Kern River Fishing Report FEBRUARY 27TH,2025
- kernriverflyshop1
- Feb 27
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 6
THE UPPER KERN
YOUTUBE REPORT
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Kern River Fly Fishing Report
The Kern River Fly Shop is a cornerstone of California’s fly fishing community, renowned for its expertise and connection to the majestic Kern River. We are seasoned experts with deep knowledge of the river and we offer unparalleled insight into its unique challenges and rewards—especially the thrill of catching the prized Kern River rainbow trout. This report aims to provide anglers with current conditions, essential tips, and techniques for an unforgettable fishing experience, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your fly fishing journey.
Insights from Guy Jeans
Winter fly fishing on the Kern River can be both challenging and rewarding. The cold temperatures slow down trout metabolism, meaning they won’t move as far for food, but with the right approach, you can still have a great day on the water. Here are some key tips to improve your success:
1. Fish Slow & Deep
Trout in winter tend to hold in deeper pools and slower-moving water where they conserve energy. Use heavily weighted nymphs or add split shot to get your flies down quickly. A slow, dead-drift presentation is key—trout won’t chase aggressively in the cold.
2. Use the Right Flies
Winter trout are picky, but they’re still feeding. Here are some go-to Kern River winter patterns:
Zebra Midge (black or olive, size 18-22) – Midges hatch year-round and are a staple winter food.
WD40 (size 18-20) – A great mayfly imitation for colder months.
San Juan Worm (size 12-16, red or pink) – Especially effective after rain when the river gets murky.
Kauffie Cup Stone or Tungsten Yellow Sallie (size 12-18, ) – A solid stonefly imitation, great for deeper runs.
Small Woolly Bugger (olive or black, size 8-12) – If nymphing isn’t working, try slow-stripping a streamer.
3. Fish During the Warmest Part of the Day
In winter, trout are most active between late morning and early afternoon when the water temperature rises a few degrees. Early mornings and late evenings tend to be slow.
4. Adjust Your Tippet & Leader
Colder water means clearer water, so you might need lighter tippet (5X-6X) to avoid spooking fish. A longer leader (9-12 feet) can also help keep your presentation natural.
5. Watch for Subtle Strikes
Trout won’t hit flies aggressively in winter. If you’re nymphing, keep a close eye on your indicator—it may only move slightly when a fish takes the fly. If you feel any hesitation on a tight-line drift, set the hook!
6. Dress Warm & Stay Dry
Layer up! Wear thermal base layers, insulated waders, and fingerless gloves to keep warm. A thermos of hot coffee doesn’t hurt, either.
7. Be Safe & Check Conditions
Winter flows can fluctuate, especially after rain. Always check the Kern River flow reports before heading out. Also, be cautious on icy banks and cold water—hypothermia is a real risk.
Final Tip: Be Patient & Enjoy the Solitude
Winter fishing on the Kern means fewer crowds and beautiful, peaceful scenery. Even if the fish aren’t biting right away, embrace the experience and enjoy the river in its quietest, most serene state.
BITE BAROMETER
Fish are starting to show themselves in different parts of the river as water temps and water levels increase.
KERN RIVER WATER TEMPS 🌡
Around 40 upriver and around 44 in the lower flow section.
WEATHER
The river has settled down to more fishable levels and the water clarity has significantly improved. Euro nymphing is once again a great way to fish along with indicator fishing.
FLOWS
Flows are 642cfs above Fairview and 78cfs in section 5 below the dam and 812cfs in Kernville.
BEST STRETCH
Above the Johnsondale Bridge if you have the time.
GUIDE TIP OF THE WEEK
Trout Spey!
Two handed, trout spey rods are an awesome tool for getting more distance on your cast, whether fishing a bobber, streamer or dry fly. The 11' length will also provide the ability to mend a large amount of line at a distance, setting you up with longer drifts.
The river will most likely not drop under 600cfs until after runoff in June or even July. At this level there is a lot of water on the far side of the river that gets untouched. The trout spey will give you the advantage of reaching water that very few anglers fish, increasing your chances of bites and potentially bigger fish!!
I've been fishing the Redington Claymore 11' 3" 3wt. (5wt trout rod equivalent), paired with the Redington Rise 5-6 reel and the 4wt. Rio Switch Chucker line.
TYING FLIES FOR THE KERN RIVER
BUCKY CADDIS
Learn to tie a Bucky Caddis with Ryan Buhler.
