Lake Isabella is currently sitting at approximately 40% of capacity. The catfish bite has been solid for offshore anglers at Lake Isabella, with boaters locating schools of shad in 60 to 75 feet of water and whiskerfish actively feeding around them. Anglers marking bait on sonar have been able to pick up catfish using vibrating jigs and other vertical presentations. Shore fishing has been slower, ranging from slow to fair, with the best success coming on cut baits, dip baits, and nightcrawlers. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife completed a trout plant this week, and anglers are reporting decent action on spinners, garlic-scented PowerBait, and mini jigs. Boaters targeting larger trout are finding better quality fish by trolling needlefish, Tasmanian Devils, and Flicker Shad around the dam. Crappie action has been hit or miss, with fish suspended in 20 to 30 feet of water near offshore structure, and when anglers are able to trigger bites, live shiners and mini jigs continue to produce. Bass fishing remains fair with most fish holding in deeper offshore water, and the best success is coming on drop-shot presentations using 6-inch Roboworms in Margarita Mutilator, Oxblood, and green pumpkin, while a few additional fish are being picked up on spoons and ice jigs. 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!



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.



Our price match guarantee assures each angler the opportunity to get out on the water with the best gear at the lowest price possible. We make it a point to regularly run deals and sales!


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