Lake Isabella Fishing Report 2023 [Tips, Spots, Pictures, and Everything You Need to Know]

How To Fish Lake Isabella | Your Lake Isabella Fishing Report

Lake Isabella is a moderately sized lake that sits 154 miles away from Los Angeles and 325 miles away from San Francisco.

Overall it’s a quiet lake and in this post you’re going to be given the blueprint to fish this lake.

So what are the best tips for fishing Lake Isabella? There are three important factors you must know if you want to know how to fish Lake Isabella successfully. First, you need to know what kind of fish is in Lake Isabella. Second, it’s important for you to know which part of the lake each species can be found. Lastly, knowing what are the best baits that work on Lake Isabella is vital. However, tactics, baits, and locations will be different for each type of fish that you target. So let’s talk about the steps you need to take in order to give you the best chance of catching a fish on Lake Isabella.

Key Takeaways

This lake gives locals and visitors the opportunity to test their luck in catching one of the many game species this lake has to offer, such as trout, bass, catfish, bluegill, and much, much more!

Here’s the most recent and updated Lake Isabella Fishing Report – it gives you a quick and easy list of some really good fishing spots. If you’re looking for more detail on how to fish each spot scroll down into the article.

Lake Isabella Dam
Engineer Point
The Flume
Rocky Point
Boulder Gulch & French Gulch
Old Cemetery to Wofford Heights Point
Camp 9
Paradise Point & Paradise Cove

Here are some additional fast and helpful tips just for you:

The easiest way to fish this lake is by boat, but there are areas to fish from the bank, or by kayak or float tube.
There are public boat ramps to use.
Camping and RV parking is available.
You can buy tackle and groceries at the lake or at one of the tackle shops in Bakersfield.

About Lake Isabella

Created by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1953, Lake Isabella is a moderately deep body of water with the average depth being 55 feet and a maximum depth of 185 feet when the lake is completely full. Lake Isabella is shaped like a “V” and each arm is approximately 5-6 miles long and spans over 11,000 acres total. This reservoir serves as a vital water collection project for drinking water, farming, and flood control.

Important Lake Warnings

Algae blooms may be present which may affect fishing, swimming, and water contact in general.

According to parks.ca.gov, “every one of California’s new laws requires boat operators to have a California Boating Card. The card is required for anyone under the age of 41 to operate a boat in California’s waters.”

If you are fishing and camping, fire bans may be in effect due to the ongoing drought conditions.

What Kind Of Fish Are In Lake Isabella

Rainbow Trout
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Spotted Bass
White and Black Crappie
Bluegill and Sunfish
Catfish

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Lake Isabella Fishing Tips & General Strategies

It can be a challenge to break down this body of water… So that’s why I created this Lake Isabella Fishing Report to help you to easily start catching fish fast!

Since this lake is vital for agriculture and drinking water collection the lake level often fluctuates.

The western side of the lake is known as the rocky side and is much deeper, and the eastern arm is more shallow and sandy with more vegetation and exposed brush.

With frequent trout planting efforts, this lake gives anglers a massive opportunity to catch healthy trout.

As with most trout, during the summertime trout prefer the coolest water the lake can provide that is just above the thermocline. And in Lake Isabella anglers commonly report the thermocline being approximately 30-45 feet deep.

The easiest way to catch these silvery fish is to troll with a downrigger.

However, Lake Isabella also has some great bass fishing. Bass are not as pressured as trout is in this lake and you can catch a good size largemouth in the backs of coves or in vegetation. Smallmouth bass prefer rocky terrain such as steep rocky banks, ledges, and drop offs.

Most of the fish such as bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish will spawn in the spring. Bass will spawn in 1’-15’-feet of water notably on rocky structure, gravel flats, humps, and small creek inlets and cuts.

When the summer heat sets in, the bass, bluegill, and crappie will move to deeper water to approximately 15’-30’-feet of water. Focus on drops offs, channels, points, submerged humps. Deeper area with chunk rock ranging from baseball to basketball size will attract predatory fish like bass, crappie and catfish because it provides a safe area the prey (crayfish, bream, and minnows) can hide.

If you can find the ideal spot at the ideal depth then it will most likely assist you in catching fish.

But Where Are The Best Places To Fish At Lake Isabella?

And in no particular order here is that list of the best fishing spots at Lake Isabella.

DISCLAIMER: The material provided is for general information purposes only. It’s important to understand that any information provided in this article can change at any time. Any maps or graphics featured are not to be used as navigational aids. Fishing Blueprint will not be responsible for any personal injury or property damage from any misuse of the maps or graphics provided. It’s completely impossible to give you every single spot where you can potentially catch a fish. But, what this list does do is to give you a helping hand and narrow down to the most productive fishing spots.

Lake Isabella Dam

Fishing in front of Isabelle Dam to the tip of Engineer Point can be outstanding if you’re trolling for trout.

If the water is low, graph the cove just to the west of the dam and you can find deep water humps that rarely get fished.

This section of the lake can get very windy. And even with the best trolling motor the wind can quickly blow you off your spot which will significantly decrease your chances of catching a fish..

That is why we strongly suggest buying a quality drift sock. For those who don’t know, a drift sock is like a parachute for the water. If it’s breezy to windy, you need to slow your drift otherwise your lure will not be in the strike zone long enough to catch a fish.

By the way, we found a really good quality drift sock made by Mythik Outdoors, and best of all they’re sold on Amazon.com. Go here to learn more about drift socks and read the reviews from actual customers.

Some of the effective trout baits for this area include: Fish attractor (ie: flasher or a dodger), Trolling spoons such as a Krocodile spoon, Super Duper, Crippled Herring, Cast Champ, or Hus-Lure. Trolling spoons have an unpredictable, minnow-like motion that delivers bone-crushing strikes. Even the slowest current brings these lures to life. Add extra motion by twitching the rod tip and enabling the bait to pop and dart forward and flutter back.

