At Lake Isabella, the winter bass bite has been hit or miss, but quality fish are still on tap for anglers willing to put in the work. Water temperatures are ranging from 47 to 55 degrees, and the lake is currently sitting at about 36% of capacity. Dropshotting 6-inch Roboworms in Margarita Mutilator, Oxblood, and Green Pumpkin has been productive, along with slow-worked swimbaits and football jigs in the 3/8- to 1/2-ounce range. Best jig colors have been black and blue paired with black/blue cleanup craws, as well as brown and purple jigs with chigger craws or green pumpkin creature baits. Sonar and blade baits are also picking off the occasional keeper. Anglers targeting larger bass are finding the best action around Rocky Point, Engineers Point, and Piney Point. The catfish bite has been very good. One of our contacts reported catching 15 in two hours. Whiskerfish have been biting Triple S dip bait, cut bait, and nightcrawlers. Crappie action is still around, with fish holding in 30 to 40 feet of water, though some bites are still coming from 15 to 20 feet using Keitechs with 1/16oz jig head or live shiners. Looking ahead, the 35th Annual Lake Isabella Fishing Derby is scheduled for March 28–30, 2026.

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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