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March 23, 2024 to March 25, 2024

Isabella Lake Fishing Derby

Frequently Asked Questions

We do our best to provide useful information related to campgrounds, boating, and general questions about the area our website's Play, Eat, and Stay pages.  In particular, the Play page may be helpful for your derby trip planning. Please Go here.

The Chamber of Commerce does not control or make reservations for campgrounds.  Areas immediately around Lake Isabella are the responsibility of the US Forest Service.  Activities on the water are the jurisdiction of Kern County.

  • Do I have to register at Derby HQ before fishing? (Yes. See rules.)

  • Do I have to wear a derby t-shirt to claim a prize? (See rules. Does not have to be worn, but evidence of  having purchased a 2025 derby hat or shirt is required for the $5,000 or $10,000 dollar tags to be honored at full value.  Without said purchase, those tags would be worth half of their full value.)

  • Are there categories for the longest fish? (See rules.)

  • When does the derby begin? (7:00am on Saturday, April 12th. See rules.)

  • Can I join the derby after it has already started? (No. Anglers must be registered to participate in the derby before it starts at 7:00am on 4/12/25.)

  • Do we have to follow CDFW rules while fishing at the Derby? (Yes. CDFW regulations apply. Fishing licenses are required by the State. See rules. )

Questions RELATED TO THE DERBY and will mainly be addressed in the derby's Official Rules.  Drafts of rules will be published online when they are available but are subject the change. The final version of the Official Rules will be available at Derby HQ beginning on Friday, April 11th.

All derby anglers must check-in at HQ, ideally prior to fishing. HQ (the Eagles lodge in Mountain Mesa) will be open the day before the derby starts, Friday April 11, 2025, for 12 hours from 8am to 8pm and at other times during the derby.

Sample Rules Related Questions

If you do not find an answer to your questions on the Play page and related links, please email the chamber at office@kernrivervalley.com. The Chamber's main phone line is (760) 379-5236. 

A separate phone messaging line for the derby is being investigated but is not in place at this time.  Messages left on the chamber's main line may not be answered or returned in a timely manner, depending on the volume of messages left on any given day. 

Thanks for your understanding.

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  • What campgrounds are available?

  • Where do I get a campfire permit?

  • What are the amenities at the various campground?

  • Are there Day Use sites?

  • Are there places I can camp without a reservation?

  • What are the fees to camp?

  • What are some other things to do while we're in town?

  • Where can I launch a boat?

  • Is there a fee for launching a boat?

Sample General Questions

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