Inline spinners such as the Bang-Tail and Shyster are non-twist spinners that boast an immediate spin blade design for incredibly rapid start-ups and the best slow retrieve performance.

Many anglers also place their confidence in the Blue Fox Classic Vibrax inline spinner. This little bait is a compact shallow running lure that performs best in 2 to 6 feet of water, depending on the speed of the retrieve or trolling speed. The patented two-part body emits low-frequency sound vibrations that attract fish. This lure is best used in lakes, rivers, and streams.

Minnow style baits also work very well either cast-and-retrieved or trolled. These perform best if the water is clear/slightly stained. The Luhr-Jensen Quick Fish and the Rapala BX minnow are constructed from hard plastic, have a wide wobble action, and are extremely durable. Whereas the Rapala Original Floating Minnow and the Ultra Light Minnow (all are slow sinking) both give you a tighter wobble perfect for clear water and pressured fishing conditions.

Better yet, just buy a complete done-for-you trout lure kit!

Oh, before I forget, did you know that there is an article about how to troll for salmon, trout, and kokanee the right way? Go here to find out more.

Located: south lake

Structural features: steep rocky bank

Best species to target: trout,

Most effective way to fish this spot: boat, kayak

French Gulch

This section features a short cove that is characteristically very steep and its banks are lined with large chunk rock to boulder-size substrate.

Naturally, crawfish, bluegill, minnows, and shad seek shelter in this area.

It’s best to focus your efforts on cuts, points, boulder piles, and transition areas from larger rock to smaller rock size.

The mouth of the gulch is great for trout fishing.

In the back of the cove, largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as crappie will be caught here.

Now if you’re fishing from a boat, float tube, kayak, or even from the shore you should also consider using these trout baits:

A fish attractor (ie: flasher or dodger), trolling spoons, inline spinners, Rapala minnows, Kwik Fish, for trolling or fishing fast moving lures.
Real or artificial corn – great because it will never spoil or mold over
Natural salmon eggs – it’s hard to beat natural salmon eggs when trout are eating them. Sometimes you can go through a couple of jars of these eggs in an hour!

Artificial salmon eggs – great because they float off the bottom – ideal in rocky or grassy conditions
Real worms – such as meal worms or nightcrawlers
Artificial worms – great for trolling and will never die
Dough bait – great because they stay on the hook really well, it floats if you put enough on the hook, come in a variety of colors and scents.
Wet flies (sinking flies) – Wet flies imitate insects that develop and inhabit below the water level before emerging and rising to the surface.
Woolly bugger flies – One of the most popular fly patterns ever is the Woolly Bugger. These mimic small fish, leeches, larvae, and worms.
Steamer flies – These mimic larger animals found in streams, rivers, and lakes including crawfish, larger leeches, and smaller fish.

Effective bass baits for this area include: topwater lures, flutter spoons, buzzbaits, crankbaits, soft plastic swimbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, jerkbaits, swim jigs, hair jigs, and underspin jigs when the bass are aggressive.

If the bass are timid, then drop shot, tubes, Ned rig, Neko rig, Mojo rig, Carolina rig and football jigs are awesome choices.

Located: south lake

Structural features: steep rocky banks

Best species to target: trout, bass, crappie

Most effective way to fish this spot: boat, kayak, shoreline

Engineer Point

Engineer Point features a long main lake point. Its banks are characteristically very steep and made from large chunk rock to boulder-size substrate.

Trout, bass, crappie, pan fish, and catfish are all caught here.

Naturally, crawfish, bluegill, minnows, and shad seek shelter in the large rocks.

Given this embankment’s large area, it’s best to focus your efforts on cuts, points, boulder piles, and transition areas from larger rock to smaller rock size.

Some of the effective baits for trout include:

A fish attractor (ie: flasher or dodger), trolling spoons, inline spinners, Rapala minnows, Kwik Fish for the trout are aggressively feeding and will attack a fast moving lure, and great for trolling.

If the trout are timid, the conditions are calm, or if its in the middle of the afternoon and the trout are deep, I would strongly advise you to use real or artificial corn, natural salmon eggs, artificial salmon eggs, real worms such as meal worms or nightcrawlers, artificial worms, and dough bait if you’re fishing from the shoreline or from a boat.

Wet flies (sinking flies), Woolly bugger flies, and Steamer flies all work great to mimic small fish, leeches, larvae, and worms.

If the bass are timid, then drop shot, tubes, Ned rig, Neko rig, Mojo rig, Carolina rig and football jigs are awesome choices.

Located: middle section of the lake

Structural features: long rocky bank

Best species to target: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish

Most effective way to fish this spot: boat, kayak, float tube, shoreline (or off the dock)

The Flume

The “Flume”, also known as the Boreal Canal is a large man-made structure that served as an irrigation canal before the lake was created. The concrete canal is unique because it has large raised berms that elevate it above the ground, kinda like roadbeds.

It travels from north to south, starting at Wofford Heights and down all the way to the auxiliary dam.

This large structure should be fished as if you were fishing a submerged roadbed.

Start by scanning for bait fish at a specific depth. Starting shallow and working your way deeper.

Next, look for larger fish holding near or close to the flume. Bass will hold more horizontally, maybe 2-3 fish high, max. However crappie will school together more vertically.

If you’re not having any luck, quickly search for other structures the Flume transects like an old bridge, a drainage ditch, or a culvert.

Bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish are often caught in the shallower sections of the Flume. Conversely, trout will be caught in the deeper sections.

Located: Eastern shoreline (runs parallel), north to south.

