Lake Isabella Fish Report for 5-23-2025
Fishing has been excellent across multiple species
Lake Isabella - Lake Isabella, CA (Kern County)

by Chad Burton and Chris Borden
5-23-2025
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This week Isabella Lake increased to 60 percent of its storage capacity and fishing has been excellent across multiple species. Bass fishing showed positive trends and are being found in shallow waters. Our sources reported quality bites in the Camp 9, North Fork and South Fork areas using Senkos, jigs, and reaction baits. Topwater lures like white Spooks and prop baits worked well during early morning hours, while jigs, drop-shot worms, and creature baits kept the bite going throughout the day. The crappie bite was strong, with limit-style fishing reported, especially around Camp 9, the cages, and brushy areas in the South Fork. Anglers had the best results using live shiners, small white or yellow minijigs, and 2” Keitech Easy Shiner swimbaits. Trout anglers saw good results near the marina, with dough baits bringing in some quality rainbow trout. Catfish were also active, hitting on cut bait, nightcrawlers, and Triple S Dip Bait. Overall, weather conditions were clear and mild, supporting great fishing throughout the week.
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More Reports
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, May 23rd
California Aqueduct: California Aqueduct Report
Castaic Lake: Anglers reported another week of excellent bass fishing
Pyramid Lake, CA: The lake remained full, with water temperatures in the upper range for spawning bass
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, May 16th
California Aqueduct: The California Aqueduct bite was solid last week
Castaic Lake: Anglers reported another excellent week on the water
Pyramid Lake, CA: Bass fishing was productive this week
Lake Isabella: Anglers reported limit-style fishing for the past few weeks
Kern River: The CDFW continue to stock the Upper Kern and river flows are ideal
Lake Kaweah: Water temperatures were ideal for spring bass action
Lake Success: Bass anglers experienced a solid post-spawn bite
River Walk Lakes: The topwater bite has been improving
Ming Lake: Bass anglers reported good fishing using reaction and finesse baits
Buena Vista Lakes: Anglers reported solid action at Buena Vista Lakes last week
Hart Park Lake: Last week fishing was productive at Hart Park
Lake Nacimiento: Anglers reported strong numbers of spotted bass caught

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