Kern River Fly Fishing Report April 1, 2019

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

Upper Kern Flow Charts

The native Kern River Rainbow project at the Kernville Hatchery is ready to go. These are brand new round runs for the Native Kern River Rainbows coming from the high country in August 2019

These are shaded spawning runs for the females and males when it time for them to spawn.

These are brand new cement runs that are ready for the Kern River Rainbow.

This is a brand new reclamation and recycle water pump system. This keeps the water at 52 degrees year round for the fish and recycles the water. This is a great system when the river water gets too warm for trout or wells go down.

These are some newly experimental hatched rainbow trout spawned in the Kernville hatchery a few weeks ago. They are testing water and nutrients to make sure everything is good for the Kern River Rainbows coming in August 2019

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

This section is tough right now do to the higher flows! Fly anglers are catching fish in this section on stonefly nymphs.

We are now at 149% of normal snow pack for the Southern Sierra. It’s going to be a great year for fly fishing. Click on the link below for details.

Snow Pack Details!

Lake Isabella
Water level in the lake is at 138,170 acre feet. Carp Fly fishing is starting as the flats are filling in. Crappie and Bass are feeding heavily! Check out the videos below!

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – The Lower Kern River from Isabella dam down to democrat is flowing around 1200 cfs and remains the same as last week. This is the best fishing water in the valley right now. Water temperatures down here are 48 degrees. Smallies and Largemouth are not biting at this time! Trout fly fishing is slow. The lower Kern River from Democrat Dam to downstream to Hart Park is muddy. Check out the video below for a visual.

Lower Kern Flow Charts

4 x 4 Adventure Fly Fishing Trips

These trips are filling up! If you’re thinking about getting in on one of these trips, now is the time to sign up.

Many trips have sold out so we added more dates.

For more information Click Here

“Just Added” “Beginner Clinic #1”

Saturday April 6, 2019 8am to 12noon – Click Here!

“Just Added” “Intermediate Clinic”

Sunday April 7, 2019 8am to 3pm – Click Here!

“Fly Fishing the Lower Kern River and Lake Isabella for Bass / Crappie”

Saturday April 13, 2019 – Click Here !

“Fly Fishing the Surf Clinic” in Morro Bay

Saturday April 20, 2019 8am to 11am – Click Here!

“Beginner Clinic #1”

Saturday May 4, 2019 8am to 12noon or 1pm to 5pm – Click Here!

“Intermediate Fly Fishing Clinic”

Sunday May 5, 2019 8am to 3pm – Click Here!

“Carp Clinic”

Saturday May 11, 2019 8am to 11am – Click Here !

“Fly Fishing the Surf Clinic” in Ventura

Saturday May 25, 2019 8am to 11am – Click Here!

More 3 Day 4×4 Fly Fishing Adventure Trips Added – Click Here

Now on itunes! Listen Here!

Now on Spotify! Listen Here

Next performances are:

Friday April 19, 2019 in Morro Bay, CA @ 8pm The Siren w Ska Legends “Let’s GO Bowling”.

Saturday April 20, 2019 in Bakersfield @ 4pm 4/20 Hops and Vibes Festival with Dub Seeds – Stramler Park

Saturday April 20, 2019 in Tehachapi CA @ 9pm @ The Shed – Stoneflys CD Release Party

**Stoneflys** are:
**Skabone Stan – Trombone** (Pato Banton, Crucial DBC), **Karl Hunter**– **Sax** ( Big Bad Voodoo Daddy), **Dave Price** –**Sax** (Don Henley, Lion I’s, Papa Nata), **Robert Rachelli** **– Drums** (Lion I’s, Papa Nata), **Guy Jeans – Vocals/Keyboards**( Lion I’s, Papa Nata), **Kevin Miller – Trumpet**( Ska Daddyz), **Fili Landeros** -Keyboards( The Question, After the Smoke, Rising Son), **Tk – Bass** (Lion I’s), **Bernie Larsen – Guitar**( Melissa
Etheridge, Jackson Browne, Rickie Lee Jones, Lucinda Williams, and Public
Enemy) .

