How to Swing Flies on the Upper Kern River
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
How to Swing Flies on the Upper Kern River
Swinging flies is one of the most enjoyable ways to cover water on the Upper Kern River. Instead of constantly dead-drifting nymphs, you cast down and across, let the current swing the fly through likely holding water, and work your way downstream one step at a time. In this video, Guy Jeans explains the gear, rig, and method he uses to swing flies effectively on the Kern.
Watch the full video here: Fly Fishing Techniques: The Art of Swinging Flies.
The Basic Swinging Setup
Guy’s setup in the video is designed to get flies down quickly and keep them fishing through the swing. The rig includes a floating fly line paired with a sinking leader system, short tippet, a small amount of weight, and two Wooly Bugger-style flies.
The video mentions a 9-foot 4-weight rod, with a 5-weight also being a good choice. The line setup includes a floating line and a RIO Trout VersiLeader, which helps sink the flies without requiring a full sinking line. A short tippet section helps keep the flies in the zone rather than riding too high.
For flies, Guy uses classic beadhead Wooly Buggers, including olive and black patterns. These patterns suggest baitfish, leeches, and larger aquatic food sources that trout may chase in moving water.
How to Swing the Fly
The basic technique is straightforward. Cast downstream and across at about a 45-degree angle. Let the current catch the line and swing the flies across the river in an arc. When the swing finishes and the line straightens below you, strip the flies back slightly, then cast again.
The rhythm is simple: cast, swing, step. After each swing, take a step downstream and repeat. This lets you cover the run methodically and find where trout are holding.
Where Trout Hold During Summer
In summer conditions, trout often look for oxygenated water and comfortable holding zones. Guy points anglers toward areas where shallow water drops into deeper pools and where current creates oxygen and food delivery. Those transition zones can be especially productive when water temperatures rise.
Swinging flies is useful because it covers those edges efficiently. Instead of making one cast to one small pocket, you work a broader arc and give fish a moving target.
Summer Trout Safety Comes First
The most important part of the video is the fish-care message. During hot weather, get on the water early and get off early. Guy recommends stopping by late morning when temperatures climb because warm water stresses trout and increases the risk of post-release mortality.
If you are fishing the Upper Kern in summer, carry a thermometer, fish the coolest part of the day, land fish quickly, keep them wet, and stop when conditions are no longer safe.
Get the Right Gear Before You Go
Swinging flies is simple, but the right setup helps. A sinking VersiLeader, appropriate tippet, split shot, and the right Wooly Buggers can make the technique much more effective.
Before your next Upper Kern trip, stop by Kern River Fly Shop in Kernville or visit https://www.kernriverflyshop.com/ for local advice, flies, leaders, and current river conditions
Comments