A great alternative to fly fishing the upper Kern is the small creeks that are flowing into the upper and southern forks of the Kern river. There are hundreds of miles of small creeks to explore in the southern Sierra. Here you can catch Golden, Brown, Brooke, Rainbow, and Golden/Rainbow trout hybrids. Get out your 2 or 3 wt fly rod and explore and discover some amazing fishing. The creeks and fish are healthy and doing well.
These small creeks are home to wild fish and are not stocked. Please use single barbless hooks when fishing these areas and practice catch and release techniques.
Order a Redington Vice Fly Rod and you receive a 25.00 gift card from Redington
SOUTH FORK OF THE KERN
The south fork of the Kern is blown out and not fishing well at this time.
LAKE ISABELLA
Recent stocking in Lake Isabella of 5 to 10 pound trout has produced some nice fish this week in Kissack and Paradise Coves. These are leftovers from the Lake Isabella Fishing Derby in April. Look for these fish to be heading into the north and south forks of the Kern real soon.
With the Upper and Lower Kern pushing the limits with record breaking flows, we are fortunate enough to have an alternative location to fish: Lake Isabella. With the massive influx of water, which we have not had in the lake since May of 2007, these conditions are bound to create a healthy habitat and grounds for the fish to become extremely active. At the present time, here you will come across trout, bass, crappie and even carp, which are a challenge to land on the fly!
Fly Fishing For Lake Isabella Carp – Epic
Carpaholic Jon Hart with a monster Isabella Carp on the FlyAndrew from Rhino Nets hooked up hard on a Isabella Carp.Stoked!Another local Kernvillian Carpaholic – Celine with on a nice one on the fly!Phillip and a Isabella Carp. It’s time to bring the Carpthrowdown to Lake Isabella.
UPPER KERN FLY FISHING REPORT
The Upper Kern River is definitely running strong at approximately 7,300 CFS. The upper Kern River is blown out and not fishing well.
FORKS OF THE KERN
With the current flows and forecasted run off, it is going to be a couple of months before we can even access the Forks. In the meantime, try hitting up some of the smaller streams, creeks and tributaries running into the main Kern River or Little Kern.
We are once again offering our 4×4 trips for 2017!
Stay tuned for the dates or go to our website for more information.
A great alternative to fly fishing the upper Kern is the small creeks that are flowing into the upper river. Get out your 2 or 3 wt fly rod and explore and discover some amazing fishing. The creeks and fish are healthy and doing well. Check out the video and pictures below.
Order a Redington Vice Fly Rod and you receive a 25.00 gift card from Redington
UPPER KERN FLY FISHING REPORT
The Upper Kern River is definitely running strong at approximately 8,000 CFS. The upper Kern River is blown out and not fishing well.
SOUTH FORK OF THE KERN
The south fork of the Kern is blown out and not fishing well at this time.
LAKE ISABELLA
Recent stocking in Lake Isabella of 5 to 10 pound trout has produced some nice fish this week in Kissack and Paradise Coves. These are leftovers from the Lake Isabella Fishing Derby in April. Look for these fish to be heading into the north and south forks of the Kern real soon.
With the Upper and Lower Kern pushing the limits with record breaking flows, we are fortunate enough to have an alternative location to fish: Lake Isabella. With the massive influx of water, which we have not had in the lake since May of 2007, these conditions are bound to create a healthy habitat and grounds for the fish to become extremely active. At the present time, here you will come across trout, bass, crappie and even carp, which are a challenge to land on the fly!
FORKS OF THE KERN
With the current flows and forecasted run off, it is going to be a couple of months before we can even access the Forks. In the meantime, try hitting up some of the smaller streams, creeks and tributaries running into the main Kern River.
New for 2017
GUY JEANS PRIVATE LAKE BASS TRIPS
Imagine big bass eating big flies off the surface! Life is good !Epic!
Come check out our new Guy Jeans School of Fly Fishing education center, which is conveniently located next to Kern River Fly Shop. Here you will find a separate area solely dedicated to teaching. This is where we hold a portion of our Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and guide training courses.
Introducing our new online booking system for Guy Jeans Fly Fishing Guide Service. Whether you are interested in an Extended Full-Day Guide Trip to the Forks of the Kern, a Full-Day Float Trip on the Lower Kern for bass, or a Half-Day Beginner Package, we have many options available for you and your guests. Pick the date and book it now before it is too late! BOOK A GUIDE TRIP NOW.
For the latest and greatest updated reports, do not forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
The Upper Kern River is definitely running strong at approximately 6,000 CFS. The upper Kern River is blown out. Watch video below!
