Lake Isabella has risen to about 45 percent of its capacity this week and continues to climb at a steady pace. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocked trout here last week, and the bite has been steady with anglers finding success on pinched nightcrawlers, spinners, garlic-scented Powerbait, and mini jigs. Our contacts are also reporting a solid catfish bite in water up to 90 feet deep, especially near schools of shad that remain in deeper water. The catfish are actively feeding on them, and vibrating jigs have been working well. Bass action has been decent lately with fish being caught on jigs, swimbaits, Senkos, and by drop-shotting Roboworms in Oxblood or MMIII around Rocky Point and Piney Point, with water temperatures currently in the mid to upper 50s. The crappie bite remains fair with fish holding near offshore structure in 25 to 35 feet of water. The 35th Annual Lake Isabella Fishing Derby is scheduled for March 28–30, 2026. For more information, contact Cope’s Tackle or visit KernRiverValley.com.

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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