BY MIKE STEVENS
KERNVILLE— Flows on the upper Kern River remain a little elevated, but they are coming down and the river is not only fishable, but it’s fishing very well for wild trout.
“We’re finally back to excellent fishing and aggressive native rainbows,” said Guy Jeans of Kern River Fly Shop. “Flows are down to 1,200cfs above Fairview Dam and between 600- and 800cfs in section 5 with clear, 60-degree water. Anywhere you can find a driftable run has a potential for multiple bites. Dry-droppers are getting lots of action with jumbo stones like the Salmon and Golden Half Cockeds drawing strikes daily. It’s also a good idea to follow up with a bobber or Euro(4.0-5.5mm tungsten point) setup to entice the fish not willing to move as far for their food. Yellow Sallies are hatching in the evenings giving you a good opportunity to get some on the dry or double-dry rigs.”
Recent fishing on in the 20 Mile Section of the Kern River was highlighted by a flawless brown trout caught by a client of guide Rob Buhler of Kern River Fly Shop in Kernville. There are also great numbers of smaller, wild rainbows with the occasional 12 to 14 incher in the mix in this zone. The best stretch seems to be between Fairview Dam and the Powerhouse.
Daytime temps are reaching the 90s, and with the flows where they are, most anglers are opting to pass on wading and get after it from shore or perched up on a rock. Targeting eddies and bubble or foam lines has been productive of late. Anglers heading up to the area should stop by Kern River Fly Shop for the absolute latest on conditions, tactics and fly patterns before hitting the river.