RECOMMENDED FLY PATTERNS
RECOMMENDED GEAR
EXPANDED GUIDE INTEL
Fantastic weather has unofficially ended our winter conditions on the river!! As water temps creep up into the mid 40's and with daytime temps in the 70's, it definitely feels like spring has sprung.
The morning bite is still slow, but afternoon action is definitely increasing during the Baetis or Blue Wing Olive mayfly hatch that occurs from 1:30-2:30pm each day. A few fish have been rising to the emergers and adults each day, so it pays to have a second rod pre-rigged with a dry fly like a Cripple Mayfly, Parachute Adams or Sparkle Adams in size #16-18. The first hydropsyche caddis of the year are also emerging in small numbers and the Elk Hair Caddis has been able to raise a few fish, too. Be ready for the March Brown hatch to explode in the next week or two, since we are seeing an abundance of mature nymphs and an adult or two emerging already. Skwala Stones are still hatching in low numbers and trout are definitely enjoying the nymphs like the Nymph Head Evo Golden, Tungsten Golden Stone and Kauffie Cup in size #8-12, outside of the mayfly hatch period. During the hatch the Soft Hackle Slim Shiny, Copper Nymph Soft Hackles and P.T. Soft Hackles are getting more attention.
With flows still over 600cfs in section 6, you're going to want to stay with at least an AB split along with your tungsten nymphs to get your flies down to the fish. Try moving your bobber closer to your flies during the hatch as many of the active fish have been looking up and moving more aggressively when the bugs are emerging into adults.
Section 5 has more friendly flows of 70cfs where a BB or #1 split will be a better choice in the deeper runs.
Spring like weather is forecast for the next couple weeks. If you've been waiting for warmer weather and a better chance at hooking into some Kern River Rainbows, now is the time!!!
Some photos from recent guided trips on the Upper Kern with guides Rob, Ryan & Dan O!
Call the shop (760) 376-2040 or book online.
KERNVILLE WEATHER Feb 27th - March 6th
FLOW RATES
KERN- PRIVATE LAKE
BITE BAROMETER
KERN- PRIVATE LAKE WATER TEMPS 🌡
Water temps continue to be between 50 to 55 degrees.
GUIDE TIP OF THE WEEK
We are still effectively fishing streamers catching bass, crappie and bluegill.
RECOMMENDED FLY PATTERNS
RECOMMENDED GEAR
EXPANDED GUIDE INTEL
We have been using mostly olive buggers with a floating line with no weight below in the middle of the day.
Guided trips on Private Lake with Guy Jeans.
Call the shop (760) 376-2040 or book online.
Lower Kern Flows outside the Kern Canyon
Last week's video report!
LOWER OWENS
LOWER OWENS WATER TEMPS 🌡
Around 30 - 40 degrees Farenheit
FLOWS
80cfs
BEST STRETCH
HWY 168 to Tinemaha Resorvoir
RECOMMENDED FLY PATTERNS
RECOMMENDED GEAR
EXPANDED GUIDE INTEL
Flows dropped again in the middle of the week to 80cfs and action was very steady! The whole river opens up with flows at this level and fish often pack into the deeper slots and runs. Nymphing has been steady all day and a decent Blue Wing Mayfly hatch at 12:30 is bringing a few fish to the surface.
The Walts Worm and Flashback Hares Ears were hard to beat for steady action when nymphing. P.T.'s, Frenchies and flashy Perdigons are always a good back up.
A BB or #1 split will help get your small flies down when bobber fishing. A 3.5-4.0mm tungsten bead is ideal for Euro Nymphing to help get flies down, but not too heavy to interfere with a quality drift.
ANNUAL REPORT MEMBER DISCOUNT:
Make sure to use your VIP Fly Fishing Annual Report Member Discount!
Save 15% storewide - all the time! We also PRICE MATCH. Your code was automatically emailed to you when you signed up. If you cannot find it, simply contact us and we can provide it to you as long as you have an annual membership. We carry everything you need to have the best experience possible, thank you for choosing us! Shop here
Lost & Found:
If you've lost an item or found someone else's gear email the shop at kernriverflyshop1@gmail.com so we can help our fellow friends get back to fishing.
Fishing Report by guides, Dan Ocampo, Ryan and Rob Buhler and Guy Jeans
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