Lake Isabella
Reservoir Reservoir in California formed by Isabella Dam
In Kern County’s Isabella Reservoir, the lake sits in a canyon of the Kern River; anglers fish for bass and trout, and the shoreline supports houseboats, camping and off‑road tracks in surrounding hills.
Lake Isabella is a reservoir on the Kern River in Kern County, California, formed by the construction of Isabella Dam in the mid-20th century. It serves as a managed reservoir used for flood control, water storage and recreation in the Kern River Valley.
The shoreline includes marinas, boat launch areas and camping and fishing locations that attract local and regional visitors for boating and angling. Recreational use is a primary contemporary function of the lake.
The dam and reservoir were built in the 20th century to regulate the Kern River for downstream water uses and flood protection; the reservoir has since been managed for both utility and public recreation.
The lake sits in the Kern River Valley in the southern Sierra Nevada foothills of Kern County, California, and is the major waterbody in that valley.
- Purpose: Constructed by building a dam on the Kern River in the mid-20th century, the reservoir provides flood control, irrigation storage and recreational facilities along its shoreline.
How to Get to Lake Isabella #
From Bakersfield, take CA-178 east toward Lake Isabella; the drive is about 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic. The reservoir has several public access points, marinas, and campgrounds.
Tips for Visiting Lake Isabella #
- Visit in late afternoon for softer light and to avoid daytime winds that can pick up on the reservoir
- Check for scheduled maintenance or dam operations-access can be limited during certain periods
- For water recreation, verify permits and local regulations with Kern County authorities
Best Time to Visit Lake Isabella #
Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable conditions; summers can be very hot inland.
Weather & Climate near Lake Isabella #
Lake Isabella's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 36°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 60 mm of rain.
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February
February is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.
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August
August is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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