Lake Size: 11,000 Acres Deepest Depth: 185 feet Latitude: 35.671581 Longitude: -118.427236 Lake Level Above Sea Level: 2,500 feet Counties: Kern County Cities: Bakersfield Lake Management: US Army Corps of Engineers
Information: Lake Isabella is a man-made earthen reservoir in Kern County, California that consists of a main and auxiliary dam. It was formed in 1953 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Kern River at the junction of its two forks at Whiskey Flat. At 11,000 acres (45 km²), it is one of the largest reservoirs in California. The area is in the southern end of the Sierra Nevada range and the lake itself is located in low mountains at an elevation of approximately 2,500 feet (760 m) where summer temperatures reach over 100 degrees (°F) but low enough to avoid winter snows on the surrounding ridges. Lake Isabella is located about 40 miles (65 km) northeast of Bakersfield, and is the main water supply for that city. Lake Isabella can be reached by car from Bakersfield via state Highway 178 and from Delano via Highway 155. The former town of Kernville was flooded by the newly created reservoir.
In 2006 the Isabella Dam was found to be unstable to hold a full amount of water and approximately 40% of a full dam had to be let out to restabilize the earth works. Presently the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers won't let the water get above 60% of capacity until an estimated 10-15 years of studies and repairs are made. To further add to this problem the Isabella Dam bisects an active fault that could lead to a catastrophic failure when an earthquake occurs along it. This fault was considered inactive when the site was studied in the late 1940s.
The lake is a dividing point. Upper Kern River flows into Lake Isabella, Lower Kern River flows out of the lake and toward Bakersfield. The nearby towns of Lake Isabella and Kernville receive economic benefit from tourism created by the Lake Isabella Recreation Area and the whitewater rafting attraction of the Upper and Lower Kern River. Much of the wilderness surrounding the lake is part of the Sequoia National Forest.
Boating
Fishing
Business
Miscellaneous Info
The speed limit near shore (within 200 ft.) is 5 mph (no wake). The speed limit near docks and marinas and the South Fork Wildlife Area, is also 5 mph (no wake). This speed also applies within 100 feet of any swimmer, including a water skier. The "Basic Speed Law" applies as well; you should always operate your watercraft at a speed appropriate to The conditions. Weaving around other lake users at high speed isn’t safe anywhere on the lake, and you may be cited. Remember, “buzzing” or wetting down” others is prohibited, and people fishing will also appreciate you keeping your distance. Another safely factor; please take into consideration the diminished visibility caused by late afternoon glare on the water. Finally, speeding around trees and bushes is very hazardous as someone may be out of sight just behind the obstruction.
Welcome to the Lake Isabella recreation area. We hope that your time here participating in Lake Isabella’s many varied activities will be enjoyable. However, we also ask that your time be spent with one eye open to safely considerations. Several incidents over the past year or two have prompted us to remind you of a few of the “rules of the road”. While not limiting your activities much, these rules will make Isabella Lake a safer and better place to come and play, whether you’re a person who enjoys boating, fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, personal watercraft, camping, or just spending a day
Lake Isabella offers many different kinds of fish for the angler. There are Bass, Crappie, Blue Gill, Trout, Carp, Suckers and Perch. The best all around fishing in California can be had at this Lake. The next record Large Mouth Bass for California will possibly be caught in Lake Isabella. There are several marinas located on the lake from which you can rent boats and and refuel.
Kern River
The Kern River is located in central California. It is east of Bakersfield about 50 miles. West of Ridgecrest 50 miles on Highway 178. It is the Gateway to the Sierra's. The Kern River has great fishing for Rainbow trout. The 20 mile section of river from Lake Isabella to the Johnsondale Bridge is open YEAR ROUND for fishing. The river is accessible from the road with numerous pullouts where you can just get out of your car and fish. The river above the bridge opens for the season on the last Saturday in April and closes mid November. There are many small streams in this area to fish with bait and flies. The section on the Kern above the bridge is for artificial only.
From Barstow (2 hours, 15 minutes): Take Highway 58 west to the junction with Highway 395 (Kramer Junction); then north on 395 to 178 (Inyokern); west on 178 to 14; south on 14 three miles to 178 again; west on 178 to the Kern Valley. Total miles: 125.
From Bishop (3 hours, 15 minutes): Take Highway 395 south to where Highway 14 south splits off. Take Highway 14 south 10 miles to Highway 178 west. Take Highway 178 west over Walker Pass to the Kern Valley. Total miles: 150.
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