Kern River Fly Fishing Report – Kern River Fly Fishing Reports

Kern River Fly Fishing Report January 3, 2019

Upper Kern River 20 Mile Section (north of Kern River Fly Shop to Johnsondale Bridge) Open Year Round

Casey with a nice wild fish caught in the 20 Mile Section January 3, 2019

Stomach sample taken on January 3, 2019

The 20 mile section is fishing ok not great with the colder water. The river is very clear. Water temps are at 36 to 40 degrees and this section is flowing at 220 cfs. Rainbows are more active in the afternoon as water temps rise a few degrees. They are rising to small Midges and Mayflies around 2pm. BWO Emergers 26, Psycho Mays 20, Midges, WD-40’s at size 22-26 have been productive. 6x-7x tippet is advised as fish get even more picky as the Winter season progresses. Red Kern Emergers 18 are working well.

Upper Kern Flow Charts

Upper Kern River Wild Trout Section ( 4 miles above Johnsondale Bridge) Open Year Round – Catch and Release only!

No reports this week on this section. Most anglers are fishing the 20 mile section!

California Creekin– The season for Creekin in the Southern Sierra is now closed.

Lake Isabella
Water level in the lake is at 83,200 acre feet, the ideal Low Pool level by the Army Corps for dam repairs and will remain at this level until next year.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – The Lower Kern River from Isabella dam down to democrat is flowing around 200 cfs. Water temperatures down here are 45 degrees. Smallies and Largemouth are not biting at this time! The lower Kern River from Democrat Dam to downstream to Hart Park is flowing around 210 cfs.

Lower Kern Flow Charts

Intermediate Fly Fishing Clinic

Saturday, January 5, 2019| 8AM- 4pm | Kernville, CA

Beginner Clinic #1

Saturday , January 26, 2019 / 8AM – 12PM / Kernville, CA

Fly Fish the Surf Clinic – Ventura

Saturday January 12, 2019 / 8AM – 11AM / Ventura, CA

April 4 -14, 2019

Register

New Kern River Fly Shop Hoodies now in stock!

Shop Hoodies

Kern River Fly Fishing Report December 18, 2018

Upper Kern River 20 Mile Section (north of Kern River Fly Shop to Johnsondale Bridge) Open Year Round

Nice brown trout caught by Chase S. near Powerhouse 3

Anne W on the upper Kern

The 20 mile section is the same as last week and has been fishing very good. The river is clear. Rainbows are more active in the afternoon and rising to small Midges and Mayflies around 1pm. Water temps are at 44 to 50 degrees and this section is flowing at 270 cfs. BWO Emergers, Psycho Mays, Trico’s Midges, WD-40’s at size 22-26 have been productive. 6x-7x tippet is advised as fish get even more picky as the Fall/Winter season progresses. Red Kern Emergers 12-18 are working well.

Upper Kern Flow Charts

Upper Kern River Wild Trout Section ( 4 miles above Johnsondale Bridge) Open Year Round

Anglers are reporting doing well nymphing deep under an indicator and using size 18-20 Pheasant Tail variations and size 20-22 WD-40’s. Water temps up here are a few degrees cooler and remember that this section of the Kern is Catch and Release from November 15 to the last Saturday of April.

California Creekin– The season for Creekin in the Southern Sierra is now closed.

New Embroidered Kern River Fly Shop Hats in stock!

Click here to order!

Lake Isabella
Water level in the lake is at 83,200 acre feet, the ideal Low Pool level by the Army Corps for dam repairs and will remain at this level until next year.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – The Lower Kern River from Isabella dam down to democrat is flowing around 200 cfs. Water temperatures down here are 50 degrees. Smallies and Largemouth are slowing down! The lower Kern River from Democrat Dam to downstream to Hart Park is flowing around 240 cfs.