Structural features: elevated man-made structure

Best species to target: bass, crappie

Most effective way to fish this spot: boat, kayak, float tube

Look carefully at this spot with low water level. This is the NORTH end of the Flume…

Now look at this spot submerged when the lake is at normal pool…

Look carefully at this spot with low water level. This is the SOUTH end of the Flume…

Now look at this spot submerged when the lake is at normal pool…

Rocky Point

This part of the lake is home to one of the best long points with rocky riprap structure on its banks.

The tip of this point is covered in thick chunk rock, in which the size can range from small boulders to basketball sized rock (also known as “rip rap”).

The point is characteristically steep and crawfish, bluegill, minnows, and shad seek shelter in this area, which in turn attract bass and other predatory fish.

It’s best to focus your efforts on cuts, piles of rock that create a ‘point on the point’, fishing the largest of boulders in that area, as well as, the transition areas from larger rock to smaller rock size.

During the summer, top water baits work really well one hour before and after the sunrise/ or sunset. A great midday strategy is to come back to this spot and scan this area with a fish finder and locate the thermocline. Chances are the bass will hold just a few feet above the thermocline. Once identified, target these riprap points with a lure that can be used at that specific depth.

Effective baits for bass this area include: topwater lures, buzzbaits, crankbaits, soft plastic swimbaits, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, swim jigs, hair jigs, and underspin jigs when the bass are aggressive.

Flutter spoons work great by “hopping” the spoon from one ledge and letting it fall to the next one down underneath it. How high you hop the spoon off the ledge will depend on how aggressive the bass are. The more aggressive = higher the hop versus less aggressive bass will only need a small hop off the ledge.

If the bass are timid, then drop shot, tubes, wacky rigged senko, Mojo rig, Texas rig, Ned rig, Neko rig, Mojo rig, Carolina rig, and football jigs all work really well.

Located: mid lake

Structural features: long rocky point dropping into deep water

Best species to target: bass, crappie, trout

Most effective way to fish this spot: boat, kayak, float tube

Old Cemetery to Wofford Heights Point

This fishing spot runs the western bank of the Kern River. Starting at the Old Cemetery all the way down to Wofford Heights Point.

The main river channel swings that run into the bank multiple times and thus creates several underwater humps, and ditches.

Additionally, these secondary ditches provide sanctuary to bass and crappie should they feel threatened.

Furthermore, this expansive area is covered in vegetation. Sometimes this vegetation can grow to the surface creating a floating mat or canopy when the water level is high.

On the other hand, when the lake is at low pool the receding water will expose standing timber and can make for great fishing if you enjoy flipping and pitching in order to catch bass.

Lastly, if the water is cold, trout can be found and caught in this stretch of the river.

It’s relatively shallow (between 3 and 10 feet deep) and what makes this spot unique is all the cover the fish can hide in and call home. Parts of the flat close to deep water, if the fish feel threatened, they can retreat to. Fishing the outside edges can frequently result in fish being caught.

There are several hard bottom patches, small rock piles, and high spots on humps that should be checked for fish.

Lastly, when the lake gets windy you can fish Kelsey Creek Inlet and still get bit.

Here is how I recommend to fish this area.

Calm or post-frontal conditions: Senkos, drop shot rig, tubes, Neko rig, football jigs and target trees, points, and the primary creek channel.

Windy, pre-frontal, summer conditions: Target the same areas but consider using faster moving or larger lures such as; large swimbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swim jigs, chatterbaits, and underspin jigs.

Grass/ reeds/ tulles: If the grass is submerged you fish over the tops with a topwater lure, buzzbaits, frog lure, chatterbaits, or whopper plopper.

For floating vegetation mats go with a frog lure, flipping lure, heavy vegetation punching bait, or a Texas rigged Senko.

For vertical emergent vegetation such as tall tulles/cattails or patches of thin twig-like reeds, you can use a frog lure, flipping lure, heavy vegetation punching bait. If it’s breezing and you’re fishing emergent vertical vegetation, consider switching to a spinnerbait, swim jig, or chatterbait.

Fish the weedline edges parallel with crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, frog lures, soft plastic swimbaits, umbrella rigs, swim jigs, underspin jigs or chatterbaits.

Rocks, points, cuts: crankbaits, jigs, Texas rigs, or Carolina rigs

Located: north lake

Structural features: channel swing into bank dropping into deeper water, submerged and emergent vegetation.

Best species to target: bass, crappie, trout

Most effective way to fish this spot: boat, kayak, float tube, shore fishing

Camp 9

This spot is great because it’s a “vegetation flat” with important structure. It’s a fairly large area that has very little change in depth and is covered in vegetation.

Sometimes this vegetation can grow to the surface creating a floating mat or canopy when the water level is high.

On the other hand, when the lake is at low pool the receding water will expose standing timber and can make for great fishing if you enjoy flipping and pitching in order to catch bass.

When the weeds are just developing or dying off, this huge flat fishes well, creating deep channels in the vegetation. Bass will hide in weed-filled holes and ambush bait.

If the grass is submerged you fish over the tops with a topwater lure, buzzbaits, frog lure, chatterbaits, or whopper plopper.

For floating vegetation mats go with a frog lure, flipping lure, heavy vegetation punching bait, or a Texas rigged Senko.

Fish the weedline edges parallel with crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, frog lures, soft plastic swimbaits, umbrella rigs, swim jigs, underspin jigs or chatterbaits.

Look carefully you will see the primary channel and a secondary channel…

If you further study this area you’ll find many different spots to fish; natural points, pockets, and the thickest mats…

Located: north side side

Structural features: emergent and submerged brush and weedbeds

Best species to target: largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish

Most effective way to fish this spot: boat, kayak, float tube, shoreline.

Paradise Point & Paradise Cove

At first glance this location may not seem like a good spot to fish… but don’t let this fool you.

This spot is unique because the South Fork Kern River swings into the point, making it a good spot that can be fished year round.

