Ming Lake - Bakersfield, CA

Lake Information

Fish Species: Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass
Ming Lake, located in Hart Memorial Park near Bakersfield, is a well-managed public fishing lake offering consistent angling opportunities throughout the year. Stocked with rainbow trout from fall through spring, it also supports strong populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie.

Trout are most active between November and March and are commonly caught using PowerBait, salmon eggs, or small lures. Early mornings and evenings offer the best bite, especially near the dam and fishing pier. Warmwater species take over in spring and summer, with largemouth bass spawning in the shallows from April through June. Popular tactics include fishing soft plastics, jigs, and topwater lures along weed edges and submerged structure.

Bluegill and crappie provide steady action for shore anglers and kids, particularly in warmer months using worms or jigs under floats. Channel catfish, stocked periodically, are active in summer and can be caught using cut bait, liver, or dough baits fished on the bottom.

The lake features shoreline access, a fishing dock, restrooms, and picnic areas. Electric boats, kayaks, and float tubes are allowed. Ming Lake’s blend of species diversity, frequent trout plants, and urban accessibility make it a go-to fishery for local anglers and families alike.

With regular stocking, a mix of species, and convenient urban access, Ming Lake continues to be one of Kern County’s most dependable freshwater fisheries.



Latest Photos

2-18-2025
8 lbs. 8 oz.
Eugene Salinas
2-18-2025
11-15-2024
11-15-2024

Ming Lake Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Channel Catfish 11 lbs. 7-16-2024 View Report
Largemouth Bass 8 lbs. 8 oz. 2-18-2025 View Report
Largemouth Bass 8 lbs. 1 oz. 6-09-2024 View Report
Largemouth Bass 7 lbs. 9 oz. 5-05-2024 View Report
Largemouth Bass 6 lbs. 1 oz. 11-15-2024 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSourceTotal Pounds
4-28-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
4-07-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
3-17-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
2-16-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
2-09-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
6-20-2025 Bass have been hitting topwater lures during the early morning and late afternoon hours
Bass have been hitting topwater lures during the... more »
Chad Burton and Chris Borden
6-13-2025 Fishing at Ming Lake has been productive this week
Fishing at Ming Lake has been productive this... more »
Chad Burton and Chris Borden
6-6-2025 Bass fishing at Lake Ming has been very good this week
Bass fishing at Lake Ming has been very... more »
Chad Burton and Chris Borden
5-30-2025 Anglers reported very good bass fishing, with reports of multiple catches over 5 pounds
Anglers reported very good bass fishing, with reports... more »
Chad Burton and Chris Borden
5-23-2025 Anglers reporting excellent action for bigger fish with swimbaits and top water
Here at Ming, bass fishing was notably productive,... more »
Chad Burton and Chris Borden

Detailed Map