Pic: NaeMica

Lake Isabella is a large reservoir in Southern California that shares some similarities with other notable lakes in the region. Like San Luis Reservoir and Mono Lake, it is known for its sizeable scale and sudden, fierce wind conditions that can make it challenging for novice paddlers, unless they stick to the more sheltered northern arm.

All vessels, including boats, personal watercraft, and sailboards, are required to prominently display a permit when navigating the lake. Boaters can easily obtain these permits at any of the marinas situated along the lake's shoreline, as well as from various locations dispersed throughout the Kern River Valley.

Despite the wind, Lake Isabella is renowned as one of the best crappie lakes in California, as well as a top bass fishing destination that commonly produces 5-pound largemouth. It also supports healthy populations of rainbow trout, bluegill, and channel catfish, with the Department of Fish and Game stocking 66,000 trout in the 10-12 inch range each year.

The lake can provide excellent trout kayak fishing, especially in the spring and late fall when the fish are more active. However, fishing in the summer months can be more difficult as the warming water causes the trout to retreat to deeper depths.

Along the picturesque southern shores of Lake Isabella, visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including shoreline camping and day-use activities, at the Auxiliary Dam, Old Isabella Road, and South Fork Recreation Area sites  for a nominal fee. Lake Isabella has 8 designated campgrounds that provide family-friendly campsites.

Unfortunately, Lake Isabella has been impacted by a combination of agricultural water demands and the prolonged drought, leaving it with persistently low water levels in recent years.

Map of Lake Isabella