Kern River Fish Report for 10-16-2026
The Upper Kern flows remain very low just above 200 CFS
Kern River - CA

by Chad Burton and Chris Borden
10-16-2026
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The Upper Kern flows remain very low just above 200 CFS. Trout fishing remains productive throughout the upper stretches, with anglers finding success using small grubs, trout worms, and salmon eggs. Fly anglers are reporting slightly better results with dry-dropper setups, particularly with a Yellow Sallie nymph as the dropper. The Upper Kern River was stocked two weeks ago in Sections 4, 5, and 6. Section 4 stretches from Riverside Park in Kernville to Powerhouse #3, Section 5 runs from Powerhouse #3 to Fairview Dam, and Section 6 extends from Fairview Dam to Johnsondale Bridge. In the Lower Kern, both largemouth and smallmouth bass are biting a variety of soft plastics and spinners, with the slower-moving pockets of water producing the most consistent action. As the river winds toward Bakersfield, anglers are finding a mix of bass, catfish, and bluegill along the accessible stretches. Catfish are hitting Get Bent Baits, clams, and worms, while bluegill are readily taking live worms. At the time of reporting, flows were 204 CFS on the Upper Kern River at Kernville and 528 CFS on the Lower Kern.
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More Reports
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, October 16th
California Aqueduct: Anglers reported decent fishing in the aqueduct
Castaic Lake: The bite slowed slightly following the last cold front
Pyramid Lake, CA: Anglers reported good bass and striped bass fishing, with plenty of catfish mixed in
Lake Isabella: Lake Isabella held steady at 25 percent of capacity, but fishing remains solid throughout the lake
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, October 9th
California Aqueduct: Fishing was good in the southern aqueduct
Castaic Lake: Castaic Lake fell slightly to 94 percent of its storage capacity, and fishing was decent
Pyramid Lake, CA: The lake remained at full pool, and fishing was good for all species
Lake Isabella: Lake Isabella has dropped slightly to 25 percent of capacity, but the bass bite remains solid
Kern River: The Upper Kern was stocked last week in Sections 4, 5, and 6
Lake Kaweah: The lake fell to 11 percent of capacity, and spotted bass fishing improved
Lake Success: Success Lake fell to 11 percent of capacity, and fishing was hit or miss
River Walk Lakes: At River Walk, bass activity has been improving
Ming Lake: The bass bite at Lake Ming remains fair
Buena Vista Lakes: Anglers reported decent fall fishing at Buena Vista Lakes
Hart Park Lake: Fishing was decent at Hart Park
Lake Nacimiento: Anglers reported another good week of bass fishing
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