It can hold fish along the steep bank itself, particularly around any large boulders or submerged shelves, or the fish will be located on transition zones where it goes from a steep to gradual sloping bank.

The transition areas will turn from steep rock wall ledges, to boulders, then to chunk rock and pea-gravel.

Lastly, artificial structures in the form of Christmas trees have been placed in Paradise Cove (east of Paradise Point).

Look carefully you will see the primary channel swing into the point…

Effective baits bass for this area include: crankbaits, soft plastic swimbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, chatterbaits, swim jigs, hair jigs, and underspin jigs when the bass are aggressive. Flutter spoons work great in the deeper channel sections as well.

If the bass are timid, then drop shot, tubes, Ned rig, Neko rig, Mojo rig, Carolina rig, and jigs all work really well.

Located: south east lake

Structural features: river channel swinging into a steep bank

Best species to target: largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish

Most effective way to fish this spot: boat, kayak, float tube

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How To Catch Fish In Lake Isabella?

Rainbow Trout

California Department of Fish and Wildlife grows and stocks local lakes and reservoirs like this lake with Rainbow Trout.

Due to this lake being relatively unpressured, deep, and colder, and most other desert reservoirs, the stocked trout do very well.

Furthermore, trout are produced in local fisheries, they are healthy and have no limit on the amount of trout that can be consumed.

Typically trout are stocked frequently, however, it can vary.

Sometimes you’ll read this lake has steelhead trout, but no rainbow trout, or visa versa…

This can be confusing for a lot of people. Are rainbow trout and steelhead trout the same?

Short answer, they are nearly the same species.

But, if you have ever wondered, what is the real difference between a rainbow trout and a steelhead trout? We wrote a definitive report called, “What’s the Difference Between A Rainbow Trout Vs Steelhead”. Click here to read it, so you can end the confusion once and for all.

General Trout Details

Spawn: March-May

Food: insects and crustaceans.

California State Record: 27 lbs 0 oz. Caught 10/02/2005 in Lake Natoma.

Table Quality: Depending on the fishes diet, the meat can be white to orange-red in color. The meat is firm, flaky, and is considered excellent eating.

Angling techniques:

Trolling with or without downriggers
Trolling flies
Fish attractor such as a flasher or a dodger – great when trolling.
Trolling spoons such as a Krocodile spoon, Super Duper, Crippled Herring, Cast Champ, or Hus-Lure – simple, easy to use, can be trolled or cast-retrieved at any speed.
Inline spinners such as the Blue Fox Classic Vibrax Spinner, Bang-Tail and Shyster – get a ton of bites.
Minnow style baits such as the Luhr-Jensen Quick Fish and the Rapala BX minnow – known to hook up giant fish.
Real or artificial corn – great because it will never spoil or mold over.
Natural salmon eggs – it’s hard to beat natural salmon eggs at bait. When trout are eating salmon eggs, they’ll eat up a couple of jars in less than an hour!
Artificial salmon eggs – great because they float off the bottom – ideal in rocky or grassy conditions.
Real worms – such as meal worms or nightcrawlers.
Artificial worms – great for trolling and will never die.
Dry flies (floating flies) – The insects that land, float, or live on top of the water, which are represented by dry flies. Investing in a kit gives you a wide assortment of flies and a good selection of types and sizes allow you to quickly adjust to any situation.
Wet flies (sinking flies) – Wet flies imitate insects that develop and inhabit below the water level before emerging and rising to the surface. Investing in a kit gives you a wide assortment of flies and a good selection of types and sizes allow you to quickly adjust to any situation.
Woolly bugger flies – One of the most popular fly patterns ever is the Woolly Bugger. These mimic small fish, leeches, larvae, and worms. Investing in a kit gives you a wide assortment of flies and a good selection of types and sizes allow you to quickly adjust to any situation.
Steamer flies – They can also mimic larger animals found in streams and rivers, including crawfish, larger leeches, and smaller fish. Investing in a kit gives you a wide assortment of flies and a good selection of types and sizes allow you to quickly adjust to any situation.
**The number one key to successful trout fishing, is to use light line (2 to 6 pound) and small hooks (10-14 sizes), and small sinkers.

Largemouth Bass

You may be wondering… How do you fish for bass in Lake Isabella?

Largemouth bass is a carnivorous member of the sunfish family.

California grows some MONSTER bass. At any time you could hook into a bass that could be your all-time personal best.

In general, if the water clarity is clear to a slightly stained lake. Meaning finesse techniques (like drop shot fishing), small lures (like football jigs), and thin diameter line gets you the most bites when the wind is calm.

On the other hand, if the water is moderately stained or murky, then you need to choose darker lures. This also means you can get away with using thicker diameter line.

Since the 1980’s this lake has been stocked with Florida-strain largemouth bass. Bass fishing in this lake is not as popular as trout or salmon fishing. Luckily, you can still catch a giant bass by lobbying large swimbaits for glide baits in trout patterns.

Once your arm gets tired you can still catch a ton of fish by throwing a drop shot rig, small crankbait, or dragging a Texas rigged Senko around a fish attracting structure.

If that doesn’t catchem, you can switch to either a drop shot rig or a Neko rig and target points, boulders, or channel swings.

That’s why we wrote this Lake Isabella Fishing Report for you… so you can get the inside scoop about the top spots and best lures to use to help you out…

If you’re still not sure how to catch a bass, don’t worry. A complete section on Bass Fishing 101 was written to help you out. In that section, you’ll learn about the top ways to get you catching bass fast.

General Largemouth Bass Details

Spawn: Spring, March-May

Food: Shad, minnows, small trout, small salmon, bluegill, perch, crayfish

California State Record: 21lbs 12 oz. Caught in 1991 in Castaic Lake at the main boat ramp.

