Trout fishing remains productive along the 20-mile stretch of the Upper Kern River

Kern River - CA

by Chad Burton and Chris Borden
10-23-2026
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Trout fishing remains productive along the 20-mile stretch of the Upper Kern River to Johnsondale Bridge, with anglers reporting steady action on Sick Jigs in various colors, pinched crawlers, and salmon eggs. On the Lower Kern, trout are being caught throughout the canyon up to Keysville on trout jigs and spinners. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass are biting Senkos, small crankbaits, and jigs, while catfish are hitting SSS Dip Bait, cut bait, and worms. Bluegill fishing remains steady on live worms. At the time of reporting, flows were 329 CFS on the Upper Kern River at Kernville and 338 CFS on the Lower Kern.

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Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports

for Friday, October 23rd

California Aqueduct: Fishing was fair for striped bass
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Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports

for Friday, October 16th

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Lake Isabella: Lake Isabella held steady at 25 percent of capacity, but fishing remains solid throughout the lake
Kern River: The Upper Kern flows remain very low just above 200 CFS
Lake Kaweah: The lake dropped to 10 percent of its storage capacity, and the bass bite improved significantly
Lake Success: The lake level fell to 10 percent of its storage capacity, and fishing remained good
River Walk Lakes: Bass fishing at River Walk continues to improve
Ming Lake: At Ming Lake, bass action has steadily improved over the past couple of weeks
Buena Vista Lakes: Fishing was fair at Buena Vista Lakes
Hart Park Lake: Fishing was good at Hart Park
Lake Nacimiento: Nacimiento Lake dropped to 34 percent of its storage capacity, and fishing remained good