Flooding Concerns Prompt Isabella Lake Fishing Derby Postponement To May 20 Starting Date

The annual trout derby at Kern County’s popular fishery Lake Isabella will be postponed from its early April start date to May 20 (through June 4). The reason? The heavy rains that have pounded California in the winter has prompted safety concerns.

The Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the event, released a statement earlier today on Facebook.

Here’s the text:

ATTENTION ANGLERS: As all of you are aware the large amount of flood
water and debris entering Lake Isabella has caused major issues for our
lake and shoreline. At this time Kern County Parks has the lake closed to
all boating activity for an unknown timeline as well as the United States
Forest Service has most of the camp grounds closed around the lake for
public safety as our lake continues to rise rapidly with the recent storms.
We have been working together to get a date in place for everyone to enjoy
a fantastic and safe event.

With that said we are moving opening weekend
of derby to May 20, 2023. We are aware this will impact some of our
anglers but we need to keep your safety as our primary focus at this time.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone May 20, 2023 for another
fantastic Isabella Lake Fishing Derby.
Thank you
Fred Clark
Derby Chairman

The derby’s website also had some new registration date deadlines as well:

What are the deadlines to buy tickets? Can I buy tickets after the derby has begun?

Wednesday, May 17th, 5pm – Deadline to buy tickets in-person at the chamber offices (6416 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella CA 93240.)  In-person registration resumes on Friday, May 19th at derby HQ. 

Saturday, May 20, 7:00am. – Deadline to buy tickets Online through this website.