Ming Lake Fish Report for 1-16-2026
Anglers are seeing good success on trout jigs, garlic-scented Powerbait, and spinners
Ming Lake - Bakersfield, CA (Kern County)

by Chad Burton and Chris Borden
1-16-2026
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CDFW has a trout plant scheduled for next week at Ming Lake. Anglers are seeing good success on trout jigs, garlic-scented Powerbait, and spinners. The bass bite has been fair, with fish being caught on jigs, drop-shot soft plastics, and Ned rigs. Crappie fishing has slowed compared to recent weeks, but fish are still being picked up later in the day on mini jigs and live shiners.
Contact Cope’s Tackle and Rod Shop at 661-679-6351 or check us out online at Tackle and Rod.com
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop has the largest selection of fishing tackle in the Central Valley. We carry all the equipment from top manufactures to make your fishing trip more successful! Whether your fishing for Bluegill at a local pond or Bluefin Tuna far offshore we are your one stop shop for all your fishing needs.
Our mantra here at Cope’s is “for fishermen, by fishermen.” All our staff truly enjoy the sport and spend a lot of time helping make sure you are enjoying your time on the water. We can guarantee satisfaction when you enter our store - from tips and tricks to providing you with all the gear you will need to keep you on the water and in the game!
It is not only our goal to provide you with the right gear, we also strive to keep you informed of local events, trips, shows, and fishing opportunities.
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More Reports
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, January 16th
California Aqueduct: Fishing was decent in the aqueduct with plenty of keeper-sized line-sides
Castaic Lake: Castaic is closed until further notice due to algae
Pyramid Lake, CA: Pyramid Lake sat at 85 percent of its storage capacity, and the water remained muddy and debris filled
Lake Isabella: Crappie fishing has been very good, with fish holding tight to structure and biting well
Kern River: The Upper Kern River is scheduled to receive a trout plant next week in Sections 5 and 6
Lake Kaweah: Kaweah dropped to 18 percent of its storage capacity, and anglers reported fair fishing
Lake Success: Success Lake dropped slightly to 29 percent of its storage capacity, and fishing was fair overall
River Walk Lakes: Anglers are reporting decent action on Powerbait, Mice Tails, spinners, and jigs
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, January 9th
California Aqueduct: The aqueduct bite was fair last week
Castaic Lake: Castaic was closed until further notice due to algae
Pyramid Lake, CA: Pyramid Lake was reported as reopened after recent storm damage
Lake Isabella: Recent storms have raised Lake Isabella to approximately 36 percent of capacity
Kern River: The Upper Kern River received another scheduled CDFW trout plant this week
Lake Kaweah: The lake rose to 21 percent of its storage capacity, and fishing was fair
Lake Success: The lake rose to 30 percent of its storage capacity, and anglers reported tougher bass fishing after recent rains
River Walk Lakes: CDFW has stocked trout two weeks in a row, and trout fishing has been excellent
Ming Lake: CDFW stocked trout again this week, keeping trout fishing productive
Buena Vista Lakes: Fishing was decent last week at BV with trout, crappie, and largemouth all taking baits
Hart Park Lake: Hart Park anglers tested the waters after recent storms and found largemouth to be the best bet
Lake Nacimiento: Naci rose to 46 percent of its storage capacity, and anglers reported fair to good fishing
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