The Kern River is a premier fishing destination in California's southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering anglers diverse opportunities in a stunning natural setting. From its headwaters at Mt. Whitney, the river flows through Sequoia National Forest, forms Lake Isabella, and continues south toward Bakersfield. Known for its productive trout fishing, particularly in the upper sections, the Kern presents both easy action for stocked fish and more challenging experiences for wild trout. The river's character changes dramatically as it flows downstream, with the Upper Kern providing excellent trout habitat, while the Lower Kern holds populations of both trout and warmwater species.
Learn what type of fish are at Kern River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Micropterus henshalli
Ameiurus melas
Lepomis macrochirus
Ameiurus nebulosus
Ictalurus punctatus
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Cyprinus carpio
Oncorhynchus aguabonita
Lepomis cyanellus
Lepomis microlophus
Archoplites interruptus
Ptychocheilus grandis
Micropterus punctulatus
Ameiurus catus
Pomoxis annularis
Ameiurus natalis
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabLearn how to get on Kern River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Kern River, and when to apply.
Forks of the Kern
Reservation permit · Non-motorized boats · Required May 15 to Sep 15
Launches on the Wilderness and Forks runs from May 15 to Sep 15 need a permit, up to 15 people a day, released each year on Mar 15.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Sequoia National Forest
Riverkern Beach to Kernville
Registration · Private trips · Required year-round
Every private boat on the Upper Kern from Riverkern Beach to Kernville needs a free use permit, picked up in person.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Sequoia National Forest
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
In California, anyone under the age of 16 or above is required to get a sport fishing license to take any fish; shell fish, reptile or amphibian in the state.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
The courts have described the reach of the California public right of navigation as “the right to navigate and to exercise the incidents of navigation in a lawful manner at any point below high water mark” on waters that satisfy California’s small craft test. Thus, property owners cannot interfere with the public’s right to navigate or use shoreline areas below the ordinary high water mark for incidents of navigation. In fact, unauthorized obstruction of the public’s right to access and use a navigable waterway constitutes a public nuisance.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Kern River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Kern River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Kern River and check the forecast before you go.
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