Table Quality: Decent. Firm white meat.

Angling techniques:

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are a sibling species closely related to largemouth bass. They have a pretty brown/golden color and carry the nickname of “bronzeback”. There are a few physical features that make it different from the largemouth bass. Aside from being bronze in color, they will have gray-brown vertical bands and the most defining feature is the jaw does not extend past its eye.

Overall, smallmouth bass are most likely going about half the size of largemouth bass. However, pound for pound, a smallmouth can be incredibly aggressive and will put up an amazing fight.

General Smallmouth Bass Details

Spawn: March-May

Food: fish, crustaceans.

California State Record: 9 lbs 13 oz. Caught 7/3/2007 in Pardee Reservoir.

Table Quality: Similar to a largemouth bass it’s firm, white, flaky, mild-tasting

Angling techniques:

Finesse jigs
Mojo Rig
Neko Rig
Small crankbaits
Football Jigs
Soft plastic swimbaits
Jerkbaits
Chatterbaits
Swim jigs
Hair jigs
Underspin jigs
Drop shot plastic worms
Tubes
Streamer flies.
Live baits: minnows, hellgrammites, and crayfish

Spotted Bass

Spotted bass is a cousin to a largemouth bass and shares some similarities and differences.

Both are extremely hard fighters and very fun to catch.

A spotted bass’ jaw does not reach over its eye line. The jaw of a largemouth bass is longer and extends over the eye line.

On a spotted bass, the dorsal fin is clearly attached and has a mild slope. The dorsal fin of a largemouth bass is separate, or nearly so. This is most likely the most important difference between the two species.

A connected irregular dark lateral line runs along the side of a Spotted Bass. There is no discernible lateral line in largemouth bass.

Drop shot, tubes, Ned rig, Neko rig, and Mojo rig (which is a modified split shot rig that won’t damage your line) around fallen trees or rock piles. Senko’s along with peanut butter and jelly colored jigs are a great color all year round.

General Spotted Bass Details

Spawn: March-May

Food: fish, crustaceans.

California State Record: 11 lbs 4 oz. Caught 2/12/2017 in New Bullards Bar Reservoir.

Table Quality: Similar to a largemouth bass it’s firm, white, flaky, mild-tasting

Angling techniques:

Finesse jigs
Mojo Rig
Neko Rig
Small crankbaits
Football Jigs
Soft plastic swimbaits
Jerkbaits
Chatterbaits
Swim jigs
Hair jigs
Underspin jigs
Drop shot plastic worms
Tubes
Streamer flies.
Live baits: minnows, hellgrammites, and crayfish

White and Black Crappie

If you like crappie fishing, this lake is filled with them.

The best time to fish for crappie in this lake and other lakes similar to it is in summertime while you’re night using a submerged green light. If you don’t know what a green fishing light is, or if you’re unfamiliar, then click this link to learn more.

Green light fishing at night in this lake is amazing. If you haven’t done it you are missing out. The nights are cool and the night sky is filled with stars…

Anyway, I digress…

White crappie tend to linger over submerged brush and timber and are found in schools. The white crappie are much more tolerant in warmer water than their black crappie cousins.

White crappie have a more “silvery” appearance and lack the dark vertical bars when compared to the black crappie.

Black crappie can be described as having irregular black dots and blotches on the back and have more of a “silvery-olive” background.

Average weight of a white or black crappie in this lake is probably going to be just under a pound.

General Crappie Details

Spawn: April – mid-June

Food: Larvae, small fish, and crustaceans. Threadfin shad and minnows make up their main diet.

California State Record:

White crappie: 4 lbs 8 oz. Caught 4/26/1971 in Clear Lake using minnows.
Black crappie: 4 lbs 8 oz. Caught 2/17/2021 in Clear Lake using minnows.

Table Quality: The meat is excellent. It’s firm, flaky and white.

Angling techniques:

Live minnows under bobbers
Crappie jigs
Crappie tubes
Silver spoons
Spinners

Catfish

There are four species of catfish in California, the blue catfish, bullhead catfish, channel catfish, white catfish.

Catfish are predatory animals and scavengers. Some can get very big, while others remain small. They tend to spend most of their time on the bottom of the lake versus swimming higher in the water column suspended.

Catfish can have up to 8 whisker-like barbels by their mouths to help them detect food.

Blue catfish can get very big. They can weigh more than 100 pounds and grow to around 5 feet long. They have 8 whisker-like barbels by their mouths. They prefer larger cut bait and live bait

Conversely, bullhead catfish tend to be smaller and will weigh on average about 1-2-pounds, but can grow to around 4-5-pounds.

Channel catfish weight will range from 0.5-to-15-pounds in this lake, however the average weight will be between 1-4-pounds.

The smallest of all catfish in North America is the white catfish. These catfish are considered rare by anglers’ standards. They average 1-2 pounds and will grow to only about a foot.

All species prefer warmer coves, but can also be found scavenging near the marinas, or around the dam.

All can be caught with live bait, cut bait or dough bait. Some of the best baits you can use are chicken livers, hotdogs, anchovies, mackerel or sardines, catfish stink-bait/dough baits, or even night crawlers. warm coves or near the dam.

General Catfish Details

Spawn: March-June

Food: Carp, bluegill

California State Record:

Blue catfish – 72 lbs 14 oz. Caught 4/22/2003 in Colorado River (Riverside).

Bullhead catfish – 4 lbs 8 oz. Caught 10/7/1993 in Trinity Lake.

Channel catfish – 53 lbs 8 oz. Caught 9/22/2008 in San Joaquin River.

White catfish – 22 lbs 0 oz. Caught 3/21/1994 in Land Park pond (Sacramento).

Table Quality: Soft white meat. In the summer the meat will taste muddy.

