A true local store that has everything you need for a great day on the river. The shop manager was…read morewelcoming and gave us a few tips. The had plenty of options at good prices and had an assortment of clinics to try. Now, if you are looking to get into the places the local fish then you'll need a guide. Look no further than Rob Buhler! My son wanted to learn to fly fish for his birthday and I hadn't picked up a rod for 20 years. Rob gave us a fantastic, practical four hour lesson on the river. He took his time teaching fundamentals and made every cast fun. Rob was incredibly knowledgeable about the river, fish, fauna, and the geological history of the area. In addition, he was huge on safety and environmental protection which was a massive positive. Don't think twice about asking for Rob the next time you're in the Kernville area and need a pro. He was so committed to the craft and gave off the vibe of the cool uncle everyone wants to have around. A real gift to the area and we're so glad the shop has folks like him on staff.

Guy's 2-Day Nymphing Clinic. December 2025 I went to the Kern River to spend the weekend fly…read morefishing. My first stop was to the Kern River Fly Shop to get some advice about flies and pick up a few that were working at that time and for the area I intended to fish. While in the shop I opted to sign up for the mailing list to help get reacquainted with the sport. Twenty plus years ago I considered myself a fair fly fisher. Over the years I spent less and less time on the water so when I visited last December, unsurprisingly, I was seriously out of practice. I spent time practicing my cast but needed help in an area I have always struggled with, nymph fishing. The shop sends out emails about various clinics so I signed up for the two day clinic and it was worth it. Guy started by going over the basics including key knots to set up our nymph leaders then building them for ourselves and before lunch we were out testing them out. After lunch more knowledge shared and more fishing. The class was small, five of us, and I felt he spent time with each us zeroing in on what each of us needed both in the water and out. We all walked away with a booklet he provided with key info including the knots, leaders, entomology of the area, and more. We also were provided the leaders and some other goodies and most importantly for me, a MUCH better understanding of nymph casting techniques, the skills to identify the right fly and an added bonus some great placed to fish on the Kern. Last but surely not least, Guy is really personable. He is easy to get along with, has a great sense of humor and most importantly adept at communicating what he knows. I walked away with a full tool kit of skills and am now considering his surf clinic. I live not far from the beach and had never considered saltwater fly fishing, but I am now. A final goodie I got to share with family and friends, a video he posted (with my expressed permission): https://youtube.com/shorts/4Xxio-4EoD0?si=65rLSPFaFBBP1jX6

Really enjoy this park very clean restrooms the park area is nice they have clean basketball…read morecourts, the play ground has a workout area but the play ground is for little kids probably out grown my kids. River area nice and calming

This place is beautiful, well kept, clean and very relaxing. Great for families, fishing & fun!read more

Oh how I completely love the Kern River!! I have been going for 24 years. It has never been as…read morebeautiful and full as it is now. One of my dearest friends is a seasoned river rafter. When we go river rafting, we mainly stay @ Headquarters or Sandy Flat Campground. This past weekend, we stayed at Sandy Flat. It was amazing. It is right off the river. The river was full and had power. I will add official stats by this weekend. My favorite group of runs is called The Jungle. (I will fact check this). I think that a great run was called Dilly. It is a class 4!! OMGoodness, it was wild & fun. Once more rafters arrived we went on another run. I will get the official names. One is named ... something Deli. Anyways, EPIC FUN. I forgot my wetsuit. I just went on June 3rd. The water was C O L D. Our guide, Doug, told us NOT to bring our phones. I wish I would have remembered my Go - Pro. We were lucky that the 178 reopened for the drive home. It was 93 degrees. I was mesmerized by the river. I couldn't stop watching it on the drive home.

The Kern River is beautiful…read more This review is based on a first timers camping visit. Coming up here from San Diego we didn't really know what to expect other than we might have an opportunity to tube down the river. So everyone in our group brought river tubes. That was our first miscalculation. Aperently tubing depends on the season, recent weather conditions, and various natural events that really narrow the scope of when you can tube safety. Also consider how you plan to get back up to your campsite after you tube down the river a few miles.. Ideally you rent tubes from a company that also shuttles you back up the river. If you don't want to rent tubs someone in your group has to pick you up and drive you back, which is a pain. There is no cell service and no uber... The Kern River is best suited for kayaking and rafting. There are many companies in kernville that offer those services. Camping. If you're looking to camp along the river during the summer you need to think about booking in January. During our stay mid-June, the entire river was booked solid.. We stayed at Sandy Flats campgroup which had a small beach area by the river. Litter bugs. One of the most discouraging things to see along the river was the amount of trash that people leave behind. The number one item? Used diapers.. If you can manage to visit midweek, and be prepared to use a kayak/rafting company you will have an epic time. Note - Sequoia National Park is about an hours drive away. Makes for a great day trip.

