Kern River & Lake Isabella Fishing Reports & Locations
by Road and Reel
Check the Kern River flows
500 – 1200 CFS
Lower flows. Great for eager first timers and experienced rafters. Class III+ whitewater.
1200 – 1700 CFS
Medium flows. Great for aggressive first timers and experienced rafters. Plenty of Class III & IV whitewater.
1700 – 4000 CFS
Medium-high flows. Great for experienced rafters and a few aggressive first timers. Plenty of Class III & IV+whitewater.
4000 – 8000 CFS
High flows. Challenging Class IV+ whitewater, exciting for experienced rafters. Big waves and swift moving water.
Above 8000 CFS
Extreme high flows. Fast moving water, with powerful waves and long rapids. Experience is highly recommended.
Trips at these levels are best for very aggressive people who are not afraid of falling
into a very fast river with long rapids.
CFS: Cubic Feet per Second
Current Kern River Fishing Report
February 2025
Kern River fly fishing (and some gear fishing) report for February 2025. The flows are fluctuating between storms, but the fishing is picking up. I think it will get really good in the next month before the runoff starts. Hit between the campgrounds for natives and focus on deep runs/holes with good riffles for the best luck. Hit under rocks and cutbanks during these higher flows. Check out the videos below for all Kern River fishing locations you should know and a look at the campgrounds with the best fishing. Good luck out there and be safe!
Well… you asked for it, so here it is. Join me as I walk you through my OnX Hunt map of fishing locations along the Lower and Upper Kern River and Lake Isabella.
Starting in Kernville and making our way up to Limestone Campground, I show you what I feel are the best locations to camp with your family along the upper Kern River. I also go through the fishing and swimming holes along the upper Kern River as well.
Road and Reel 
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