Angling techniques:

chicken liver
hotdogs
stink bait
small live bluegill, sunfish, or perch
Frozen cut bait; anchovies, mackerel or sardines.

Bluegill or Sunfish

Also known collectively as “panfish” or “bream”, these small fish are both predators and prey. They fulfill a mid-tier predator role in the ecosystem.

Panfish are highly aggressive and eat minnows, bass fry (newly hatched baby bass), and insects.

The bluegill has teal-blue coloring on the bottom portion of the chin and gill plate. It also has a solid black opercula flap just behind the gill plate.

Fun fact: The oldest reported age for a bluegill is 10 years.

With the exception of appearance and size, the redear sunfish is quite similar to the bluegill. The dorsal fin of the redear sunfish features tiny vertical bands that go downward. It has a black dorsal color and a yellow-green ventral tint. The male’s operculum has a cherry-red edge, while the female’s has an orange coloring.

These panfish are found on the shoreline and prefer nearby structures. They are incredibly aggressive and will quickly attack anything that looks like it could be eaten. Due to their aggressive behavior, they are one of the easiest fish to catch and are a great way to introduce someone to fishing.

General Bluegill/ Sunfish Details

Spawn: April and May

Food: Small fish and insects

California State Record:

Bluegill – 3 lbs 14 oz. Caught 6/22/2008 in Rancho Murieta Reservoir.

Sunfish (red ear) – 5 lbs 3 oz. 6/27/1994 in Folsom South Canal (Sacramento)

Table Quality: Firm, white meat

Angling techniques:

Worms
Dough balls
Slim Jim sausages pieces on a small hook (not lying… it really works)
Small spinners
Trout flies

Boat Ramps at Lake Isabella

French Gulch Boat Launch Ramp

CA-155, Lake Isabella, CA 93240

Website: frenchgulchmarina.com

Phone number: (760) 379-8774

Lanes: 1

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: no

Gas: Yes, at the marina

Tackle, groceries, snacks available: Yes, at the marina

Fish Cleaning Station: Yes

Camping nearby: Yes

Site 19 Boat Launch Ramp

Address: Lake Isabella, CA 93240

Website: here

Phone number: (559) 784-1500

Lanes: 2

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: no

Gas: no

Tackle, groceries, snacks available: no

Fish Cleaning Station: no

Camping nearby: Yes

Old Isabella Boat Launch Ramp

Address: Lake Isabella, CA 93240

Website: here

Phone number: (559) 784-1500

Lanes: 1

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: no

Gas: no

Tackle, groceries, snacks available: no

Fish Cleaning Station: no

Camping nearby: Yes

South Fork Boat Launch Ramp

Address: Lake Isabella, CA 93240

Website: link

Phone number: (559) 784-1500

Lanes: 2

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: no

Gas: no

Tackle, groceries, snacks available: no

Fish Cleaning Station: no

Camping nearby: Yes

Tillie Creek Launch Ramp

Address: Wofford Heights, CA 93285

Website: none

Phone number: none

Lanes: 1, *may be closed due to low water levels.

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: no

Gas: no

Tackle, groceries, snacks available: no

Fish Cleaning Station: Yes

Camping nearby: Yes

———HUGE FISHING BLUEPRINT NATIONAL PROMOTION!———

ENTER TO WIN THIS MASSIVE GIVEAWAY – ENDS SOON!

Marinas at Lake Isabella

French Gulch Marina

Address: CA-155, Lake Isabella, CA 93240

Website: frenchgulchmarina.com

Phone number: (760) 379-8774

Nearby boat ramp: Yes, 1 lanes

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: no

Gas: Yes

Tackle, groceries, snacks available: Yes

Fish Cleaning Station: Yes

Camping nearby: Yes

Red’s Marina

Address: Lake Isabella, CA 93240

Website: none

Phone number: (760) 379-1634

Nearby boat ramp: Yes

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: no

Gas: Yes

Tackle, groceries, snacks available: Yes

Fish Cleaning Station: Yes

Camping nearby: Yes

Tackle Shops Near Lake Isabella

Cope’s Tackle & Rod Shop

1654 Calloway Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93312

tackleandrod.com

(661) 679-6351

Kern River Fly Fishing / Fly Shop

11301 Kernville Rd suite b, Kernville, CA 93238

kernriverflyfishing.com

(760) 376-2040

Riverside One Stop

10800 Kernville Rd, Kernville, CA 93238

riversideonestop.com

(760) 376-1688

Bob’s Bait Bucket

2131 S Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93304

bobsbaitbucket.com

(661) 833-8657

Camping Near Lake Isabella

There are plenty of areas to camp. Here’s a list of some of the areas:

Auxiliary Dam Campground
Old Isabella Road Recreation Site Campground
South Fork Rec Campground
Paradise Cove Campground (Sequoia National Forest)
Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA
French Gulch
Hungry Gulch Campground
Boulder Gulch Campground
Live Oak Campground
Camp 9
Tillie Creek Campground
Haven RV Park
Sandy Flat Campground

Other Activities You Can Do At Lake Isabella

Fishing is not the only thing that brings people to the beautiful body of water. Here’s a list of other things you can do!

Biking
Bird watching
Boating
Skiing
Kayaking
Canoeing
Sailing
Swimming
Camping
Horseshoes
Picnicking
Hiking
Gentle walking trails
Nature photography trails
Wildlife viewing
Mountain biking
Stargazing
and most importantly… relaxing.

In Summary...

As you now can see Lake Isabella fishing can be tough at times, but it’s not impossible and with the help of the Lake Isabella Fishing Report… It definitely helps you get started on the right foot quickly and easily, so you can avoid wasting hours wondering where and how to get started.

Did You Get All This?

As fellow fisherman and content creator I thrive on helping others… I feel like I can do the most good by helping others… And frankly… I would feel like I did something wrong if you didn’t walk away feeling a little better about this lake.

