Trout Fishing Small Creeks leading to the Upper Kern River
When the Kern River runs high, you can find wild rainbow trout — but it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Back in the mid 20-teens the upper Kern River was my home waters, especially that long, familiar twenty-mile stretch above Kernville. It was Fourth of July weekend, but the winter before had been unusually wet and snowy, so all the rivers were running dangerously fast and high. My intuition nudged me toward the high country above the Johnsdale Bridge to scout the smaller creeks that feed into the North Fork Kern River. With a folded paper map I’d bought from the Kern River Fly Shop spread out before me — this was long before apps like OnX Hunting and TroutRoutes — I carefully studied the contours and drainages with earnest attention and picked out a few creeks that looked especially promising. The creeks I discovered were Nobe Young, Bone, Long Meadow Creek, and Dry Meadow Creek; each proved memorable in its own way, possessing distinct character, hidden pools, quiet riffles, and a slow, compelling hush that made every bend feel like a new invitation.
Nobe Young Falls Sierra Nevadas California
Just past the Johnsdale Campground a narrow road branches off toward the Little Kern River trailhead FS Route 22S82. Along that lane the scenery makes you reminisce about days before modern cars, when travel was slow and what must have been torturous treks across the high country. Small creeks cross the road and tumble toward the Kern far below, their riffles and plunge pools promising life. I pulled over a few times to glass for trout; the water looked inviting, so I set up my short fly rod and began working the pocket water. At first my shadow and heavy steps sent a few fish darting back into the rocks, proof they were wild and far more wary than the planted stockers found in other parts of the Kern. That’s when I reverted to what my father taught me: low profile, slow deliberate steps, and the kind of stealth that lets the water—and the fish—accept you.
Nobe Young Creek — as you drive in you’ll first notice a waterfall and a series of deep pools that hold fish. There you may encounter people taking pictures of the waterfall or swimming in the chilled waters.I fished both above and below the falls. Below the waterfall the terrain is steep and the creek runs fast, with pocket waters that hold plenty of rainbow trout; it’s best fished with small nymphs. Above the waterfall the creek is a bit more manageable, and the climb up is well worth it. The trout were teeming in the pools there and readily took my elk hair caddis.
Bone Creek — Much like Nobe Young Creek, the terrain drops away steeply from the road. Hike in a short distance, though, and Bone Creek eases into gentler runs making it much more fishable, especially where Long Meadow Creek comes in near Camp Whitsett BSA. Expect plenty of Rainbow Trout around the six‑inch mark and the occasional healthy eight‑inch fish. The channel is thick with manzanita, sagebrush and willows, so watch your step and be cautious for snakes.
Long Meadow Creek — the name of this creek is deceiving. Yes, there is a meadow on the west side of the road, but reaching it requires a brutal hike and the water there holds no notable fish. On the east side the creek drops away sharply, making it very difficult to descend to the narrow, fishable ribbon below. The stretch above where it joins Bone and Nobe Young creeks offers excellent fishing, but it’s nearly impossible to reach for the average angler.
Dry Meadow Creek — I fished two sections of the stream: the upper reaches and the lower stretch where Nobe Young Creek drains in, the combined flow eventually finding its way into the Kern River. The upper section has less water but easier access since it crosses the forest service road, and under the pine canopy the shaded banks make for comfortable, steady fishing. I had success catching a few dozen wild rainbows beneath those pines, though be aware there is private property on one side of the creek so do not trespass. The lower section of Dry Meadow Creek is for the serious angler who is extremely fit — the waters are much larger where the creeks merge, but it’s a long, steep and dry hike to reach it. That being said, the effort is absolutely worth it: I brought to net 31 rainbows and released many more from long casts. There are long runs, pocket water and open meadows throughout this lower stretch, offering varied water and frequent opportunities.
These small creeks are just a part of many that run through the southern sierras. See other blogs such Golden trout of California, South Fork of Kern River, Big meadows for other uncrowded fishing spots in the area.
Here are a few resources to make fishing this area safer and more productive-
*Words of Recommendations and Caution-
Catch And Release all trout
Get permission in advance if crossing private property and Boy scout camp
4 wheel drive essential if going on dirt forest roads
Bring plenty of water or a water purification straw
Emergency communication device
Sturdy shoes