The small tributaries of the Upper Kern are open and fishable.
Lake Isabella
Recent stocking in Lake Isabella of 5 to 10 pound trout has produced some nice fish this week. These are leftovers from the Lake Isabella Fishing Derby. Look for these fish to be heading into the north and south forks of the Kern real soon.
With the Upper and Lower Kern pushing the limits with record breaking flows, we are fortunate enough to have an alternative location to fish: Lake Isabella. With the massive influx of water, which we have not had in the lake since May of 2007, these conditions are bound to create a healthy habitat and grounds for the fish to become extremely active. At the present time, here you will come across trout, bass, crappie and even carp, which are a challenge to land on the fly!
Laura with her first Carp on the fly!
Lower Kern River
Come see us at Kern River Fly Shop and we will get you set up with some bass and crappie flies. Or, CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN ONLINE ORDER and we will pick them out for you. Oh, and do not forget your float tube! If you do not have one, don’t worry! We have some at the shop for purchase or rental!
Forks of the Kern
With the current flows and forecasted run off, it is going to be a couple of months before we can even access the Forks. In the meantime and after April 30th, try hitting up some of the smaller streams, creeks and tributaries running into the main Kern River.
Guy Jeans School of Fly Fishing
Come check out our new Guy Jeans School of Fly Fishing education center, which is conveniently located next to Kern River Fly Shop. Here you will find a separate area solely dedicated to teaching. This is where we hold a portion of our Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and guide training courses.
Introducing our new online booking system for Guy Jeans Fly Fishing Guide Service. Whether you are interested in an Extended Full-Day Guide Trip to the Forks of the Kern, a Full-Day Float Trip on the Lower Kern for bass, or a Half-Day Beginner Package, we have many options available for you and your guests. Pick the date and book it now before it is too late! BOOK A GUIDE TRIP NOW.
For the latest and greatest updated reports, do not forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Anglers! With the large amount of rain and snow pack we have received over the past couple of months, the Upper Kern River is definitely running strong at approximately 2,800 CFS. Over the past couple of weeks, the question we have been asked the most is: When is the Upper Kern going to be safe for fishing? While this is a difficult question to answer, we are looking at mid-June, closer to July, August and September. In the past, these have been difficult months to fish due to the low water levels, but Mother Nature has changed the forecast drastically.
Phillip with a nice rainbow from the upper river.
While we do not recommend fishing the Upper Kern in these conditions with the flows so high, there are the few that will not take no for an answer. If you must fish, stay out of the water and fish along the banks with heavily weighted nymphs and a sinking leader.
Dane Varner fishing a small creek in the Southern Sierra
Lake Isabella
Phillip with a catfish on the fly in Lake IsabellaAndrew with a fat Isabella Carp on the fly!
Recent stocking in Lake Isabella of 5 to 10 pound trout has produced some nice fish this week. These are leftovers from the Lake Isabella Fishing Derby. Look for these fish to be heading into the north and south forks of the Kern real soon.
With the Upper and Lower Kern pushing the limits with record breaking flows, we are fortunate enough to have an alternative location to fish: Lake Isabella. With the massive influx of water, which we have not had in the lake since May of 2007, these conditions are bound to create a healthy habitat and grounds for the fish to become extremely active. At the present time, here you will come across trout, bass, crappie and even carp, which are a challenge to land on the fly!
Come see us at Kern River Fly Shop and we will get you set up with some bass and crappie flies. Or, CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN ONLINE ORDER and we will pick them out for you. Oh, and do not forget your float tube! If you do not have one, don’t worry! We have some at the shop for purchase or rental!
Lower Kern
Watch the video for more information.
Lower Kern Smallies
Forks of the Kern
With the current flows and forecasted run off, it is going to be a couple of months before we can even access the Forks. In the meantime and after April 30th, try hitting up some of the smaller streams, creeks and tributaries running into the main Kern River.
Guy Jeans School of Fly Fishing
Come check out our new Guy Jeans School of Fly Fishing education center, which is conveniently located next to Kern River Fly Shop. Here you will find a separate area solely dedicated to teaching. This is where we hold a portion of our Beginner, Advanced, Intermediate and guide training courses.
Introducing our new online booking system for Guy Jeans Fly Fishing Guide Service. Whether you are interested in an Extended Full-Day Guide Trip to the Forks of the Kern, a Full-Day Float Trip on the Lower Kern for bass, or a Half-Day Beginner Package, we have many options available for you and your guests. Pick the date and book it now before it is too late! BOOK A GUIDE TRIP NOW.