Come see us at the “Fred Hall Shows” for great deals on rods and other merchandise:

Long Beach March 6, 2019 through March 10, 2019

Bakersfield March 15, 2019 through March 17, 2019

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

The 20 mile section is blown out until further notice.

We are now at 149% of normal snow pack for the Southern Sierra. It’s going to be a great year for fly fishing. Click on the link below for details.

Snow Pack Details!

Upper Kern Flow Charts

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

The Wild Trout Section is blown out until further notice!

Lake Isabella
Water level in the lake is at 138,170 acre feet. Fishing has been slow for most.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – The Lower Kern River from Isabella dam down to democrat is flowing around 500 cfs and remains the same as last week. This is the best fishing water in the valley right now. Water temperatures down here are 48 degrees. Smallies and Largemouth are not biting at this time! Trout fly fishing is slow. The lower Kern River from Democrat Dam to downstream to Hart Park is muddy. Check out the video below for a visual.

Lower Kern Flow Charts

4 x 4 Adventure Fly Fishing Trips

These trips are filling up! If you’re thinking about getting in on one of these trips, now is the time to sign up.

Many trips have sold out so we added more dates.

For more information Click Here

Intermediate Fly Fishing Clinic

Sunday, March 24, 2019| 8AM- 3pm | Kernville, CA

REGISTER

Beginner Clinic #1

Saturday March 23, 2019 / 8AM – 12PM / Kernville CA

or Saturday March 23, 2019 / 1PM – 5PM / Kernville CA

REGISTER

Fly Fish the Surf Clinic – Morro Bay

Saturday April 20, 2019 / 8AM – 11AM / Morro Bay CA

REGISTER

April 5 -14, 2019

Register

Guy Jeans Speaking Engagements Fred Hall Long Beach:

Wednesday March 6, 2019 through Sunday March 10, 2019 – Mammoth Mountain Stage – Check times!

Next performances are:

Friday April 19, 2019 in Morro Bay, CA @ 8pm The Siren w Ska Legends “Let’s GO Bowling”.

Saturday April 20, 2019 in Bakersfield @ 4pm 4/20 Hops and Vibes Festival with Dub Seeds – Stramler Park

Kern River Fly Fishing Report February 6, 2019

The view this afternoon from my deck looking south towards Lake Isabella.

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

The 20 mile section is fishing poor with the recent rain and runoff causing the river to cloud up a bit. The upper river is starting to clear as I write. Check out the video above from today on the river. Water temperature above town is 38 degrees and flows are around 500 cfs. We are at 130% of normal snowpack already. It’s gonna be a great year.

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. The small creeks will reopen on the last Saturday of April.

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. Fishing has been slow for most.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – The Lower Kern River from Isabella dam down to democrat is flowing around 100 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 120 cfs. Check out the video above for a visual.

Lower Kern Flow Charts

4 x 4 Adventure Fly Fishing Trips

For more information Click Here

Intermediate Fly Fishing Clinic

Monday, February 18, 2019| 8AM- 3pm | Kernville, CA

REGISTER

Beginner Clinic #1

Sunday , February 17, 2019 / 8AM – 12PM / Kernville, CA

or Saturday March 23, 2019 / 8AM – 12PM / Kernville CA

or Saturday March 23, 2019 / 1PM – 5PM / Kernville CA

REGISTER

Fly Fish the Surf Clinic – Ventura

Saturday March 2, 2019 / 8AM – 11AM / Ventura, CA

REGISTER

April 5 -14, 2019

Register

Guy Jeans Speaking Engagements on the Kern River:

Wednesday February 27, 2019 7pm – Deep Creek Fly Fishers in Riverside CA

Thursday February 28, 2019 7pm – Long Beach Casting Club in Long Beach CA

Next performances are:

Friday March 1, 2019 in Ojai , CA @7pm Ojai Underground Exchange

Friday April 19, 2019 in Morro Bay, CA @ 8pm The Siren w Ska Legends “Let’s GO Bowling”.

