaries, one of which is the Little Kern River. Both the Kern and its South Fork converge at Lake Isabella, and from there, the Lower Kern River continues its journey to Bakersfield. The Kern is home to wild rainbow and brown trout. Additionally, there's a significant stocked population of hatchery...

The Kern is home to wild rainbow and brown trout. Additionally, there's a significant stocked population of hatchery rainbows. Native Kern River rainbows share genetics with coastal rainbow trout and golden trout. Most of the rainbows range from 10-12 inches, although three-pound fish are regularly caught. Robust insect populations provide ample food for these trout, including a variety of mayflies, stoneflies, and terrestrials.

Trout can become fairly active in April, with spring runoff not occurring until May in most years. Runoff typically subsides in June and trout will be prevalent throughout the river in the summer months. Larger brown trout can be found in the fall. As temperatures cool, the fish will move to slower, deeper water and become less active.

Much of the Kern is accessible by roads paralleling the river, including Highway 178, Route 521, and Mountain Highway 99. The river upstream of Johnsondale Bridge can only be accessed via hiking trails, however. Numerous campgrounds and lodges lie along the river, and hotels are available in Bakersfield. Due to the native trout populations, some regulations exist on certain stretches of the river, so be sure to check before you head out.

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Species:

Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Pikeminnow

Stocked Date:

Trout stocked 1 month ago - View Schedule

USGS Conditions:

11189500

Geography:

Source: Sierra Nevada

Mouth: Buena Vista Lake

Length: 164 mi

Fishing Reports

Log Report

Kern River

Today

California

Public

Excellent Trout bite

Trout, Bass

68°F Clear

The Upper Kern is looking really good right now... water is clear and temps up near Johnsondale Bridge are sitting 65-68 degrees. Start at first light to about 10am before the heat sets in. Small flies are working best... little mayfly and Baetis nymphs, pheasant tails, soft-hackle pheasant tails, etc. Attractors are still getting bit, just...

The Lower Kern is just now coming into its window. Flows are still on the high side but dropping and the water is clearing, with pockets and structure starting to show. Look for eddy lines and slack water off the fast stuff for bass. Smallmouth, largemouth, are spotted are all in play, plus crappie, bluegill and catfish.

This info was sourced from Guy Jean of the Kern River Fly Shop. Check out the video for more details.

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Kern River

May 30

California

Public

Excellent Trout bite

Trout, Bass, Catfish

Clear

Weekly CDFW trout stocks continue on the Kern across the South Fork and upper sections 4 and 5... some of the most accessible water on the upper river. Spin anglers are finding fish on spinners, spoons, and jigs. Fly guys are getting bit on nymphs. The standard spots are holding fish... focus on deeper pools and eddies where the current breaks. The...

The lower Kern hasn't seen a trout plant since April, but fish are still around and eating. Slower water is producing on Powerbait and mice tails, with spinners and reaction stuff getting bit more so in the early mornings. Bass fishing has been good on finesse plastics... dropshots and smaller jigs are working, with a solid reaction bite in the early hours on jerkbaits and crankbaits. Catfish action has been excellent in the slowest, deepest sections.

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