So Cal Fish Report
Lake Isabella Fish Report for 8-7-2026


Lake Isabella continues to drop as summer water releases pull the lake down

Lake Isabella - Lake Isabella, CA (Kern County)


by Chad Burton and Chris Borden
8-7-2026
Website

Lake Isabella continues to drop as summer water releases pull the lake down, but fishing remains productive for several species. Bass anglers are finding the best action early in the morning and around deeper structure as the day heats up. Flukes, Senkos, spinnerbaits, and craw-pattern baits have all been producing, while purple, oxblood, and Margarita Mutilator worms worked along rocky points and deeper rock piles are getting some of the better-quality fish. The North Fork remains a good area to target, along with submerged timber and rocky structure, but anglers should not overlook deeper water in the 20- to 30-foot range.
Topwater baits can still produce around first light before the fish settle into deeper summer patterns. Crappie remain scattered around submerged trees and brush, with most fish holding in deeper water. Small live minnows, mini jigs, and small swimbaits have been the most consistent offerings when schools can be located. Catfishing continues to be very good, particularly during the evening and nighttime hours, with SSS Dip Bait, cut bait, nightcrawlers, and other natural baits producing quality fish. Trout are still showing despite the warm summer conditions, with boaters having the advantage by trolling deeper water with Tasmanian Devils, Needlefish, Flicker Shad, and similar small trolling lures. Shore anglers can still pick up an occasional trout with garlic- or cheese-scented floating baits, especially during the cooler early-morning hours.

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More Reports

Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, August 7th

California Aqueduct: Aqueduct anglers shifted to fishing at night to avoid the intense daytime heat
Castaic Lake: Water clarity was good despite a slight algae tint
Pyramid Lake, CA: Water clarity remained poor because of a heavy algae bloom

Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, July 31st

California Aqueduct: Most anglers targeted the early morning bite to avoid the high midday temperatures
Castaic Lake: The lake remained at approximately 94 percent of its storage capacity
Pyramid Lake, CA: The lake remained at 91percent of its storage capacity, with water temperatures in the upper 70s
Lake Isabella: The lower water levels have not slowed the bass bite
Kern River: With flows running low on the Upper Kern River, the best trout fishing has been found in deeper pools and slower-moving eddies
Lake Kaweah: Anglers reported improved fishing as the water drawdown slowed
Lake Success: Largemouth bass anglers enjoyed another productive week
River Walk Lakes: Anglers are still finding good action during the cooler morning and evening hours
Ming Lake: Fishing at Ming Lake remains steady
Buena Vista Lakes: Anglers reported fair fishing at Buena Vista as hot summer temperatures kept many people off the water
Hart Park Lake: Fishing at Hart Park was fair
Lake Nacimiento: The morning bite the most productive time for anglers