Lower South Fork Kern River

Other Local Favorites:

Dry Flies:
Parachute Adams #16-18
Olive Caddis #16-18
Black Gnat #16

Nymph Flies:
Kern Emerger #8-16
Prince Nymph #16-20
Copper John's #18-20
Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-18
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear #14-18

Directions:

The Lower SF Kern is just three hours from Los Angeles and one hour from Bakersfield and Ridgecrest. The two main ways to enter into the Lower SF Kern are, from the west, via Bakersfield on Highway 178, through the scenic Kern River Canyon, or from Highway 14 to Highway 178, and then over the historic Walker Pass, from the east.

Notes:
This area was first discovered by Joseph Walker in 1835 while he attempted to find a southern crossing to the Sierra Nevada. Walker Pass is located off the headwaters of Canebrake Creek, a tributary of the Lower South Fork Kern river. The South Fork Kern flows into the South Fork Valley from the canyon waters below Roadhouse Basin. The lower elevations warm up the waters of the South Fork so that most trout do not reside within this section. During the winter months, some Rainbows may migrate up the river from Lake Isabella. Most of the fish found within the Lower South Fork Kern are Carp, Green Sunfish and Black Crappie. However, the only native fish is probably the Sacramento Pike Minnow.

Fishing Regulations (Effective March 1st, 2021)

Lower SF Kern River:

From the last Saturday in April through November 15, 5 trout daily bag limit, 10 trout in possession; and, from November 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April, 0 trout bag limit, artificial lures with barbless hooks only and trout must be released unharmed and not removed from the water.

Local Rivers and Streams:

From the last Saturday in April through November 15, 5 trout daily bag limit, 10 trout in possession; and, from November 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April, 0 trout bag limit, artificial lures with barbless hooks only and trout must be released unharmed and not removed from the water.

All other Lakes:

Open all year. No restrictions. 5 trout.

Fishing Map Available

South Fork Kern 1&2

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