Lower Kern Flow Charts

Intermediate Fly Fishing Clinic

Saturday, January 5, 2019| 8AM- 4pm | Kernville, CA

Beginner Clinic #1

Saturday , January 26, 2019 / 8AM – 12PM / Kernville, CA

April 4 -14, 2019

Register

Kern River Fly Fishing Report- December 14, 2018

Upper Kern River 20 Mile Section (north of Kern River Fly Shop to Johnsondale Bridge) Open Year Round

The 20 mile section has been fishing very good and the river is clear . Rainbows are more active in the afternoon and rising to small Midges and Mayflies around 1pm. Water temps are at 44 to 50 degrees and this section is flowing at 270 cfs. BWO Emergers, Psycho Mays, Trico’s Midges, WD-40’s at size 22-26 have been productive. 6x-7x tippet is advised as fish get even more picky as the Fall/Winter season progresses. Red Kern Emergers 12-18 are working well.

Upper Kern Flow Charts

Upper Kern River Wild Trout Section ( 4 miles above Johnsondale Bridge) Open Year Round

Anglers are reporting doing well nymphing deep under an indicator and using size 18-20 Pheasant Tail variations and size 20-22 WD-40’s. Water temps up here are a few degrees cooler and remember that this section of the Kern is Catch and Release from November 15 to the last Saturday of April.

California Creekin– The season for Creekin in the Southern Sierra is now closed.

New Embroidered Kern River Fly Shop Hats in stock!

Click here to order!

Lake Isabella
Water level in the lake is at 83,200 acre feet, the ideal Low Pool level by the Army Corps for dam repairs and will remain at this level until next year.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – The Lower Kern River from Isabella dam down to democrat is flowing around 200 cfs. Water temperatures down here are 50 degrees. Smallies and Largemouth are slowing down! The lower Kern River from Democrat Dam to downstream to Hart Park is flowing around 240 cfs.

Lower Kern Flow Charts

Fly Fishing the Surf Clinic

Saturday, December 15, 2018| 8AM- 11AM | Ventura, CA

Kern River Fly Fishing Report December 2, 2018

Upper Kern River 20 Mile Section (north of Kern River Fly Shop to Johnsondale Bridge) Open Year Round

The 20 mile section has been fishing very good and the river is clear . Rainbows are more active in the afternoon and rising to small Midges and Mayflies around 1pm. Water temps are at 44 to 50 degrees and this section is flowing at 190 cfs. BWO Emergers, Psycho Mays, Trico’s Midges, WD-40’s at size 22-26 have been productive. 6x-7x tippet is advised as fish get even more picky as the Fall/Winter season progresses. Red Kern Emergers 12-18 are working well.

Dayna D. – Upper Kern Rainbow

Upper Kern Flow Charts

Upper Kern River Wild Trout Section ( 4 miles above Johnsondale Bridge) Open Year Round

Anglers are reporting doing well nymphing deep under an indicator and using size 18-20 Pheasant Tail variations and size 20-22 WD-40’s. Water temps up here are a few degrees cooler and remember that this section of the Kern is Catch and Release from November 15 to the last Saturday of April.

California Creekin– The season for Creekin in the Southern Sierra is now closed.

New Embroidered Kern River Fly Shop Hats in stock!

Click here to order!

Lake Isabella
Water level in the lake is at 83,200 acre feet, the ideal Low Pool level by the Army Corps for dam repairs and will remain at this level until next year.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – The Lower Kern River from Isabella dam down to democrat is flowing around 200 cfs. Water temperatures down here are 50 degrees. Smallies and Largemouth are slowing down! The lower Kern River from Democrat Dam to downstream to Hart Park is flowing around 240 cfs.

Lower Kern Flow Charts

Beginner Clinic #1

Saturday December 8, 2018 | 8AM – 12pm | Kernville CA

REGISTER Below

Clinic Only – Click Here

Fly Rod Combo Package and Free Clinic – Click Here

Fly Fishing the Surf Clinic

Saturday, December 15, 2018| 8AM- 11AM | Ventura, CA

Kern River Fly Fishing Report November 26, 2018

Upper Kern River 20 Mile Section (north of Kern River Fly Shop to Johnsondale Bridge)

The 20 mile section has been fishing well in this cooler Fall weather. Rainbows are more active in the afternoon and rising to small Midges and Mayflies around 1pm. Water temps are at 48 to 50 degrees and this section is flowing at 190 cfs and very clear. BWO Emergers, Psycho Mays, Trico’s Midges, WD-40’s at size 22-26 have been productive. 6x-7x tippet is advised as fish get even more picky as the Fall/Winter season progresses.

