Lake Isabella, California, USA

Also known as:  Isabella Reservoir

Lake Isabella is an 11,200 acre reservoir in Kern County, California, about 35 miles northeast of Bakersfield. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers created the lake, also known as Isabella Reservoir, in 1953 for flood control along the Kern River, irrigation water storage, and hydroelectric generation. Tucked into the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the lake enjoys warm summer temperatures and mild winters. Offering year-round…
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    • All About Lake Isabella, CA

    Lake Locations: USA - US West Region - California - High Sierra Region, CA -

    Lake Isabella is an 11,200 acre reservoir in Kern County, California, about 35 miles northeast of Bakersfield. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers created the lake, also known as Isabella Reservoir, in 1953 for flood control along the Kern River, irrigation water storage, and hydroelectric generation.

    Tucked into the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the lake enjoys warm summer temperatures and mild winters. Offering year-round recreational opportunities, Lake Isabella has become a premier California vacation destination.

    Two dams impound Lake Isabella: the Main Dam and the Auxiliary Dam. In 2006 a leak was found in the Auxiliary Dam. The Corps of Engineers lowered the water level 20 feet below normal full pool (2585 feet above sea level) to investigate the leak and determine corrective measures.

    Lake Isabella Things to Do

    While visiting the lake, carve out some time to go fishing. A pastime enjoyed by many, Lake Isabella is home to many species that live beneath the surface, including bluegill, carp, crappie, hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, perch, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, striped bass, white bass, and yellow bass.

    In fact, bass fishing is so good here that local anglers are sure that a record-making largemouth bass specimen will soon be caught. As always, make sure you have a valid California fishing license before you arrive. Check here for Lake Isabella fishing charters.

    On any warm day, you’ll find the lake spotted with boats of all shapes, sizes, and speeds. Canoes and kayaks take tranquil strolls around coves, sail boats catch the strong summer breezes, pontoon boats enjoy leisurely cruises, and power boats speed their way around the 38 miles of Lake Isabella shoreline, often pulling wakeboarders, tubers and waterskiers behind them. But before heading out into those inviting waters, be aware that all boats must display a valid Lake Isabella boat permit, available at any marina on the lake.

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    The refreshing, cool waters of Lake Isabella stand in contrast to summer temperatures that can reach 100 degrees, almost begging you to take a long swim. Grab a tube or water toy and float along, watching birds swoop above or cottony clouds drift by. Swimming is not permitted more than 300 feet from shore.

    Explore Lake Isabella Hiking and Other Activities

    Due to Lake Isabella’s prime location adjacent to the Sequoia National Forest, over 1,000 miles of nature trails await the outdoor enthusiast. The 2,207 square mile forest is a haven for bird watchers, hikers, off-roaders, and equestrians, offering plenty to see and do.

    The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail passes through the Sequoia National Forest for 78 miles and, combined with Summit trail, Cannell Meadow trail, and Jackass Creek trail, weave naturists though the unique and magnificent sequoia ecosystem.

    For those who love a bit of excitement, the Kern River is a very popular destination for whitewater rafting. Plenty of tours are available to help you navigate the rapids of the Lower Kern and Upper Kern. The Lower Kern, most southern of all Sierra rivers, offers intermediate and advanced rapids in the class III-IV range as you careen down an aquatic canyon. The Upper Kern offers the same class of rapids with big, white waves and heart-stopping drops. Make reservations in advance.

    Things to Do at Lake Isabella – Winter

    The fun doesn’t stop when the temperatures drop – in fact, some would say they’re just beginning. Winter sports abound in this California region, with snowshoeing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding topping the list.

    Head to Mountain & River Adventures for snow shoe and cross country ski rental or the Alta Sierra Ski Resort & Terrain Park for downhill skiing, snowboarding terrain park, and a thrilling tube park. Lessons are available at both locations, and the very fair prices will make you almost as happy as the sports to follow.

    Plan Your Vacation to Lake Isabella

    Lake Isabella is a wonderful vacation destination for all four seasons, offering excellent water activities in summer and exciting snowy ones in winter. Depending on your preferences, plan your trip according to season or, if you can’t quite decide, just make plans for a bit of Lake Isabella during every season. Start planning your trip!

    Things to Do at Lake Isabella

    These are some activities in the Lake Isabella, CA area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Whitewater Rafting
    • Water Skiing
    • Wakeboarding
    • Tubing
    • Hiking
    • Downhill Skiing
    • Snowboarding
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Horseback Riding
    • Birding
    • National Forest

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Isabella?

    Lake Isabella has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Carp
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Perch
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Striped Bass
    • Sunfish
    • Trout
    • White Bass
    • Yellow Bass
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Isabella

    If you’re considering a Lake Isabella lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Lake Isabella Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Isabella lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Isabella Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

    Surface Area: 11,200 acres

    Shoreline Length: 38 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 2,585 feet

    Average Depth: 60 feet

    Maximum Depth: 185 feet

    Water Volume: 560,000 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1953

    Lake Isabella Map
    Local Weather Forecast

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