Lake Isabella is currently sitting at approximately 37% of capacity, and the winter bass bite remains hit or miss, though there are still quality fish on tap for anglers willing to put in the time. Dropshotting 6-inch Roboworms in Margarita Mutilator, Oxblood, or Green Pumpkin continues to produce, along with brown and purple jigs or green pumpkin creature baits. Slow-rolling swimbaits has also been effective for targeting larger fish. Key areas to focus on include Rocky Point, Piney Point, and Engineers Point. Water temperatures are ranging between 47 and 55 degrees. The catfish bite remains very good offshore in 70 to 90 feet of water. One of our contacts reported catching over 40 whiskerfish in a single outing while fishing ice jigs and blade baits, with a heavy concentration of shad schooled up in that area keeping the fish active. Crappie are still showing well in the South Fork, with fish holding in 30 to 40 feet of water, though some bites are still coming from 15 to 20 feet using Keitechs on a 1/16-ounce jig head or live shiners. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has a scheduled trout plant during the week of February 22, which should provide a boost to shoreline action. The 35th Annual Lake Isabella Fishing Derby is scheduled for March 28–30, 2026.

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!



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