June 12th 2026 - Weekly Fishing Report

Thank you to all the great anglers out there who help contribute to Bakersfield’s only local fishing report. Please send us pictures of your best catches of the week to be featured in next week’s report.

FREE Daiwa Rod & Reel Combo for any dad who brings his kids on a June Cope's charter!

Come fishing with Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop!! We have the best charter giveaways for our anglers! We give away a raffle rod and Cope's Tackle gift card to every fisherman and bring sponsor prizes/giveaways on all our charters! PLUS!! All anglers on Cope's Tackle sponsored trips are automatically entered into our BIG LING OF THE YEAR CONTEST!

Visit our website at Charters and Events to book your spots today!

June 13th (Departs Friday 6/12), 2026 - Overnight Charter w/Black Pearl Sportfishing

June 20th, 2026 - ¾ Day Charter w/Gentleman Sportfishing

June 21st, 2026 - ¾ Day Charter w/Island Fox Sportfishing

July 9th, 2026 - Overnight Charter w/Mirage Sportfishing (Departs 6/8)

July 18th, 2026 - 12 Hour Charter w/Black Pearl Sportfishing

July 23rd, 2026 - Overnight Charter w/Mirage Sportfishing (Departs 7/22)

August 1st, 2026 - ¾ Day Charter w/Gentleman Sportfishing

August 15th, 2026 - 12 Hour Charter w/Black Pearl Sportfishing

September 12th (Departs Friday 9/11), 2026 - Overnight Charter w/Black Pearl Sportfishing

October 10th, 2026 - 12 Hour Charter w/Black Pearl Sportfishing

November 14th, 2026 - 12 Hour Charter w/Black Pearl Sportfishing

December 12th, 2026 - 12 Hour Charter w/Black Pearl Sportfishing

**California Aqueduct**

The bite was good last week for both striped bass and largemouth bass. Bass anglers found active fish in the eddies before and after check gates, while others held near weed beds in the slower-moving sections of the aqueduct. Largemouth bass struck topwater poppers during the morning hours and were later caught on green and brown Roboworms rigged on drop-shots throughout the day. Striped bass responded well to cut sardines and lugworms for bait anglers, while those throwing lures found success with white and shad-colored jerkbaits and swimbaits. Catfishing was excellent after dark, with anglers catching good numbers of fish near outtake grates using chicken liver and cut baits.

**Castaic Lake**

Castaic sat near full pool last week, with water temperatures in the low to mid 70s and an algae bloom reported near Center Point. Bass fishing remained excellent, although anglers had to work a bit harder for bites as both largemouth and smallmouth bass transitioned into a post-spawn pattern and moved into the 10- to 20-foot zone on secondary points. Drop-shot rigs proved to be the most effective presentation due to the slime growing along the lake bottom, while C3 Baits in Purple Haze and Neptune Shad, along with dark green Senko-style baits featuring black and silver flake, accounted for plenty of catches. Striped bass remained somewhat elusive but occasionally struck jerkbaits and swimbaits intended for largemouth bass. Catfish anglers found success using cut sardines and chicken liver, with several striped bass also falling for those same baits.

**Pyramid Lake**

Pyramid Lake remained near full pool last week, with water temperatures in the low 70s and an algae bloom continuing to develop. Striped bass fishing improved for bait anglers, as cut sardines and live worms produced limits for some fishermen, particularly around Yellowbar and the dam. During surface boils, striped bass struck Spooks, poppers, Flukes, spoons, and jerkbaits, while trolling umbrella rigs continued to be a reliable method for targeting larger fish. Bass anglers found success along bluff walls and points in 5 to 20 feet of water using Texas-rigged plastics in brown, dark green, and salt-and-pepper color patterns. The topwater bite remained strong during the early morning hours before slowing as the sun climbed higher, and jerkbaits were especially productive on windy days. Catfish anglers also enjoyed excellent action, catching good numbers of fish on cut baits, chicken liver, and dip bait.

***Isabella Lake***

Lake Isabella has dropped slightly and is currently sitting at approximately 62% capacity, but fishing conditions remain excellent across the lake. The bass bite has been outstanding, with anglers reporting numerous fish over 5 pounds during the past week and a few approaching the double-digit mark. Bass are widely distributed, holding shallow, along points, and around submerged trees. Productive techniques include throwing deep-diving crankbaits, Deep Mavrik and Stunna jerkbaits, green pumpkin/red flake jigs, drop-shot rigs, and Shakey Heads. Topwater presentations and flipping around flooded timber have also been producing quality fish. Crappie fishing continues to be strong, with anglers finding consistent success on minijigs worked around shallow structure and brush. Trout fishing remains productive, particularly in the North Fork area, where anglers are catching fish on chartreuse Keitechs, Hook Up Baits, and spinners, while trollers are doing well with Flicker Shads and Tasmanian Devils. The catfish bite has picked up considerably, especially during the evening hours. Lime Dyke and Engineer’s Point have been producing solid catches on cut bait, dip bait, and nightcrawlers, with both shore and boat anglers reporting steady action.

**Kern River**

The Upper Kern River is running clear with good flows and continues to provide solid trout fishing. Stocked rainbows make up most of the catch, with the occasional brown and wild rainbow mixed in. Salmon eggs, nightcrawlers, Panther Martins, and Rooster Tails have been producing fish, while fly anglers are finding success with Parachute Adams, Stimulators, and beadhead nymphs. The Fairview and Johnsondale Bridge areas have been particularly productive during the morning and evening hours. Lower sections near Kernville are also producing trout around deeper holes and slower runs. With water temperatures reaching the low 60s, the best fis