Kern River Fly Fishing Report February 27, 2018

Upper Kern Cold Fishing Best Mid Day, Lower Kern the Place To Be!

If you feel that these reports are valuable to you, please click the donate button below and make a donation of any amount you think is equal to the amount of information you are getting each week.

Thank you so much,

Guy Jeans

Upper Kern 20 Mile Section (north of Kern River Fly Shop)The upper Kern River from Lake Isabella north to 4 miles past the Johnsondale bridge( wild trout section) remains open to fly fishing all year. The river is down to 270 cfs and clear. Fishing on the upper Kern is ok at this time from the Powerhouse down to the lake, and a few local anglers are doing well on wild fish above this area. Water temps dropped to 34-36 degrees and this means that trout get lethargic and harder to catch. The Fish and Wild Life stocked hatchery fish in section #5, #4, and #3 last week for Whiskey Flats days and will continue the following week for those of you chasing hatchery fish.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – Blue Wing olive hatch around 2pm and fish are coming up in certain sections of the lower Kern. Water temperatures down here are 5 to 10 degrees warmer than the upper. The DFW stocked the lower river last week and this week and fly fishers have been doing well on hatchery fish in this section. The lower kern from Democrat Dam to downstream to the next powerhouse is muddy. The lower Kern has been fishing slow for bass at this time from lake Isabella dam to Bakersfield/Oildale.

Lake Isabella

New 4 x 4 Adventure Trip Dates – Click Here!

Book a guide trip- Click here!

Clinics

Beginner Clinic #1 – Saturday March 24, 2018

Click here to register for the Clinic #1 only! $75.00

Click here for Clinic #1 Fly Rod Combo =$220.00 + Free Clinic

Intermediate Fly Fishing Clinic – Sunday March 25, 2018

Click here for the full day Intermediate Clinic $225.00

Beginner Clinic #1 Students Saturday February 24. 2018

8 year old Addison is going to be someone to watch in the future fly fishing world!

The next “Fly Fishing the Surf Clinics” Morro Bay and Ventura

Saturday March 17, 2018 Morro Bay

Saturday March 31, 2018 Ventura

Click here to register for the clinic $75.00

We will be at the Fred Hall Shows in Bakersfield March 2-4, 2018

and Long Beach March 7- 11, 2018 Come see us for some special deals on rods!

Kern River Fly Fishing Report January 23, 2018

Upper Kern River continues to fish slow while the Lower Kern River remains hot!

If you feel that these reports are valuable to you, please click the donate button below and make a donation of any amount you think is equal to the amount of information you are getting each week. Thank you so much,

Guy Jeans

Upper Kern 20 Mile Section (north of Kern River Fly Shop)The upper Kern River from Lake Isabella north to 4 miles past the Johnsondale bridge( wild trout section) remains open to fly fishing all year. Water temperatures have dropped down to 36 degrees in the morning and warming up to 40 degrees in the afternoon. The river is down to 350 cfs and clear. Fishing on the upper Kern is slow at this time, but the Fish and Wild Life did stock hatchery fish in section #3 3 weeks ago for those anglers targeting stocked fish.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – Blue Wing olive hatch around 2pm and fish are coming up in certain sections of the lower Kern. Water temperatures down here are 5 to 10 degrees warmer. The DFW stocked the lower river recently and fly fishers have been doing well on hatchery fish in this section. The lower Kern has been fishing slow for bass at this time from lake Isabella dam to Bakersfield/Oildale.

These are pictures from the Lower Kern Fly Fishing Clinic held on Sunday January 21, 2018

Lower Kern DVD- Back in Stock

Click here for Lower Kern DVD

Lake Isabella – Ok for Trout, fishing slow for bass and carp

4 Mile Wild Trout Section above Johnsondale Bridge is open year round- Fishing has been poor in this section. On November 15, the wild trout section became catch and release only with barbless hooks. No bait is allowed in this section all year long.