This is a recent stomach sample!

Upper Kern Flow Charts

Upper Kern River Wild Trout Section ( 4 miles above Johnsondale Bridge)

Anglers are reporting doing well nymphing deep under an indicator and using size 18-20 Pheasant Tail variations and size 20-22 WD-40’s. Water temps up here are a few degrees cooler and remember that this section of the Kern is Catch and Release from November 15 to the last Saturday of April.

California Creekin– The season for Creekin in the Southern Sierra is now closed.

New Embroidered Kern River Fly Shop Hats in stock!

Click here to order!

Lake Isabella
Top water bass fishing is solid on poppers in the morning and evening. Water level in the lake is at 83,200 acre feet, the ideal Low Pool level by the Army Corps for dam repairs and will remain at this level until next year.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – The Lower Kern River from Isabella dam down to democrat is flowing around 200 cfs. Water temperatures down here are 54 degrees. Smallies and Largemouth are solid! The lower Kern River from Democrat Dam to downstream to Hart Park is flowing around 240 cfs.

Lower Kern Flow Charts

Beginner Clinic #1

Saturday December 8, 2018 | 8AM – 12pm | Kernville CA

REGISTER Below

Clinic Only – Click Here

Fly Rod Combo Package and Free Clinic – Click Here

Fly Fishing the Surf Clinic

Saturday, December 15, 2018| 8AM- 11AM | Ventura, CA

Bill Darbee with some recent catches in the surf Pismo and Ventura!

Kern River Fly Fishing Report- November 4, 2018

Upper Kern River 20 Mile Section (north of Kern River Fly Shop to Johnsondale Bridge)

The 20 mile section has been fishing well in this cooler Fall weather. Fly anglers have been doing well nymphing deep with dry droppers or under an indicator. Water temps are at 50-55°F and this section is running at 190 cfs and very clear. Smaller Psycho Mays, WD-40’s and Soft Hackle Kern Emergers have been very productive. 6x-7x tippet is advised.

Upper Kern Flow Charts

Check out the upper Kern 20 mile section fly packages- Click Here

Upper Kern River Wild Trout Section (above Johnsondale Bridge)

Anglers are reporting doing well nymphing deep under an indicator and using size 18-20 Pheasant Tail variations and size 20-22 WD-40’s. Stripping olive wooley buggers have also been productive.

California Creekin– The season for Creekin in the Southern Sierra is slowly coming to a close.

Lake Isabella
Top water bass fishing is solid on poppers in the morning and evening. Water level in the lake is at 83,200 acre feet, the ideal Low Pool level by the Army Corps for dam repairs and will remain at this level until next year.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – The Lower Kern River from Isabella dam down to democrat is flowing around 190cfs. Water temperatures down here are 70 degrees. Smallies and Largemouth are solid! The lower Kern River from Democrat Dam to downstream to Hart Park is flowing around 230 cfs.

Lower Kern Flow Charts

Private Guiding in the Surf

Tuesday, November 20, 2018| 8AM- 12PM|Ventura, CA

Wednesday, November 21, 2018| 8AM- 12PM|Ventura, CA

Friday, November 23, 2018| 8AM- 12PM|Ventura, CA

Guide Training School

November 7, 2018- November 16, 2018 | Kernville, CA

Beginner Fly Fishing Clinic

Saturday, November 17, 2018| 8AM- 12PM| Kernville, CA

Fly Fishing the Surf Clinic

Saturday, November 24, 2018| 8AM- 12PM|Ventura, CA

Saturday, December 15, 2018| 8AM- 12PM| Ventura, CA

Kern River Fly Fishing Report- October 26, 2018

Upper Kern River 20 Mile Section (north of Kern River Fly Shop to Johnsondale Bridge)

The 20 mile section has been fishing excellent with all the summer crowds gone and perfect conditions. Fly anglers have been doing well with various techniques including both nymphing and dry fly fishing. Water temps are at 50-55°F and this section is running just below 200 cfs and very clear. Psycho Mays, WD-40’s and Soft Hackle Kern Emergers have been very productive as well as Stimulators and October Caddis type flies.

