Ming Lake - Bakersfield, CA

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.