Kern River Fish Report

The Kern River continues to fish well this week

Kern River - CA

by Chad Burton and Chris Borden
8-7-2026
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The Kern River continues to fish well this week, particularly during the cooler morning hours, with conditions varying considerably depending on the section. Flows through Kernville are currently around 160 cfs, making much of the Upper Kern very fishable, while releases below Lake Isabella are running much higher at approximately 1,090 cfs. The Johnsondale Bridge area continues to provide opportunities for wild Kern River rainbows, with anglers focusing on deeper pools, pocket water, current seams, and shaded runs. Fly anglers are finding fish with smaller nymphs, including stonefly and caddis patterns, while dry-dropper rigs can be effective in the shallower pocket water. Small spinners and spoons are also worth working through the deeper holes.

The Kernville and 20-mile section remain the most accessible stretch for anglers targeting a mixture of stocked and wild trout. With flows near Kernville around 160 cfs, anglers can cover plenty of water, and deeper pools and faster oxygenated runs have been the most productive areas. Salmon eggs, crickets, nightcrawlers, and garlic-scented floating baits continue to produce for bait anglers, while Panther Martins, Rooster Tails, and small spoons are good choices for anglers covering water. Fly fishermen are doing well with nymphs through the deeper runs and pockets, with occasional dry-fly opportunities early in the day. Fishing has been best from first light through mid-morning before the afternoon heat sets in.

The Lower Kern is a completely different situation, with Lake Isabella releases currently running around 1,090 cfs. The heavier flows are limiting wading opportunities, so anglers should use extreme caution along this section of river. Fishing from shore around slower edges, protected pockets, and accessible pools has been the better option. Trout can still be found in suitable holding water, while bass and catfish are also available farther downstream. Nightcrawlers, crickets, small spinners, and natural-colored plastics are all worth trying depending on the species being targeted.

Overall, the Upper Kern is providing the better trout fishing opportunity this week, with the Johnsondale and Kernville/20-mile sections offering much more manageable conditions than the Lower Kern. Early mornings remain the best time to fish, and anglers targeting wild trout should concentrate on cooler, well-oxygenated water and keep fish handling to a minimum during the summer heat.

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More Reports

Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports

for Friday, August 7th

California Aqueduct: Aqueduct anglers shifted to fishing at night to avoid the intense daytime heat
Castaic Lake: Water clarity was good despite a slight algae tint
Pyramid Lake, CA: Water clarity remained poor because of a heavy algae bloom
Lake Isabella: Lake Isabella continues to drop as summer water releases pull the lake down

Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports

for Friday, July 31st

California Aqueduct: Most anglers targeted the early morning bite to avoid the high midday temperatures
Castaic Lake: The lake remained at approximately 94 percent of its storage capacity
Pyramid Lake, CA: The lake remained at 91percent of its storage capacity, with water temperatures in the upper 70s
Lake Isabella: The lower water levels have not slowed the bass bite
Kern River: With flows running low on the Upper Kern River, the best trout fishing has been found in deeper pools and slower-moving eddies
Lake Kaweah: Anglers reported improved fishing as the water drawdown slowed
Lake Success: Largemouth bass anglers enjoyed another productive week
River Walk Lakes: Anglers are still finding good action during the cooler morning and evening hours
Ming Lake: Fishing at Ming Lake remains steady
Buena Vista Lakes: Anglers reported fair fishing at Buena Vista as hot summer temperatures kept many people off the water
Hart Park Lake: Fishing at Hart Park was fair
Lake Nacimiento: The morning bite the most productive time for anglers