Lake Isabella Fish Report for 1-9-2026
Recent storms have raised Lake Isabella to approximately 36 percent of capacity
Lake Isabella - Lake Isabella, CA (Kern County)

by Chad Burton and Chris Borden
1-9-2026
Website
Recent storms have raised Lake Isabella to approximately 36% of capacity, with water temperatures ranging from 49 to 55 degrees. The colder water has slowed the bass bite, and fishing has been hit or miss for quality fish, but bass are still being caught. Most of the action is coming from 30 to 35 feet of water around Rocky Point, Piney Point, and Engineer’s Point. Anglers finding success are working deep-diving crankbaits, large worms, swimbaits fished slowly, jigs, and creature baits along deeper structure. California Bass Fishing Guide Rusty Brown has been putting in the work and has been rewarded with some beautiful bass lately. Catfish action improved this week in both numbers and quality. Productive baits include dip baits, mackerel, chicken liver, and nightcrawlers. Trout fishing remains steady, with fish being caught on garlic-scented baits, spinners, mousetails, and worms. Crappie fishing is fair to good, with fish holding over structure and responding well to mini jigs and small shiners.
Contact Cope’s Tackle and Rod Shop at 661-679-6351 or check us out online at Tackle and Rod.com
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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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More Reports
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, January 9th
California Aqueduct: The aqueduct bite was fair last week
Castaic Lake: Castaic was closed until further notice due to algae
Pyramid Lake, CA: Pyramid Lake was reported as reopened after recent storm damage
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, January 2nd
California Aqueduct: California Aqueduct Fishing Report
Castaic Lake: Castaic rose to 80 percent of its storage capacity, and the water was muddy but fishable
Pyramid Lake, CA: Pyramid Lake will be closed until further notice due to storm damage
Lake Isabella: The bass bite has slowed with colder water temperatures, but fish are still being caught
Kern River: Flows have increased on the Upper Kern River
Lake Kaweah: Kaweah rose to 18 percent of its storage capacity, and fishing was fair
Lake Success: Success Lake rose to 26 percent of its storage capacity, and fishing was fair last week
River Walk Lakes: River Walk Lake Report
Ming Lake: Trout anglers are finding success on trout jigs, garlic scented Powerbait, and spinners
Buena Vista Lakes: Bass anglers worked Senkos and Texas-rigged lizards for fish to three pounds
Hart Park Lake: Anglers reported fair fishing at Hart Park, with largemouth and bluegill as the best bets
Lake Nacimiento: Nacimiento rose to 39 percent of its storage capacity, and the water was muddy
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