Kern River Fishing Report

Information
The North Fork and South Fork of the Kern Wild and Scenic River is located within a four-hour drive of more than one-third of the population of southern California. With its range of elevation, topography and vegetation, it offers a broad spectrum of recreation opportunities for all seasons of the year. Principal outdoor recreation activities include fishing, hiking, camping and whitewater boating.
 
The North Fork flows through Sequoia National Park and the Sequoia National Forest, past post-pile formations, spiked-granite protrusions and sharp rock ledges. The North Fork Kern River canyon within the Golden Trout Wilderness may be the longest, linear glacially-sculpted valley in the world. It contains regionally unique features referred to as Kernbuts and Kerncols. These rounded to elongated (parallel to the axis of the canyon) granitic knobs (Kernbuts) and the depressions between them (Kerncols) were first identified and named in the Kern Canyon.
 

The North Fork River corridor also includes regionally uncommon wetland habitat at Kern Lakes and the alkaline seep at the Forks of the Kern. The wetland habitat contains several uncommon aquatic and marsh species; the alkaline seep also supports several uncommon plants. The river's deep pool habitat supports a population of wild trout and also vividly colored hybrid trout.
 
The South Fork Kern River flows through a diverse landscape, including whitewater, waterfalls, large granite outcrops interspersed with open areas and open meadows with extensive vistas. The segment in the Dome Land Wilderness flows by numerous granitic domes and through a rugged and steep granitic gorge where whitewater rapids are common.
 
With a gradient of 30 feet per mile, the North Fork Kern is one of the steepest and wildest whitewater rivers in North America. The Forks Run is a nearly continuous series of Class IV and V rapids and waterfalls. The Upper Kern is a popular stretch of river for whitewater boating, camping and fishing. The Lower Kern runs 32 miles from Isabella Dam to the canyon mouth above Bakersfield, California.
 
Featured Fishing Trips
Guided Fishing Trips
$
275
-
$
615
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 4 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 1 day
 (1)
Fishing Waters:
The Merced River originates in the Southeastern corner of Yosemite National Park. Its headwaters begin at 7900 feet at the Clarke Range. It flows over Nevada and Vernal Falls, and ... morelastly, Illilouette Creek before she flows through the main Yosemite Valley. Then the Merced, picks up water from Tenaya, Yosemite, Bridalveil, and Pigeon Creeks near the end of the valley, and meeting up the water from Cascade Creek before the river flows through the Merced River Canyon and then outside the park. Its South and North Forks join it a few miles outside the park.

The Lower Merced is another river that can be drifted, water flow permitting, or walk & waded January through May.
$
300
-
$
400
/ Angler
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 1 day
Enjoy a day fishing the Truckee River near Sierraville, California. With our extensive experience fishing the Truckee River, we have the vast knowledge needed to help you catch fish ... moreand have fun doing it. We specialize in guided trips for fishermen of all types from first-time anglers, to experts.
Additional Information
Tributaries:
Canebrake Creek
Source:
Kings-Kern Divide
Mouth:
Lake Isabella
Length:
164 miles
Basin:
3,612 sq miles
Latest Guide Fishing Reports
Guide Reports
The Kern can be a tricky piece of water, every trip up there is a unique adventure for sure! Due to recent rain/snow, the wild trout section above the bridge was too cold for fishing, ... morehovering in the low 40's. We checked a few trusty spots on the 20 mile stretch heading back to Kernville. No luck. Water temps mid 40's.

Stopped in Kernville to visit our friends Guy and Kimberly Jeans, owners of the Kern River Fly Shop. Guy is a guide, and a great guy, who knows the river like no one else. With some intel in hand we headed down to the lower Kern, below Lake Isabella. We fished a nice pool right above a series of rapids. Wading can be sketchy on the Kern and this was one of those spots where you do not want to want to fall, trust me. Crossed the river right above the rapids, fast moving murky water, belly deep, and slick rocks. Made it across and fished the pool, maybe 40 yards long, from the far bank. Caught 8 fish between three of us, drifting nymphs was the ticket.

Another adventure at the Kern. Truck got stuck in sand, caught some fish, saw a great band and drank some great beer at Kern River Brewing with good friends. We will be back again and again!
Fishing Water Report:
Date:
Thursday, 7 Apr, 2016
Fish Caught:
4-8 fish
Current Forecast
Water Flow
Fishing Access Sites
This site can be utilized for white water boating access, picnicking, and hiking. At about 19 miles north of Kernville via Mountain Highway 99, this site offers a great river hiking ... moretrail and boating access. The Kern River(33E30) trail offers a great day hike with seasonal fishing access.

Find out about the latest fishing action with our Kern River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Activities:
Fishing
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
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Fishing Quality
Scenery
Access
Water quality

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