Upper Kern Flow Charts

Check out the upper Kern 20 mile section fly packages- Click Here

Upper Kern River Wild Trout Section (above Johnsondale Bridge)

Anglers are reporting doing well nymphing deep under an indicator and using size 18-20 Pheasant Tail variations and size 20-22 WD-40’s. Stripping olive wooley buggers have also been productive.

California Creekin– The season for Creekin in the Southern Sierra is slowly coming to a close.

Lake Isabella
Top water bass fishing is solid on poppers in the morning and evening. Water level in the lake is at 83,200 acre feet, the ideal Low Pool level by the Army Corps for dam repairs and will remain at this level until next year. Steady carp bite in the AM, especially if you are on a PFD.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – The Lower Kern River from Isabella dam down to democrat is flowing around 200cfs. Water temperatures down here are 70 degrees. Smallies and Largemouth are solid! The lower Kern River from Democrat Dam to downstream to Hart Park is flowing around 240 cfs.

Lower Kern Flow Charts

Guide Training School

November 7, 2018- November 16, 2018 | Kernville, CA

Kern River Fly Fishing Report- October 19, 2018

Upper Kern River 20 Mile Section (north of Kern River Fly Shop to Johnsondale Bridge)

The 20 mile section has been fishing excellent with all the summer crowds gone and perfect conditions. Fly anglers have been doing well with various techniques including both nymphing and dry fly fishing. Water temps are at 50-55°F and this section is running just below 200 cfs and very clear. Soft hackle Kern Emergers, Flash Back Pheasant tails and smaller Stonefly nymphs have been very productive as well as Stimulators and October Caddis type flies.

Upper Kern Flow Charts

Check out the upper Kern 20 mile section fly packages- Click Here

Upper Kern River Wild Trout Section (above Johnsondale Bridge)

Anglers are reporting doing well nymphing deep under an indicator and using size 18-20 Pheasant Tail variations and size 20-22 WD-40’s. Stripping olive wooley buggers have also been productive.

California Creekin– The season for Creekin in the Southern Sierra is slowly coming to a close.

Lake Isabella
Fly Fishing for Crappie and Catfish in the lake at this time is okay with water temps at 70°F. Top water bass fishing is solid on poppers in the morning and evening. Water level in the lake is at 83,200 acre feet, the ideal Low Pool level by the Army Corps for dam repairs and will remain at this level until next year. Steady carp bite in the AM and quite good, especially if you are on a PFD.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – The Lower Kern River from Isabella dam down to democrat is flowing around 200cfs. Water temperatures down here are 70 degrees. Smallies and Largemouth are solid! The lower Kern River from Democrat Dam to downstream to Hart Park is flowing around 240 cfs.

Lower Kern Flow Charts

Intermediate Fly Fishing Clinic

Saturday, October 28, 2018 | 8:00 AM | Kernville, CA

Guide Training School

November 7, 2018- November 16, 2018 | Kernville, CA

Kern River Fly Fishing Report October 3, 2018

Upper Kern River 20 Mile Section (north of Kern River Fly Shop to Johnsondale Bridge)

The 20 mile section has been fishing excellent with all the summer crowds gone and perfect conditions. Fly anglers have been doing well with various techniques including both nymphing and dry fly fishing. Water temps are at a nice 55-60°F and this section is running at 160 cfs and very clear. Soft hackle Kern Emergers, Flash Back Pheasant tails and smaller Stonefly nymphs have been very productive as well as Stimulators and October Caddis type flies.