For the latest and greatest updated reports, do not forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Anglers! With the large amount of rain and snow pack we have received over the past couple of months, the Upper Kern River is definitely running strong at approximately 3,300 CFS. Over the past couple of weeks, the question we have been asked the most is: When is the Upper Kern going to be safe for fishing? While this is a difficult question to answer, we are looking at mid-June, closer to July, August and September. In the past, these have been difficult months to fish due to the low water levels, but Mother Nature has changed the forecast drastically.
While we do not recommend fishing the Upper Kern in these conditions with the flows so high, there are the few that will not take no for an answer. If you must fish, stay out of the water and fish along the banks with heavily weighted nymphs and a sinking leader.
Lake Isabella
With the Upper and Lower Kern pushing the limits with record breaking flows, we are fortunate enough to have an alternative location to fish: Lake Isabella. With the massive influx of water, which we have not had in the lake since May of 2007, these conditions are bound to create a healthy habitat and grounds for the fish to become extremely active. At the present time, here you will come across trout, bass, crappie and even carp, which are a challenge to land on the fly!
Come see us at Kern River Fly Shop and we will get you set up with some bass and crappie flies. Or, CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN ONLINE ORDER and we will pick them out for you. Oh, and do not forget your float tube! If you do not have one, don’t worry! We have some at the shop for purchase or rental!
Lower Kern
Stay far, far away from the Lower Kern, unless you are an extreme kayaker. The flows are around 5,000 CFS and extremely dangerous at this time.
Forks of the Kern
With the current flows and forecasted run off, it is going to be a couple of months before we can even access the Forks. In the meantime and after April 30th, try hitting up some of the smaller streams, creeks and tributaries running into the main Kern River.
Guy Jeans School of Fly Fishing
Come check out our new Guy Jeans School of Fly Fishing education center, which is conveniently located next to Kern River Fly Shop. Here you will find a separate area solely dedicated to teaching. This is where we hold a portion of our Beginner, Advanced, Intermediate and guide training courses.
Introducing our new online booking system for Guy Jeans Fly Fishing Guide Service. Whether you are interested in an Extended Full-Day Guide Trip to the Forks of the Kern, a Full-Day Float Trip on the Lower Kern for bass, or a Half-Day Beginner Package, we have many options available for you and your guests. Pick the date and book it now before it is too late! BOOK A GUIDE TRIP NOW.
For the latest and greatest updated reports, do not forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Here we are during the middle of winter in the Southern Sierra and we now have more water than we know what to do with. The upper river hasn’t dropped below 2000 cubic feet in a month. The lake is filling up and the lower Kern is raging too. Is there fishing to be done? Watch the videos below to find out.
Scheduled Classes for February
Beginner Fly Fish the Surf Class in Long Beach Ca
Friday March 3, 2017 8am to 11am
Cherry Beach, Long Beach California
The class includes a ticket into the Fred Hall Show
We will have specials on rods, reels, waders, boots, flies, stripping baskets, lines, hats and clothing. If you or a friend need to get outfitted we will have everything you need. You wont find any better deals on these items and if you buy a rod at the show you or a friend get a free class (75.00 value).
All creeks and tributaries in the Southern Sierra are blown out at this time. The upper river peaked out at 15,000 cfs last night and it’s now down to 7000 cfs today. This is a lot of water.
Clinics and Classes
Fly fishing the Surf Class in Ventura CA – Sunday January 15, 2017 @8am
Fly Fishing in the Surf New Year Special- This will be offered 1 time only for the class on Sunday January 15, 2017 – while supplies last .
20-Mile Section of the Kern (From Kern River Fly Shop to Johnsondale Bridge) Open Year round!
The 20 mile stretch is fishing well from our fly shop up to Hospital Flat. The water temperature is 42 degrees near Kernville and 39 degrees up river past Fairview Campground. Check the latest fly fishing reports videos below.
Temperatures are dropping down to the low 30s in the evening and mid 40s throughout the day. Great hatch in the evening of very small Midges and BWO’s. Here are some great imitations to look at.
4 mile Wild Trout Section Open Year round! ( Above Johnsondale Bridge 4 miles) Special regulations- No BAIT OR BARBS on your hooks. Open Year round! Catch and Release only!
Lower Kern ( Below lake Isabella) fishing for trout is slow- Open Year Round!
World Class “Forks of the Kern” Fly Fishing Closed
It’s time to get that special person something for the holidays. How about a gift from our online shop or our retail store? How about a guide trip or enrollment into one of our clinics or classes? For Kern River Fly Shop Gift Cards Click Here
20-Mile Section of the Kern (From Kern River Fly Shop to Johnsondale Bridge) Open Year round!