South Fork of the Kern is closed until the last Saturday in April
All tributaries in Tulare County are closed until the last Saturday in April.

Upcoming Clinics

Fly Fishing the Surf Clinics

Intro to Fly Fishing the Surf Clinic in Ventura Saturday February 3, 2018 / 8am to 11am

Intro to Fly Fishing the Surf in Pismo – Sunday February 11, 2018 / 8am to 11am

https://kernriverflyshop.com/t/fly-fishing-in-the-surf-clinics

Private Guided Fly Fishing in the Surf

https://kernriverflyshop.com/products/private-guided-fly-fishing-in-the-surf-half-day

Click here for more info!

Guide Deal 2018

The deal you have all been waiting for! Buy Now – Schedule Later! Purchase a Full-Day Guide Trip for 2018, enter Promo Code “GUIDEDEAL2018” upon checkout and receive $100 OFF! Only 25 “Guide Deal Specials” available to purchase! Hurry before they are gone! (3 Guide deals left)

Offer valid until January 26th! Tell a friend!

$100.00 off Full Day Guide Trip

Click here to purchase!

Kern River Fly Fishing Report January 9, 2018

Upper Kern River fishing slow- Lower Kern River fishing good!

If you feel that these reports are valuable to you and you would like to see them continue, please click the donate button below and make a donation of any amount you think is equal to the amount of information you are getting each week. Thank you so much,

Guy Jeans

Upper Kern 20 Mile Section (north of Kern River Fly Shop)The upper Kern River from Lake Isabella north to 4 miles past the Johnsondale bridge( wild trout section) remains open to fly fishing all year. Water temperatures have dropped down to 38 degrees in the morning and warming up to 40 degrees in the afternoon. The river has raised up to 1000 cfs and is now down to 700 cfs and a little murky. Fishing on the upper Kern is slow at this time, but the Fish and Wild Life did stock hatchery fish in section #3 last week for those anglers targeting stocked fish.

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – Water temperatures down here are 5 to 10 degrees warmer The DFW stocked the lower river recently and fly fishers have been doing well on hatchery fish in this section. The lower Kern has been fishing slow for bass at this time from lake Isabella dam to Bakersfield/Oildale.

Lower Kern Fish caught on Saturday January 6, 2017 by the Southern Sierra Fly Fishers Club

Lower Kern DVD- Back in Stock

Click here for Lower Kern DVD

Lake Isabella – Ok for Trout, fishing slow for bass and carp

South Fork of the Kern is closed until the last Saturday in April
All tributaries in Tulare County are closed until the last Saturday in April.

Upcoming Clinics

Beginner Clinic #1 “Trout Tactics” Saturday January 20, 2018

https://kernriverflyshop.com/t/beginner-clinics

Lower Kern River “Trout” Clinic – Sunday January 21, 2018- (2 spots left)

Click here for Lower Kern Clinic

Fly Casting Clinic Ventura Sunday January 14 , 2018 / 9am to 11am

Click here to register for a Fly Casting Clinic

Fly Fishing the Surf Clinics

Intro to Fly Fishing the Surf Clinic in Ventura Saturday January 13, 2018 / 8am to 11am

Intro to Fly Fishing the Surf in Pismo – Sunday February 11, 2018 / 8am to 11am

https://kernriverflyshop.com/t/fly-fishing-in-the-surf-clinics

Click here for more info!

Guide Deal 2018

Offer valid until January 26th! Tell a friend!

$100.00 off Full Day Guide Trip

Click here to purchase!

Kern River Fly Fishing Report October 10, 2017

Upper Kern 20 Mile Section

Flows on the 20 mile section are around 250 cfs and the river continues to fish world class as many rainbow are being caught up and down in this section. Water temps are starting around 45 degrees and warming up to about 52 degrees in the afternoon. Rainbows are very active in the afternoon. There is a BWO hatch at 1pm ish. Streamers are working well casting down and across and stripping back up stream in the seams. Below are some clients this week and some of their catches. A lot of first time fly fishers catching their first fish on a fly. Woo hoo!!!

