Kern River Fish Report for 1-30-2026
Salmon eggs and trout jigs producing consistent action
Kern River

by Chad Burton and Chris Borden
1-30-2026
Website
On the Upper Kern River, anglers are having the best success with slower techniques, with salmon eggs and trout jigs producing consistent action. Fly anglers are also finding good results, throwing nymph patterns in the morning and switching to blue-winged olive patterns during afternoon hatches. Trout plants went in last week in both Section 5, from Fairview Dam to Lazy River Lodge, and Section 6, from Fairview Dam to Johnsondale Bridge. Down on the Lower Kern River, the bass bite has been fair to good, with crankbaits, jigs, and spinners all getting hit. Catfish action has tapered off, but anglers are still picking up fish on dip baits, nightcrawlers, and cut baits. At the time of this report, flows were running about 521 CFS on the Upper Kern and 601 CFS on the Lower Kern.
Contact Cope’s Tackle and Rod Shop at 661-679-6351 or check us out online at Tackle and Rod.com
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop has the largest selection of fishing tackle in the Central Valley. We carry all the equipment from top manufactures to make your fishing trip more successful! Whether your fishing for Bluegill at a local pond or Bluefin Tuna far offshore we are your one stop shop for all your fishing needs.
Our mantra here at Cope’s is “for fishermen, by fishermen.” All our staff truly enjoy the sport and spend a lot of time helping make sure you are enjoying your time on the water. We can guarantee satisfaction when you enter our store - from tips and tricks to providing you with all the gear you will need to keep you on the water and in the game!
It is not only our goal to provide you with the right gear, we also strive to keep you informed of local events, trips, shows, and fishing opportunities.
Our price match guarantee assures each angler the opportunity to get out on the water with the best gear at the lowest price possible. We make it a point to regularly run deals and sales!
Make sure to follow us and Facebook and Instagram to stay informed!
< Previous Report Next Report >
< Previous Report Next Report >
More Reports
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, January 30th
California Aqueduct: Fishing was fair in the Southern Aqueduct, with striped bass and catfish providing the best action
Pyramid Lake, CA: The lake held at 85 percent of its storage capacity, and water clarity continued to improve
Lake Isabella: The winter bass bite has been solid
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, January 23rd
California Aqueduct: Anglers reported fair fishing in the aqueduct last week
Castaic Lake: The lake is closed until further notice
Pyramid Lake, CA: The lake held at its normal winter level of 85 percent of storage capacity
Lake Isabella: The crappie bite continues to go strong
Kern River: Kern River Fishing Report
Lake Kaweah: The lake fell to 15 percent of its storage capacity, and fishing remained fair
Lake Success: The lake fell to 27 percent of its storage capacity, and fishing remained fair
River Walk Lakes: At River Walk, CDFW stocked trout this week and the bite has been excellent
Ming Lake: At Ming Lake, CDFW stocked trout this week and it’s been limit-style fishing
Buena Vista Lakes: The latest trout plant at BV kicked out rainbow trout over ten pounds
Hart Park Lake: Fishing conditions at Hart Park were fair last week
Lake Nacimiento: Nacimiento Lake was held at 50 percent of its storage capacity, and fishing was fair for most anglers
Website Hosting and Design provided by TECK.net