Anglers are starting to see more native trout showing compared to holdovers

Kern River


by Chad Burton and Chris Borden
8-22-2025
Website

The Upper Kern has not been stocked for a couple of months, and anglers are starting to see more native trout showing compared to holdovers. In the popular 20-mile stretch, trout are being caught on artificials, mini jigs, worms, crickets, and salmon eggs. Fly anglers are reporting good results using attractor nymphs, bead head Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, Parachute Adams, and small streamers, especially in deeper pockets and behind boulders. On the Lower Kern, the smallmouth bass bite remains steady, with fish taking double-tail grubs on finesse jig heads as well as Roostertails. Catfish action is also consistent, with worms, chicken liver, and cut bait producing fish. As of this report, flows are at 209 CFS in the Upper Kern and 1,003 CFS in the Lower Kern.



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