lake isabella

[bonsaibp]

Hello all
I'm thinking about going up to Lake Isabella for the first time this weekend. Any suggestions ?
Anyone know launch conditions and water levels or a inexpensive motel with boat hookups/
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks
BP

[durobi]

Well there is a definite shortage of decent motels around LI . I usually use the launch ramp between the auxilliary and main dam at engineers point. It.s easier to pull out if the wind happens to come up. The Lake Isabella Motel is right at the exit of 155 ,it's probably the most reasonable. I'm sure they will probably let you run an ext.cord out to the boat. There are fancier and pricier accomodations in Kernville but that's further from the launch ramps.
You are only about a mile from ramp at the town of Lake Isabella. Try the Hungry Rancher or Dam Corner for food also Shady Lane Bar makes a good hamburger.
As far as fishing goes I think they are staging in deeper water.You might try for th big ones by deep cranking the timber in the north and south forks. Also try Deep and shallower cranks and spinner baits at Piney Point, Rocky Point, and the rocks and walls around Boulder Gulch.
If this doesn,t work there is always drop shot in any of those locations . The senko and jig bite was not doing too good when I was up there 2 weeks ago but who knows now. You can always check with Ed Cordell at Big Ed's Bait and Tackle.
Good luck. I hear bass has been spotty but the catfish bite has been pretty good.

[jrbasspro]

remember to get your lake isabella permit before you launch

[durobi]

You can get the boat permit at the shell station across from the Mc Donalds in Lake Isabella.