Lake Isabella.

I know this falls outside of the NC in NCKA but we are headed to lake Isabella down in so cal in a couple weeks. We have rented a house right on the water to I am hopeful to get some time otw. Anyone ever fished this lake? Any tips?

Thanks,
Phil

I fished it growing up... Lots of carp back then... Think Comanche reservoir and bass/cat/crappie fishing as I remember it (10yrs ago) I also remember the wind... Good luck and tight lines
http://www.fishinginlakeisabella.com/
http://www.co.kern.ca.us/parks/isabella.asp

A large Kern County Parks Department Patrol Boat with a red stripe traverses the lake from sunrise to sunset to preserve safety and issue citations, if necessary.
Emergency Information
Emergency Numbers: To report accidents - 911
Citizens Band Channel 9
Kern Valley Hospital (760) 379-2681
Warnings
Speed on the water should always be appropriate to weather conditions, the presence of water hazards and the presence of other users of the area. Speeding around trees is hazardous; buzzing people at 40 mph and wetting them down is cause for citation.
Unmarked underwater hazards, such as submerged fencing (particularly near the South Fork area), tree snags, rock outcroppings, sand spits and islands appear and disappear with Lake Isabella's ever-changing water level.
The Borel Canal, an eight foot deep concrete channel supplying water to the power plant downstream from the Auxiliary Dam, cuts right through the western part of Lake Isabella where the water may be deceptively shallow.
Lake Isabella has sudden gusts of 60 mph winds that often make crossing open water unsafe.
Jet-skiers should AVOID the Kern River channel and not endanger themselves and others.
The law limits boating to the daytime - one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

http://www.kernrivervalley.net/board/
http://www.kernriverflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl

Been many times, from shore.  I'm sure you could do some damage trolling targeting salmon and trout.  Several marinas and bays uplake from Wofford Hts are good starting points.  Muddy water = catfish time.  locals use mussels/clams, and cut bait.  Kids can always find action on panfish.

I don't like the lake as much as the K. River.  check the boards at the above linx for more info on river flows and hotspots.  Depending on the flows, any section of slower water b/t Johnsondale Bridge and Kernville will hold fish.  I've caught planters up to 5 lbs, in the current they feel like piscine Pacquiaos.  Also have a shot at native goldens (have caught those as well).  For starters, hit the Powerplant outflow, just upstream of the DFG hatchery.  Also stop at the hatchery for kicks, bring change for fish chum, but I read the pumps were busted so fish planting was suspended, hopefully resume for your trip.

upriver, there's a burger joint can't remember the name, but its surprisingly good, in the middle of nowhere.  If you do hit the river, be super careful, very treacherous.

Thanks, it's a large family group so I will probably run the tandem with some kids to get them a chance to fish. Sounds like I should rig up a few rods for Panfish to take the kids out and then a couple setups for trout and Kokanee in case I can escape solo one morning. Thanks for the info. I will be sure to post a report when we return.

One of the best Crappie lakes in Cali. The lake has Christmas tree cages and plenty of cover for them have caught limits of 1.5- 2 lbs crappie in that lake. Just love it.

Make a stop in bakersfield for some minnows just in case.

Ryan