Buena Vista Lakes Fish Report for 3-20-2026
Anglers were still picking off the remaining planted trout at BV
Buena Vista Lakes - Bakersfield, CA (Kern County)

by Chad Burton and Chris Borden
3-20-2026
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Anglers were still picking off the remaining planted trout at BV, with a few quality rainbows reported. Garlic-scented dough bait continued to produce the most consistent bites, while some anglers also found success trolling small swimbaits and spoons. Largemouth bass moved further into shallow water as pre-spawn and spawning activity increased. Weightless Senkos, Texas-rigged six-inch worms, chatterbaits, and brush hogs all produced fish. Crappie were taken with small swimbaits, mini jigs, and small live minnows, and catfish action remained steady on chicken liver and dip bait.
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More Reports
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, March 20th
California Aqueduct: Anglers reported a steady striper bite
Castaic Lake: The bite has not fully taken off at Castaic yet
Pyramid Lake, CA: Pyramid remained at full capacity with water temperatures in the upper fifties
Lake Isabella: Lake Isabella has increased to 51 percent of its storage capacity this week
Kern River: Water flows on the Upper Kern River have increased this week but remain very fishable
Lake Kaweah: Better bites still coming from deeper water
Lake Success: Newly submerged trees and bushes created excellent ambush points for bass
River Walk Lakes: As water temperatures continue to rise, bass are beginning to push into shallower water
Ming Lake: Bass are moving onto beds, and anglers are reporting excellent fishing
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, March 13th
California Aqueduct: Anglers along the aqueduct reported an improved striper bite
Castaic Lake: Bass fishing was good in 7 to 15 feet of water
Pyramid Lake, CA: The lake rose to 92 percent of its storage capacity following the winter drawdown
Lake Isabella: The bass bite has been solid
Kern River: Water flows on the Upper Kern River have increased slightly over the past few days
Lake Kaweah: Anglers reported an improving bite
Lake Success: Crappie fishing improved again last week
River Walk Lakes: As water temperatures continue to rise, bass are beginning to move into shallower water
Ming Lake: The bass bite has been improving each day
Buena Vista Lakes: Anglers continued to catch the last of the recently planted trout at BV
Hart Park Lake: Anglers reported decent fishing at Hart Park
Lake Nacimiento: Fishing was very good as local teams reported boating up to 100 bass in a single outing
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