Below are some links to flies we are using at this time on the upper Kern.

20 Mile Section Nymph Package

20 Mile Section Dry Fly Package

20 Mile Mega Fly Selection

Lake Isabella – Fishing good for bass from the shore. Poppers!

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – Fishing excellent for bass at this time.

4 Mile Wild Trout Section above Johnsondale Bridge- Fishing good!

South Fork of the Kern Some sections are fishing fantastic and some aren’t fishing very well.

Beginner Class #1 learning to fly cast for the first time.

Upcoming Clinics

Beginner Fly fishing in the Surf Clinic – Saturday November, 25, 2017

Click here for “Beginner Fly Fishing the Surf Clinic Packages”

Stoneflys Musical Events

Rockin River Beer and Music Festival Benefit Saturday October 21, 2017 Noon to 5pm@ Rivernook Campground Kernville CA – Flys go on @ 4pm https://www.kernvillebeerfest.com/

Discovery -Ventura Friday November 24, 2017 @7pm

Kern River Fly Fishing Report September 5, 2017

Upper Kern 20 Mile Section

Flows on the 20 mile section are around 600 cfs and the river continues to fish world class as many rainbow are being caught up and down in this section. This is the time to start fly fishing this section as water temps are holding around 60 degrees and rainbows are very active. Streamers are working well casting down and across and stripping back up stream in the seams.

Wild Trout in the 20 Mile Section

Below are some links to flies we are using at this time.

20 Mile Section Nymph Package

20 Mile Section Dry Fly Package

20 Mile Mega Fly Selection

Hooked up on the upper Kern

Lower Kern River below Isabella Lake – Blown Out

4 Mile Wild Trout Section above Johnsondale Bridge- Fishing good, but be careful wading in this section.

Southfork of the Kern Some sections are fishing fantastic and some aren’t fishing very well.

The southern Sierra small creeks continue to fish very well.

Beginner Clinic Saturday October 7, 2017

Fly Fishing the Surf Clinic Registration

Kern River Fly Fishing Report June 19, 2017

FLY FISHING SMALL STREAMS OF THE KERN RIVER

Small Stream Clinic Tuesday June 27, 2017 Click here!

Small Stream Clinic Saturday July 1, 2017 Click here!

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.

Learn more about “Catch and Release” here.

Flies to use on the small creeks – Click here Southern Sierra Dry Fly Package

Great rod to use on the small creeks is the new Redington Vice 3wt

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 Fly

Andrew from Rhino Nets hooked up hard on a Isabella Carp.

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.

4×4 trips for 2017

Kern River Fly Fishing Report May 25, 2017

FLY FISHING SMALL STREAMS OF THE KERN

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.

SMALL STREAM CLINIC – JUNE 11, 2017 KERNVILLE CA – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Flies to use on the small creeks – Click here Southern Sierra Dry Fly Package

Great rod to use on the small creeks is the new Redington Vice 3wt

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

FORKS OF THE KERN

New for 2017

GUY JEANS PRIVATE LAKE BASS TRIPS

Imagine big bass eating big flies off the surface! Life is good !Epic!

Click here for more info Guy Jeans Private Lake Bass Trips

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.

Looking to advance your skills or learn how to fly fish? CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR SELECTION OF CLINICS AND CLASSES

UPCOMING SCHEDULED CLASSES

SMALL STREAM CLINIC – JUNE 11, 2017 KERNVILLE CA – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

BEGINNER FLY FISHING CLINIC NO.1 – JUNE 25, 2017 KERNVILLE CA – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

BEGINNER FLY FISHING CLINIC NO.2 – JUNE 25, 2017 KERNVILLE CA – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

LEARN TO FLY FISH THE SURF- JULY 8, 2017 / PISMO CA CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

OCTOBER 25, 2017 THROUGH NOVEMBER 3, 2017 – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

GUY JEANS FLY FISHING GUIDE SERVICE

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.

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