The 20 mile stretch is fishing well from our fly shop up to the Johnsondale Bridge. The water temperature is 48 degrees near Kernville and 39 degrees up river past Fairview Campground. Check the fly fishing reports videos below.
Temperatures are dropping down to the low 40s in the evening and mid 50s throughout the day. Great hatch in the evening of very small Midges and BWO’s. Here are some great imitations to look at.
4 mile Wild Trout Section Open Year round! ( Above Johnsondale Bridge 4 miles) Special regulations- No BAIT OR BARBS on your hooks. Open Year round! Catch and Release only!
Lower Kern ( Below lake Isabella) fishing slow- Open Year round!
World Class “Forks of the Kern” Fly Fishing Closed
South Fork of the Kern Closed!
Tributaries of the Southern Sierra – Closed
Lake Isabella- Open
Fly Fishing the Surf Clinics
Fly Fishing in the Surf Clinic -December 3, 2016 @ Pismo Beach California.
Guy getting for the Surf Clinic in Pismo Beach California Saturday December 3, 2016
We will pick one lucky winner on Instagram in the next few weeks. You must follow us on Instagram to win and follow some simple rules that will be posted soon. There will be other big prizes to the lucky winner as well. In the meantime follow us on Instagram and stay tuned for more information to win a free guide trip worth $500.00 and more amazing prizes worth $600.00.
20-Mile Section of the Kern(From Kern River Fly Shop to Johnsondale Bridge) Open Year round
Do you need a fly fishing fix??? Now is the time to go fly fishing on the upper Kern River. Crowds are gone and Guy has been guiding the upper river with no other humans on the water. Weather is perfect, fish are happy, hungry and bugs are abundant on the upper Kern River 20 mile section. Folks are wading the river and having a good time fishing the pocket water runs and riffles. Best technique to use is a dry/dropper. Watch the videos above for more information. Temperatures are dropping down to the low 50s in the evening and mid 70s throughout the day. You will experience a 25 degrees cooler in the upper elevations. Those folks only focused on hatchery planted fish aren’t doing well. Fly fishers matching the natural aquatic insects and focusing on wild trout in the 20 mile section are doing well. Click on these links to see the flies we are using. Fuzzy Wuzzy size 6-10, Rubber Leg Stimulator size 6-16, Parachute X Orange size 10, Streambank Hopper Size 10 and these droppers as well Tungsten Yellow Sallie size 10-18, Tungsten Psycho May size 16-20
Caught in the 20 mile section recently!
This 21 inch fish above was caught during the SWC Fly Fishing Tournament November 5, 2016
It’s time to get that special person something for the holidays. How about a gift from our online shop or our retail store? How about a guide trip or enrollment into one of our clinics or classes? For Kern River Fly Shop Gift Cards Click Here
4 mile Wild Trout Section( Above Johnsondale Bridge 4 miles) Special regulations- No BAIT OR BARBS on your hooks.
Kern River Fly Fishing
This section of the Kern is very popular with folks who want to have a wild trout experience. There are special regulations here and bait or barbed hooks are prohibited. Only artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks are allowed. Many tickets are issued here to anglers who disregard the fishing regulations. The DFW does not stock the North Fork of the Kern River north of the bridge for 50 miles and those 50 miles are managed as a wild trout fishery. The fly fishing is excellent here because of these regulations. Check your regulations before fishing here!
Click on any of the products or flies to see the pictures or to purchase online.
South Fork of the Kern Open!
The South Fork of the Kern River is a special fishery and is home to our states freshwater fish, the Golden Trout. It is also home to the predatory non native Brown trout who considers the small golden trout a tasty treat.
A great fly to use on the South Fork of the Kern is the Parachute Adams size 22. Please use barbless hooks on these waters.
No water in the South Fork @ Kennedy Meadows- Water re enters down stream at Trout creek.
Lower Kern ( Below lake Isabella) fishing excellent!
A bass fly anglers paradise!
The lower Kern winds its way down the Kern River canyon from the Lake Isabella Dam to Oildale, approximately 80 river miles. This section has trout, bass, crappie and other species to catch on a fly. This section is fishing excellent for bass right now. Use big flies likeWhite Jawbreakers , poppers or various bass flies to get into these fish. Guy Jeans’ guided fly fishing for bass clinics have become very popular and he does them weekly. Great fly rod to use on the lower Kern for bass is a 9 foot 6wt or 7wt Redington Vapen Black, Redington Behemoth 7/8 Reel and a Rio Small Mouth Bass Fly Line
Please check out the new Redington Rise Reels at our online store or up in Kernville. These reels rock.
