Information on Lake Isabella

When the word "Isabella" comes up in a conversation with Rusty, a sly grin will appear like magic. Lake Isabella is home to some of the biggest toads in Southern California. Because of its location, Lake Isabella does not receive a large amount of fishing pressure, except from some very tight-lipped locals. Rusty Brown offers seasonal pro bass fishing guide trips at Lake Isabella out of a fully tournament rigged Ranger bass boat. Rusty offers a seasonal 3 day 2 night Lake Isabella package with lodging provided.

History: In 1953, the U. S. Corps of Engineers built earthen dams across two forks of the Kern River to create the Isabella reservoir, Kern County's largest body of water year round with a surface area of 11,200 acres. The communities of Wofford Heights, Lake Isabella and Kernville now bustle with outdoor enthusiasts: fishermen, boatmen, hikers and campers. Kernville, just to the north on Highway 178 beside the north fork of the Kern River, boasts a historic past as an 1850's gold rush camp. The town pays tribute to its rip-roaring past with its Whiskey Flats Days and the exhibits in the Kern Valley Museum.

Directions: Three hours north of Los Angeles and one hour northeast of Bakersfield, where Hwy. 178 meets Hwy.. 155, scenic Lake Isabella lies between two sections of the Sequoia National Forest at an elevation of 2,578 feet.