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.
March 23, 2024 to March 25, 2024
Isabella Lake Fishing Derby
Frequently Asked Questions
Most questions RELATED TO THE DERBY are addressed in the Derby's Official Rules viewable at this link. Rules published online are subject the change.
Anglers must check-in at derby HQ (the Eagles lodge in Mountain Mesa.) Printed copies of the Rules will be there. If your question(s) are not in the rules, please send us message and well try to answer them below; send to office@kernrivervalle.com at (760) 379-5236 (return calls subject to call volume.)
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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Where can I get a copy of the fishing regulations
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What campgrounds are available?
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What are the amenities at the various campgrounds?
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Are there Day Use sites?
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Where can I launch a boat?
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How much does it cost to launch a boat?
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Where do I get a campfire permit?
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Can I use a gas stove? (Note: Current Fire restrictions are may not be the same a week or a month from now. Check the district range site. Link on the Play page.)
Sample General Questions
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Do I have to register at Derby HQ before fishing? (Yes. Registration cards must be picked up at HQ prior to fishing. See rules.)
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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, $10,000, and $10,000 Dollar Shopping Spree tags to be honored at full value. SEE RULES.)
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How much will the shirts and hats be this year? T-Shirts $20, Hats $28 - same as last year.
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When and where will the shirts and hats be available for purchase? Hats and shirts will be available for purchase at derby HQ (Eagle's lodge) starting on Friday April 11th. No pre-sale or online.
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Are there categories for the longest fish? (Yes. There is a single category for the longest trout. See rules.)
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Are there long-sleeve shirts or hoodies? No.
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When does the derby begin? (7:00am on Saturday, April 12th, 2025.)
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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.)
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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 and play page, below )
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Does the Isabella Fishing Derby feature tagged bass, catfish, or other species besides trout? NO. The Isabella Fishing Derby is a TROUT derby. Evidently some Artificial Intelligence programs have described the Lake Isabella Derby as a place to catch trout, bass, and catfish. This is Fake News! The AI is incorrect - the Lake Isabella Fishing Derby is a TROUT derby.
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Are Two-Stroke Engines allowed on Lake Isabella? Yes. Please reference the following link: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28770#A1
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What size will the tagged trout be? Information about the size of the tagged fish, color of the tags, when and where they will be released, etc., is not shared in advance of the derby. We understand anglers want to set-up their reels with an appropriate weight line, but we can only give a range of 1 to 4 pounds for the trout that will be planted.
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Will albino trout be included this year? Not this year. Please ask related questions on the derby Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lakeisabellafishingderby/
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Why is the derby always on a full moon? The derby is normally the week before Easter. Moon phases are not taken into consideration.
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What will the weather be like for the derby? Average temperatures in the Kern Valley in April are Hi 66°/Low 44° with an average of 3 days of precipitation and 1 day of snow. Mountain weather is unpredictable - the derby is held "rain or shine." Please monitor the weather as the derby approaches and plan accordingly.