I truly want to over deliver for you…

So Let Me Ask You Another Question…

After reading this helpful report:

Can you see how this could change the way you would fish this lake?… To make it easier, faster… and… with less headache, less frustration?
If nothing else, do you now have a better sense of where you can get started, even if you have have been here?
Do you feel that you have a good grasp of what species to expect in this lake?
Do you have a good understanding what baits are needed to catch each of the different species of fish?
Earlier we came up with some helpful spots to catch more fish, can you see yourself considering any one of those spots? Which ones are you the most excited about implementing when you get to the lake?
Is it fair to say that using these spots would give you a significant advantage over someone else who’s fishing this lake?

I Need To Ask A Favor From You And It’s Not Going To Cost You A Single Dime…

If you have gotten anything out of this free report; whether its knowing where to get started, what kinds of fish are in Lake Isabella, what baits to use, where to launch your boat, where to buy a frosty beverage, where to camp, and other things to do when you’re at this lake…

Then I need you to do something that is going to help your fellow angler…

And that is share this report. Please share it to as many people as you can. It’s free to you and it really helps me out as a creator.

Lastly… thank you for spending your time reading through this report and I hope you have a luck on the water.

THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN HELP ME THE MOST: There’s a lot of information about this subject you have found helpful, and I’m sure you’ll be able to put some of the knowledge bombs to use. But sharing this report helps drive traffic which in turn helps me at absolutely no cost to you. I love creating reports like this for you, and you like reading these types of reports please share this with your friends, family, and fellow anglers.

Click on your favorite social media buttons to share this page now!

Accessories You’ll Need

Fishing Rod

Rod –The popularity of fishing is growing and people are becoming much more conscious of different rods that can help them.

Fishermen want the best technique-specific rod for the money.

Luckily, the report I wrote provides you with detailed information in order for you to make buy the rod for the money, and more importantly which rods to avoid at all costs.

>> What Rods To Use For Bass Fishing? 10 Awesome General Purpose Rods Reviewed

Fishing Reel

Reel – Having the correct reel to match with your rod is just as important. A good reel should be light and have a buttery smooth drag. There are several great reels on the market, but I recommend the a quality Shimano baitcasting reel. It’s a great reel packed with great features. So much so that it could easily be priced in the mid $200 range.

>>How To Choose A Great Bass Fishing Reel For The Money [and which to avoid at all costs]

Fishing Line

Fishing Line – Having a good line is just as important as having a good rod. I recommend fishing with a good fluorocarbon line. Furthermore, it’s super sensitive because it has little to no stretch, and underwater it’s invisible to the bass! If pride or money is on the line I would use Sunline Sniper FC.

>>21 Tips To Choose The Best Fishing Line

Fishing Lures & Baits

Fishing Lures – It’s pretty hard and darn near impossible trying to catch a fish without using some sort of lure or bait. More importantly these baits you should never forget at home or it could lead to a horrible day on the water

>>5 Bass Fishing Lures You Never Want to Leave At Home

Fish Finder

Finding lunker bass has never been easier when using a fish finding sonar unit. Packed with additional features to make your day on the water even easier. Maps that can plan your day or help you find your way back even in the darkest of nights. Bright bold numbers and letters to make reading the maps easy even in the brightest of days, and colors that pop and make it quick and easy to identify fish.

If you have a boat, kayak, canoe, or float tube, you need a fish finder.

Here’s our choice for the best fish finder between $299-$800:

Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI

It has all the features for any serious fisherman whether you’re an avid weekend warrior, or a tournament angler. This has all the bells and whistles you’re looking for.

>> Click HERE to Read The Reviews About Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI now

Here’s our choice for the best economic fish finder:

Garmin Stryker

While others look for bites, your fishfinder and GPS plotter help you reach your daily limit. You can mark preferred docks, ramps, and hotspots to easily return to them later and even share waypoints.

Click HERE to Read The Reviews About Garmin Stryker now!

Life Vest

According to Statista, “In the United States, 658 people died as a result of boating accidents and 2,641 people were injured in 2021.”

And it gets even worse… The National Safe Boating Council reported, “Where cause of death was known, 81% of fatal boating accident victims drowned.”

And if that’s not enough the incidence of deaths has climbed dramatically in recent years.

So if you’re on the water you NEED to wear your life vest. Protect you, your friends, and your families lives by wearing a life vest every time you’re on the water.

I recommend the ONYX PFD. It’s comfortable for all day use and there is lots of room for the air to move around so you won’t get sweaty.

>>Click HERE to read all the reviews actual customers!

Sunglasses

Sunglasses – Do you find yourself fishing in variable light and water conditions? Fishing in open water? Fishing in the bright hot sun? Then, only to leave the lake with eye strain and a splitting headache?

If so, I strongly recommend investing in a pair of Costa Sun Glasses. Thousands of anglers, charter guides, and tournament professionals put their trust into Costa, and so should you. Here’s why…

Costa’s co-injected bio-based nylon frame material is robust and durable, as well as extremely comfortable to wear for all-day use. TR-90 nylon is an excellent material for sports and performance frames since it is heat and cold-resistant.
Costa builds their glasses with class-leading technology. Their 580G glass lens sets them apart from the competition. These lenses are ideal for long days on the lake or sea since you won’t have to worry about scratches on the lens when you wipe the saltwater off. Needless to say they’re Costa’s most durable lenses.

Anyone who spends time outside, especially on the lake, needs polarized lenses. However, not all polarized sunglasses are the same. Costa is 99.9% polarized, giving it the most effective possible in blocking reflecting glare, and minimizing eye strain and headaches.

>>Click HERE to Read The Reviews On These Costa Sunglasses Right Now!

