I.
General
I.
General
II.
Campgrounds and Launches
I paid. Is my registration number the same as my order number like last year?
Why were the derby dates changed?
In the interest of public safety and due to the ongoing impacts of the recent storms and flooding, the derby committee decided to postpone.
Wednesday, May 17th, 5pm - Deadline to buy tickets in-person at the chamber offices (6416 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella CA 93240.) No in-person or "walk-in" registrations will be accepted on Thursday May 18th due to preparations taking place for the event. In-person registration resumes on Friday, May 19th at derby HQ.
The 33rd Annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby
(March 23, 2024 to "To Be Determined")
The Isabella Lake Fishing Derby is Made Possible by Our Sponsors
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(Make checks payable to KRVCC. Mail to KRVCC PO BOX 567, Lake Isabella CA 93240)
Click Image Below for PDF - If Link is Broken, Email Office@kernrivervalley.com
II.
Campgrounds and Launches
Can I pre-order a t-shirt or hat?
Hats and t-shirts will only be available at derby HQ. Hats and shirts cannot be pre-ordered. Derby HQ will be open on May 19th (the day before the derby begins,) and that is the earliest hats and shirts can be purchased and obtained. Should shirts become available before opening weekend, information will be updated here and shared on the derby Facebook page.
All anglers must abide by California Department of Fish and Wildlife's regulations.
CDFW no longer prints and distributes the regulations booklet and is not available at retail stores.
Boating
Information about boating regulations on Lake Isabella, permits, safety and more is available through
Kern County, Department of Parks and Recreation.
Please go here for the latest information: Kern County Parks and Recreation, Lake Isabella
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III.
Boating & Fishing Regulations
Please contact the Kern River Valley Ranger District at (760) 376-3781 for information about undeveloped camping areas and for information about current fire restrictions. Visit their website at this link for additional information.
After opening weekend derby HQ will be at the Kern River Chamber of Commerce offices in Lake Isabella (6416 Lake Isabella Blvd.) Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday , 9:00am to 3:30pm. Turn in tagged trout at the office during open hours.
The hat design hasn't changed from last year, so will last year's purchase count towards the $10,000 tagged trout?
No. A hat or a t-shirt must be purchased this year for the fish to be at full value for opening weekend.
How much are the fish worth this year?
500 trout will be tagged ranging in value from $20 dollars to $10,000 for opening weekend. See Official Rules for more info about tag values after opening weekend.
Where is derby HQ this year, and what are the dates and hours?
Opening Weekend - Derby Headquarters (HQ) will be located at the Kern River Valley Eagles Lodge located at 12251 CA-178, Lake Isabella, CA 93240. Open on May 19th, 20th, and 21st.
Visit the Derby Facebook Page for News, Pics, and More: (1) Facebook
The campgrounds around Lake Isabella are operated by the Rocky Mountain Recreation Company: Auxiliary Dam , Southfork Rec, Old Isabella, Paradise Cove, Tillie Creek, Hungry Gulch, Boulder Gulch, Camp Nine.
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For information about fees, passes, and facilities managed by the RMRC, please contact 1-760-376-1269; office address 9900 Sierra way, Kernville CA 93238"
Campgrounds managed by RMRC are developed sites and fees for camping and day use apply. Signs are posted at entrances to fee areas. Areas around the lake where no Fee signs are posted are undeveloped. There are no camp hosts, fire pits, tables, or toilets in most of the undeveloped areas. Camping may be allowed in those areas, but they vary by site.
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Apply for a California Camp Fire Permit at: Campfire Permit - Ready for Wildfire
For information about private campgrounds, please visit our business directory.
Can I mail in my registration form and pay by check instead of purchasing my tickets online?
Saturday, May 20, 7:00am. - Deadline to buy tickets Online through this website.
Count Down to the Derby!
Check Out the Derby Application Below for a List of Our
Bobber Bowl Sponsors and More.
Important Information and Frequently Asked Questions
No. Each angler will have a unique registration number that will be provided to them on a registration card that must be picked up at derby headquarters (HQ) starting on May 19th.
Where can I get a copy of the official rules? What about the tag list?
Printed copies of the official rules will be available at derby HQ at the start of the derby. If digital copies are available before the derby, a link will be located here and on the derby Facebook page. Ditto for the tag list!
March 22, 5pm - Deadline to buy tickets and be included in the early-bird drawing. Deadline has passed. Winner will be announced at the derby.
The Derby Starts Saturday, May 20th, 7:00am. Anglers MUST have purchased tickets before the derby begins to be eligible to claim prizes.
What are the deadlines to buy tickets? Can I buy tickets after the derby has begun?
The Isabella Lake Fishing Derby operates under special use permit with the Sequoia National Forest and operates on a nondiscriminatory basis. To file a complaint alleging discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington DC 20250-9410, or call toll free, (866) 632-9992.
