Kings River (Upper/Middle Forks)
river in California
High elevation, roadless sections provide a true backcountry experience, requiring hiking or horseback access.
What's working on Kings River
- 01Strong Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches providing dry fly opportunities.
- 02Increasing midge activity, with trout keying into tiny subsurface morsels.
- 03Nymphing and streamer presentations are highly effective for active fish.
- 04Trout are concentrated in deeper pools, slower runs, and behind current breaks due to lower flows.
- 05A versatile dry-dropper rig is recommended, adjusting depth based on fish activity.
What to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Strong BWO hatches are expected in fall, especially on overcast days, providing excellent dry fly opportunities for selective trout.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
A versatile nymph that imitates various active mayfly nymphs, a consistent food source in the river during fall.
Jujubaetis
Baetis nymphs are active year-round and are a primary food source, particularly during fall BWO hatches.
Buy at AmazonSchroeder’s Parachute Hopper
Terrestrial activity, particularly with grasshoppers, can still be strong in early fall along grassy banks, attracting opportunistic trout.
Griffith's Gnat
Midge activity increases as temperatures drop in the fall, making this midge cluster imitation effective for rising fish.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a consistent and primary food source year-round, and this nymph pattern is highly effective subsurface as temperatures cool.
Buy at AmazonOlive Woolly Bugger
Streamers are highly effective in fall for targeting larger, aggressive trout, imitating leeches and baitfish in cooler waters.
Where to fish and who to ask
Below Boyden Cave
Easier access to the Middle Fork with consistent flows and wild trout.
Cedar Grove
Access point within Kings Canyon National Park, offering numerous runs and pools.
Junction with Roaring River
Confluence point providing varied water and good trout habitat.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Sierra Trout Magnet Fly Shop
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California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Quick answers
Common questions about Kings River (Upper/Middle Forks).
What flies work best on Kings River (Upper/Middle Forks)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Kings River (Upper/Middle Forks) right now are Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun (80% confidence), Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph (80% confidence), Jujubaetis (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Kings River (Upper/Middle Forks)?
Kings River (Upper/Middle Forks) holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Kings River (Upper/Middle Forks) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Kings River (Upper/Middle Forks) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.