Tag: Upper Kern

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

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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

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Fly Fish the Surf Clinic – Ventura

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

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April 5 -14, 2019

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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”.

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( After the Smoke, Rising Son), Tk – Bass (Lion I’s), Bernie Larsen – Guitar( Jackson Brown, Mellisa Ethridge) .

 

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

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Beginner Clinic #1

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

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April 4 -14, 2019

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Kern River Fly fishing Report 2-6-18

 

Southern Sierra fly fishing turns on with the warmer air and water temperature in the Kern Valley

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 came up the last few days to 52 degrees in the morning and warming up to 55 degrees in the afternoon. The river is down to 350 cfs and clear. Fishing on the upper Kern is ok at this time, but a few fish are getting active and a few fly anglers have caught them. See below! A Skwala Stonefly hatch has started on the upper Kern as well as a few BWO’s. The Fish and Wild Life did stock hatchery fish in section #2 #3 this last week and will continue this week and the following week for those of you chasing hatchery fish.

Jon hart from the Southern Sierra Fly fishers Club hooked up on the upper Kern Sunday. photos by Sergio M.

 

 

 

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 from Democrat Dam to stream 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.

Democrat Take out!

A Lower Kern Trout caught this last weekend.

 

Celine B with a fly caught Lake Isabella pig yesterday!

Put this on your calendars!

 

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Upcoming Clinics

Fly Fishing the Surf Clinics

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

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 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.
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.

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

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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!

Click here for more info Guy Jeans  Private Lake Bass Trips

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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

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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.

For the latest and greatest updated reports, do not forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Kern River Fly Fishing Report May 4, 2017

Upper Kern Fly Fishing Report

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.

Dane Varner fishing a small creek in the Southern Sierra

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!

Laur with her first Carp on the fly!
Laura with her first Carp on the fly!

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Lower Kern River

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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.

Looking to advance your skills or learn how to fly fish? Check out our options and schedule at CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A CLASS NOW!

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.

For the latest and greatest updated reports, do not forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Kern River Fly Fishing Report March 25, 2017

Upper Kern Fly Fishing Report

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 3,100 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.

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT RIVER FLOW CHART

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. Who knows, you may land one of those great trophy trout or as     Mr. Humphreys did a couple of weeks ago, a Native Sacramento Pikeminnow.

Penn State's Fly-Fishing Legend, Joe Humphreys.
Penn State’s Fly-Fishing Legend, Joe Humphreys, on the Upper Kern River with a Native Sacramento Pikeminnow.

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!

Guy getting into some Crappie on Lake Isabella.
Guy getting into some Crappie on Lake Isabella.
Having a good time in Bakersfield!
Having a good time in Bakersfield!

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.

Looking to advance your skills or learn how to fly fish? Check out our options and schedule at CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A CLASS NOW!

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.

For the latest and greatest updated reports, do not forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.