Check out the upper Kern 20 mile section fly packages- Click Here

Upper Kern River Wild Trout Section (above Johnsondale Bridge)

Anglers are reporting doing well nymphing deep under an indicator and using size 18-20 Pheasant Tail variations and size 20-22 WD-40’s. Stripping olive wooley buggers have also been productive.

California Creekin– The season for Creekin in the Southern Sierra is slowly coming to a close.

Lake Isabella
Fly Fishing for Crappie and Catfish in the lake at this time is okay with water temps at 70°F. Top water bass fishing is solid on poppers in the morning and evening. Water level in the lake is at 83,200 acre feet, the ideal Low Pool level by the Army Corps for dam repairs and will remain at this level until next year. Steady carp bite in the AM and quite good, especially if you are on a PFD.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – The Lower Kern River from Isabella dam down to democrat is flowing around 300cfs. Water temperatures down here are 70 degrees. Smallies and Largemouth are solid! The lower Kern River from Democrat Dam to downstream to Hart Park is flowing at 300 cfs.

Lower Kern Flow Charts

Beginner Fly Fishing #2 Clinic

Sunday, October 14, 2018 | 8:00 AM | Kernville, CA

Beginner Fly Fishing Clinic #1

Saturday, October 27, 2018 | 8:00 AM | Kernville, CA

Intermediate Fly Fishing Clinic

Saturday, October 28, 2018 | 8:00 AM | Kernville, CA

Guide Training School

November 7, 2018- November 16, 2018 | Kernville, CA

Kern River Fly Fishing Report- September 28, 2018

Upper Kern River 20 Mile Section (north of Kern River Fly Shop to Johnsondale Bridge)

Fall is finally here and fishing has been solid! CDFW has recently stocked the 20 mile section. Water temps are at a nice 55-60°F and is running at 160 cfs and very clear. Anglers are having success fishing in the morning using dry droppers rigs. Soft hackle emergers, FB pheasant tails and larger stonefly nymphs have been very productive. Stimis and Caddis on top have also been doing well in the morning. We had an amazing turnout at the California Fly Fishing Open with 15 teams, each getting multiple fish on board!

Check out these awesome ladies on a great day on the Kern!

Check out the upper Kern 20 mile section fly packages- Click Here

Upper Kern River Wild Trout Section (above Johnsondale Bridge)

Anglers are reporting doing well nymphing deep under an indicator and using size 18-20 Pheasant Tail variations and size 20-22 WD-40’s. Stripping olive wooley buggers have also been productive.

California Creekin– The season for Creekin in the Southern Sierra is slowly coming to a close. Skinny waters are making catching these prized fish a bit more challenging.

Lake Isabella
Fly Fishing for Crappie and Catfish in the lake at this time is okay with water temps at 70°F. Top water bass fishing is solid on poppers in the morning and evening. Water level in the lake is at 83,200 acre feet, the ideal Low Pool level by the Army Corps for dam repairs and will remain at this level until next year. Steady carp bite in the AM and quite good, especially if you are on a PFD.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – The Lower Kern River from Isabella dam down to democrat is flowing around 700cfs. Water temperatures down here is 70 degrees. Smallies and Largemouth are solid! The lower Kern River from Democrat Dam to downstream to Hart Park is flowing at 700 cfs.

Lower Kern Flow Charts

Beginner Fly Fishing Clinic

Saturday, September 29, 2018 | 1:00 PM | Kernville, CA

Saturday, October 27, 2018 | 8:00 AM | Kernville, CA

Beginner Fly Fishing #2 Clinic

Saturday, October 14, 2018 | 8:00 AM | Kernville, CA

Intermediate Fly Fishing Clinic

Saturday, October 28, 2018 | 8:00 AM | Kernville, CA

Forks of the Kern Clinic

Thursday, September 27, 2018 | 7:00 AM | Kernville, CA

Wednesday, October 10, 2018 | 7:00 AM | Kernville, CA

Guide Training School

November 7, 2018- November 16, 2018 | Kernville, CA