Lake Isabella Fish Report for 1-23-2026
The crappie bite continues to go strong
Lake Isabella - Lake Isabella, CA (Kern County)

by Chad Burton and Chris Borden
1-23-2026
Website
Lake Isabella is currently sitting at approximately 36% of capacity. The crappie bite continues to go strong, with anglers finding very good action around 40 feet of water on mini jigs and live small to medium shiners. Quality largemouth bass are still showing consistently around the lake, with most of the activity coming from 30 to 35 feet of water near Rocky Point, Piney Point, and Engineer’s Point. Anglers are finding success working jigs and creature baits along deeper structure. Catfish action improved this week both in numbers and overall size, with productive baits including dip baits, mackerel, chicken liver, and nightcrawlers. Trout fishing remains steady, with fish being caught on garlic-scented baits, spinners, mousetails, and worms. CDFW also has a scheduled trout plant here next week.
Contact Cope’s Tackle and Rod Shop at 661-679-6351 or check us out online at Tackle and Rod.com
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop has the largest selection of fishing tackle in the Central Valley. We carry all the equipment from top manufactures to make your fishing trip more successful! Whether your fishing for Bluegill at a local pond or Bluefin Tuna far offshore we are your one stop shop for all your fishing needs.
Our mantra here at Cope’s is “for fishermen, by fishermen.” All our staff truly enjoy the sport and spend a lot of time helping make sure you are enjoying your time on the water. We can guarantee satisfaction when you enter our store - from tips and tricks to providing you with all the gear you will need to keep you on the water and in the game!
It is not only our goal to provide you with the right gear, we also strive to keep you informed of local events, trips, shows, and fishing opportunities.
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More Reports
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, January 23rd
California Aqueduct: Anglers reported fair fishing in the aqueduct last week
Castaic Lake: The lake is closed until further notice
Pyramid Lake, CA: The lake held at its normal winter level of 85 percent of storage capacity
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, January 16th
California Aqueduct: Fishing was decent in the aqueduct with plenty of keeper-sized line-sides
Castaic Lake: Castaic is closed until further notice due to algae
Pyramid Lake, CA: Pyramid Lake sat at 85 percent of its storage capacity, and the water remained muddy and debris filled
Lake Isabella: Crappie fishing has been very good, with fish holding tight to structure and biting well
Kern River: The Upper Kern River is scheduled to receive a trout plant next week in Sections 5 and 6
Lake Kaweah: Kaweah dropped to 18 percent of its storage capacity, and anglers reported fair fishing
Lake Success: Success Lake dropped slightly to 29 percent of its storage capacity, and fishing was fair overall
River Walk Lakes: Anglers are reporting decent action on Powerbait, Mice Tails, spinners, and jigs
Ming Lake: Anglers are seeing good success on trout jigs, garlic-scented Powerbait, and spinners
Buena Vista Lakes: Anglers reported solid fishing at BV last week
Hart Park Lake: Fishing was fair at Hart Park last week, with largemouth bass as the best bet
Lake Nacimiento: The lake rose to 50 percent of its storage capacity, and anglers reported murky but fishable water
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