help with Kern River fishing
 

Hey guys,

I'm going to Kern River this weekend for camping. I've always fished salt water. So no idea on how to fish the river. Your inputs are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Wen't there during 4th of July weekend. Fished everyday, upstream and downstream of the frandy campground. Even though they recently stocked i didn't get one bite. Water is relatively warm. Plenty of carp jumping.

Try Kernriverflyfishingforum.com

They have a fly shop in Kernville. They can set you up with a guide or give you info where and what to use to fish. 1.760.376.2040

Hope this helps

Stephen

Depending on where you are camping. Just below Kernville can have lots of action, heavily planted, and the hold overs in the lake can reach that area. Right before you enter into Kernville, you will see the "rotary" sign on the right hand side. That stretch produces, splitshot half an earthworm on a small bait holder. Cast upstream and reel in to keep the slack at a min. Above Kernville, Check out the Johnsondale Bridge and upstream.
Small spinners, crickets, worms and PB seem to work. Nymphs and drys work if your into the flyfishing thing. Small bead nymphs and royal wolfs have worked for me in the past.

I know the river very well. You will want to fish the deeper holes, although I fly fish it, a light spinner rod with your usual trout lures will work (very small mepps, black panther, etc.) Salmon eggs work if you get them down along the bottom. Catch and release if you can. Good luck. Just Outstanding IPA is the catch of the trip at Kern River Brewing.

If you are fly fishing I have a lot more info.

Spent all day on the Kern river today. Was throwing salmon eggs out around river park in Kernville and threw some salmon eggs and lures up near Corral Creek Lodge. Had quite a few bites but nothing committed. Tomorrow we are taking the kayaks out on Isabella to try for some action there. Let you know how that goes.

Thanks for all the advices guys. I'm just using light weight spinning rod and reel. My dad does have a fly fishing setup that I could bring. I'm camping at Sandy Flat Campground. I'm also bringing my dualsport bike so I can move around pretty easily with a milk crate in the back.

are you guys going for catfish?

No, we are just going to go for trout and bass. No if we happen to catch a catfish then so be it. If your fishing the river I would concentrate on trout gear as that is about all there is aside from sucker fish. Don't expect monster trout either, all you'll really need is #8-#12 hooks and a small split shot just big enough to get you to the bottom but small enough for the current to still carry it down stream or small trout lures for the deep holes. I haven't fished the lake in a very long time and it is so low it's sad but I have the kayaks up here so figured I'd wet a line while paddling around with the family. Last but not least, you won't catch anything if your lines not in the water. :cheers1:

That's the Kernville Park in the background. Everyone seems to lazy to walk downstream to this spot. There are a lot of pools between this spot and the "old Cemetery"
When the "holdovers" spawn out the cemetery area is loaded with large fish, both bass and trout.
I think I probably landed over 20 that day which was in late May.

Thanks man. What kind of tackle were you using?

Ultralight 4lb test small spitshot depending on depth and current, small bait holder hook, half an earthworm. My wife and I used to fish this area when we lived in Bakersfield. Quite a few 5-8lb LB in this area as well, feeding on the planted trout.
You can launch a kayak at the park and drift to the mouth of the lake. This would open some productive areas that cant' be reached by shore. There shouldn't be any rapids past the park as I've seen some bass boats up the that far without any issues, (depending on flow rates).

My buddy digs up earthworms as well for his freshwater fishing. He said its more effective than nightcrawlers. Is that true?

So we went out on the lake on Tuesday and no luck. Spoke with a few other people out on the water and the story was the same. A few bites but no catches. Went up the river about 15 miles above Kernville and caught a few trout, most were on the smaller side but still fun to catch. Used ultralight pole, 4 lb test line, small split shot, #10 hooks and salmon eggs. Casting up river and letting it float back down. Hope your coming up early as the campgrounds along the river were starting to fill up this afternoon. Still plenty of open spots but they will be filling up fast tomorrow I am sure. Good luck and stay safe. As for me, I'll be nursing a broken toe after smashing it on a rock today. Caught fish so totally worth it....:D

try fly and a clear bubble half filled with water
check local fishing shop for current hatch patterns
I use to like to hit the area around the bridge near Johnsonville
or spots above Kernville tween the campgrounds

If you got a fly rod a stimulator is money everytime I make it up there. If they dont want the dry hook a dropper to it and use Kern candy or a stonefly (turn over a few rocks to see what size and color but golden works pretty well). Stop by Guy's shop in kernville. They should have the latest dope.