I live here in Bakersfield for almost two years the fishing sucks even way up here in the kern…read moreriver I fished all the way up from the bridge all the way down from the river no fish I used flies and everything else and nothing. but the scenery is beautiful and dangerous at the same time really rocky if you want to catch fish try the kings river and upper kings there's lots of life in that river and wild life everywhere all year round up there take the 99 hwy to the 180 hwy it's a drive but worth it

LOVED IT ! Awesome spot right on the Kern River on your way to johnsondale and the trail of 100…read moreGiants

I am 56 yrs young and It was my first time white water rafting, the crew gave all of us great…read moreinstructions and made the learning experience fun even before we got into our rafts, when we did start rafting there system of starting at lower level rapids is perfect to get us used to taking instructions and maneuvering the raft through the river, then as we went up the river and the level of rapids increased so did the excitement and fun plus some adrenaline infusion, all of the guides were good but I think our guides Miles and Dillon were the best , THANKS GUYS YOU ROCK

The three of us booked the half day Kern Class IV 'Big 5' trip online. As someone who was…read morecompletely new to white water rafting, I was a little nervous, but this is a great trip for beginners. It does help to be familiar with the water as you will get wet and there are 2 - 3 spots where you can swim in the river with a life jacket on while the raft flows behind you. Shout out to Mauricio for keeping us safe and being a great guide.

Capt JT was a fantastic guide. I came from MN to take my son and 2 grandsons on their first pacific…read morecharter fish. The youngest is 4 and Capt JT was so awesome with both boys. We saw a lot of fish we have never seen before and had a very memorable day. Thank you Capt JT for helping us make amazing memories together.

There's not enough that can be said about fishing with Capt. JT!…read more1st, just out of the harbor you'll know you're safe and on the way to an incredible experience. Then, relax while your knowledgeable captain cruises you along out to the islands. Your choice or his for what you're targeting, but you'll enjoy the day either way. This was our 3rd trip with Capt. JT and there will be many more.

3 of us did the jungle run, pretty tame and was great for a first time river rafting trip…read more Tour guide Ezra was awsome - funny, patient and clear communicator. Highly recommend!

They went above and beyond to undue the doodle by the third party who scheduled our reservation…read more Rather than telling us, "Too bad, so sad we got your money, not our problem," they stepped up and added us to another trip later in the day that was already sold out. They saved the day for my daughter's first CLASS IV trip. Thank you Daneya for running the show and taking care of us on our second trip in two days. You guys are the best!

Riverkern General Store is one of those places that makes you want to come back every time you're…read morein the Kern River area. The staff is genuinely friendly, welcoming, and always willing to help. The store has everything you could need--from camping and fishing supplies to snacks, drinks, and groceries--and the deli is outstanding. The tri-tip is incredible, and everything tastes fresh and homemade. It's the perfect stop whether you're grabbing breakfast before a day on the river or picking up supplies for your trip. The small-town atmosphere and excellent customer service make this place a true local gem. I can't recommend it enough! Riverkern General Store and Deli is an absolute must-visit when you're in the Kern River area.

1. Not closed. Open and amazing. 2. This little store has…read morejust about anything you might need on a trip, whether it's because you forgot to bring it up with you or you just want to pack light and buy stuff here and at very reasonable prices. 3. TRI TIP!!! We stayed across the street at the Sequoia Lodge, and in the morning you can see them start the smoker and that sweet smell... Their little restaurant is phenomenal. The various hot sauces are a great touch, but the service and smiles that come with it are the cherry on top. Anything with tri-tip, but especially the breakfast burrito and their French toast (no tri tip, lol) are to die for.

So much fun. Lower Kern Class 2/3. Perfect for first timers and families…read more Our guide, Glen, was like a Kern River/County History professor. Jumping in the water and floating with the current, Rock jumping and hitting some good rapids with the occasional hole. Emily, our Trip Leader, was great. My 3rd experience with Sierra South. Highly recommended

Another 5 star adventure!…read more My family has made a (near) annual visit to Kernville for the past 10 years and we try to book a rafting experience. Today my family of four enjoyed another trip down the lower Kern and several class 3 & 4 rapids. We were treated well, the guides were professional, and we all felt safe. Looking forward already to our trip next year!