Fishing reports for Lake Isabella

Trout fishing is slowing a bit with no new stockings since mid-March, but trollers are still catching a few rainbows. Some are targeting the surface with diving Rapalas, while others are running deeper water with Needlefish.

The crappie bite has been outstanding in both shallow and deep sections across the lake. Crappie jigs, grubs, and live worms have been best, especially near Paradise Cove.

The bass bite is steadily improving with stabilizing weather and warming water. Reaction baits have been triggering strikes more effectively than finesse baits, although dropshotting has been working if the reaction bite quits.

Isabella is benefiting from the consistent warmer weather with an outstanding crappie bite, especially on the south side. Small swimbaits and jigs have been pulling in numbers and size.

Bass action has become more unpredictable, although a few big ones were recently caught weighing over 7 pounds. Lure choice is inconsistent... sometimes reaction baits are best, sometimes finesse. Best to experiment.

The trout bite has pulled back a bit without recent stockings, although folks are still catching a few trolling and from shore.

The last trout stock was before the derby, the week of March 17th. But due to the large number of fish stocked, anglers are still getting plenty of action. Trollers are using spoons, while casters are getting bit towards the surface. Bass fishing is still slow, as water temperatures remain cool. The forecasted warmer weeks should spark more activity. Crappie fishing was reported as "good" especially near submerged structure.