Kern River
The Kern River near Kernville, California is a Sierra wild trout river with native rainbows and golden trout country in the Golden Trout Wilderness.
- 205 miRiver length
- 6Game fish
- 86Access points
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Kern River
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About the Kern
The Kern River runs out of the southern Sierra Nevada through Sequoia National Forest and the town of Kernville. The upper river sits in the Golden Trout Wilderness. It is a heritage and wild trout river with native fish found nowhere else.
The Forks of the Kern needs a long backpacking trip. The area above Johnsondale Bridge has special rules and some water stays open longer. The lower river below Bakersfield turns into warmwater fishing.
The Kern holds brown trout, rainbow trout, golden trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and carp. The native Kern River rainbow and the California golden trout are the special fish.
Summer is the main season. Dry fly fishing is popular on the upper river. Pheasant Tails and Rainbow Warriors are common nymph choices.
Seasons and special rules change. Check current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before you go.
Gages near Kern River
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Other gages nearby
- South Fork Tule River near Cholollo Campground near Porterville, CA13.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 11203580
- South Fork Tule River near Reservation Bndry near Porterville, CA16.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 11204100
- Tule River below Success Dam, CA22.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 11204900
- South Fork Kern River near Onyx, CA26.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 11189500
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Tips for fishing the Kern
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Plan a backpack trip
The Forks of the Kern is remote. Be ready for a long hike.
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Use light gear
Small rods and light lines fit the small streams in the Golden Trout Wilderness.
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Check the season
Some sections close and others stay open longer. Look at the current rules.
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Respect native fish
Golden trout and native rainbows are special. Handle them gently.
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Try the lower river for bass
Below Bakersfield the river turns warm. Smallmouth and carp are the main targets.
Every access point on the Kern, in your pocket.
- 86 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Kern River FAQ
When is the best time to fish the Kern River in California?
Summer is the main season. Some water stays open longer in fall and winter.
Where can I fish the Kern River near Kernville?
The upper river above Johnsondale Bridge and the Forks of the Kern are the best known trout water. The Kern Plateau has small streams too.
Can you wade the Kern River?
Yes. Most anglers wade in the upper river. Flows can be strong in the main stem.
What flies work on the Kern River?
Pheasant Tails, Rainbow Warriors and dry flies are standard. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working today.
What fish are in the Kern River?
The river holds brown trout, rainbow trout, golden trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and carp.
Are there special rules on the Kern River?
Yes. Special rules and seasons apply. Check the current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