Landing Net

Landing Net – As you are reeling in that monster fish, you don’t want to injure yourself or knock the fish off the hook by trying to grab it.

The PLUSINNO floating landing net is designed with foam padding on the hoop and provides buoyancy for fishermen. Now, If the net is dropped or blown overboard, the floating design makes it simple to retrieve – so you won’t have to be concerned about losing it! The rubberized net cannot be snagged. It keeps the fish safe for catch-and-release, and the non-absorbent covering avoids waterlogging and odor absorption in the net. It’s collapsing design allows for easy storage.

That’s why I recommend a dependable telescopic landing net.

>>Click HERE to Read The Reviews On This Floating Landing Net Today!

Fishing Weight Scale & Culler

Fishing Weight Scale – Whether you’re going to keep your catch or just take a photo of it and brag to your friends it’s important to have an accurate scale. The Rapala Tournament Model Touch Screen Scale makes weighing and logging your catch easier and more convenient. The large digital scale has a lot of functions and is easy to use. simply keep track of your current catch and its place in your overall weight. To see the weight, just suspend the catch from the heavy-duty composite clamp or the accompanying stainless steel hook. Adding the important details to your catch couldn’t be easier – simply input your catch’s weight and tap on one of the eight storage places. The culling process makes it simple to identify fish that should be released for the greatest overall weight.

I recommend a Rapala Tournament Scale that has a large LED display like this one fishing scale here.

>>Click HERE to Read The Reviews on This Tournament-Grade Fishing Scale & Culling System now!

Fishing Hat

Wide Brim Fishing Hat – Nowadays, you have to protect yourself against the sun’s harmful rays. That’s why I recommend the SA Straw hat. It fits any size head and it feels really comfortable. Now you can keep the sun off your face while you enjoy your outdoor activities with UPF 50+ sun protection. Rest assured these lightweight and stylish hats give you 360-degrees of sun coverage. Both men and women can wear these hats. As an added BONUS, these hats also include three face shields for UPF neck protection, which protects your skin from dangerous UV rays.

This hat is well worth the money, and the craftsmanship is excellent.

>>Click HERE to Read The Reviews On The SA Straw Hat with 360-degree Sun Coverage!

Fishing Sun Shirt

Sun Shirt For Fishing – Don’t stop at only getting head protection, you also need to protect your chest, back, arms, and torso. According to the researchers finding skin cancers on the shoulders and forearms rank within the top-5 locations to get skin cancer. That’s why the UV protective PFG Fishing Shirt by Columbia is strongly recommended.

Nowadays, it’s so important to be safe at all times. Omni-Shade helps prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage by blocking UVA and UVB radiation. UV absorbent yarns and a tight weave architecture prevent the whole spectrum of damaging UV radiation. This is the finest in outdoor moisture control technology. Omni-Wick technology absorbs moisture from the skin and transfers it to the fabric, where it spreads throughout the surface and evaporates rapidly, keeping you cool and your clothes dry.

I’m 6’0″ and 200 pounds, and I wear size XL. I ordered a size L and it fits well. Darker shirts provide a more subdued appearance. FYI.

>>Click HERE to Read The Reviews On The PGF Fishing Shirt with Built Cooling Technology and UV Protection today!

Sunscreen

Sun Screen – Skin cancer is a very real threat and it’s only getting worse. That is why you need a powerful sunscreen that is personally used and endorsed by hundreds of dermatologists from around the world.

That is why you should put your trust in Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen. The state-of-the-art Purescreen Technology absorbs, reflects, and scatters harmful sunrays in this specially designed water-resistant sunscreen lotion – and it’s created with 100 percent organically derived zinc oxide… it’s definitely not some test tube concoction the other competitors are trying to sell you.

Neutrogena’s sheer body sunscreen lotion is fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, dye-free, and chemical-free. Dry-Touch technology aids in the non-greasy drying of this thin sunscreen.

For effective protection against the sun’s damaging rays, this hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and oil-free lightweight sunscreen is the number one dermatologist-recommended suncare brand.

This zinc-based sunscreen lotion has received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and is mild enough for sensitive skin. It is suited for everyday use.

Lake Isabella Fishing Report 2023 [Tips, Spots, Pictures, and Everything You Need to Know]

How To Fish Lake Isabella | Your Lake Isabella Fishing Report

Key Takeaways

About Lake Isabella

Important Lake Warnings

What Kind Of Fish Are In Lake Isabella

Lake Isabella Fishing Tips & General Strategies

But Where Are The Best Places To Fish At Lake Isabella?

Lake Isabella Dam

French Gulch

Engineer Point

The Flume

Rocky Point

Old Cemetery to Wofford Heights Point

Camp 9

Paradise Point & Paradise Cove

-- Featured Article Of The Month --

How To Catch Fish In Lake Isabella?

Rainbow Trout

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Spotted Bass

White and Black Crappie

General Crappie Details

Catfish

General Catfish Details

Bluegill or Sunfish

Boat Ramps at Lake Isabella

French Gulch Boat Launch Ramp

Site 19 Boat Launch Ramp

Old Isabella Boat Launch Ramp

South Fork Boat Launch Ramp

Tillie Creek Launch Ramp

Marinas at Lake Isabella

French Gulch Marina

Red’s Marina

Tackle Shops Near Lake Isabella

Cope’s Tackle & Rod Shop

Kern River Fly Fishing / Fly Shop

Riverside One Stop

Bob’s Bait Bucket

Camping Near Lake Isabella

Other Activities You Can Do At Lake Isabella

In Summary...

Other California Related Fishing Articles

Accessories You’ll Need

Fishing Rod

Fishing Reel

Fishing Line

Fishing Lures & Baits

Fish Finder

Life Vest

Sunglasses

Landing Net

Fishing Weight Scale & Culler

Fishing Hat

Fishing Sun Shirt

Sunscreen

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