Kern River Fish Report - Kern River - With flows running low, the best trout action has been coming from the deeper pools and slower-moving eddies

With flows running low, the best trout action has been coming from the deeper pools and slower-moving eddies

Kern River - CA

by Chad Burton and Chris Borden
7-24-2026
Website

The Upper Kern River was stocked last week in Sections 4 and 5. With flows running low, the best trout action has been coming from the deeper pools and slower-moving eddies. Salmon eggs, trout worms, and Panther Martins have all been producing, while fly anglers are finding success throughout the popular 20-mile stretch using nymphs and streamers. Down on the Lower Kern, trout fishing remains steady from Democrat all the way up to Isabella Dam. Traditional baits such as nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, and small spinners continue to get the job done. The smallmouth bass bite has also been very good, especially throughout the canyon stretches. A few local anglers reported catching excellent numbers of fish, with most running on the smaller side but biting consistently. Smallmouth are being caught throughout the Lower Kern on Get Bent Baits, small crankbaits, and spinners. As of this report, the Upper Kern is flowing at 469 CFS, while the Lower Kern is running at 1,696 CFS.

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More Reports

Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports

for Friday, July 24th

California Aqueduct: Aqueduct fishing was decent last week
Castaic Lake: The lake remained at full pool, with water temperatures in the upper 70s
Pyramid Lake, CA: Bass anglers found good success fishing points and bluff walls
Lake Isabella: Fishing continues to be strong across the board

Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports

for Friday, July 17th

California Aqueduct: Hot weather forced most aqueduct anglers to fish early or late in the day
Castaic Lake: Castaic held at full pool, and water temperatures remained in the mid-70s
Pyramid Lake, CA: Striped bass provided the best action
Lake Isabella: Summer bass fishing remains productive
Kern River: The Upper Kern River is flowing just under 400 CFS
Lake Kaweah: Fishing was better despite the rapidly declining water levels
Lake Success: Bass anglers reported another decent week of fishing
River Walk Lakes: The bass bite has been somewhat inconsistent, with the best action occurring during the early morning and late afternoon
Ming Lake: Anglers are reporting quality evening bass strikes on Bass Mafia swimbaits
Buena Vista Lakes: Anglers reported fair to good fishing at Buena Vista Lakes
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Lake Nacimiento: Fishing remained good for all species