Kern River Fly Fishing Report October 3, 2018 – Kern River Fly Fishing Reports

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.

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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