Lake Isabella Recreation
Lake Isabella
What to do?
Lake Isabella is a wonderful summer getaway! Visitors can enjoy boating, sailing, water skiing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, swimming, and fishing on the lake. There are around 30 campgrounds within Sequoia National Forest and approximately 1,000 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Boat rentals are available at French Gulch Marina. They offer wave runners, fishing boats, pontoon boats, and kayaks. The Kern River, which flows into the lake, offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Head into one of the multiple small towns surrounding the lake for shopping and dining after a full day of fun on the water.
Fees & Permit Information
Boat Permits cost $45 per year and can be purchased at any marina or at several convenience stores around the lake, including the mini-mart and Sierra Gateway Market. Permits are also required for non-powered crafts such as paddleboards and sail-powered vessels. These cost $30 per year and can be purchased at the same locations. For any additional information, call (661) 868-7000.
Water Safety and Regulations
· Speed on the water should always be appropriate to weather conditions, the presence of water hazards, and the presence of other users of the area. Speeding around trees is hazardous; 200 feet of shore and 100 feet of other vessels or swimmers is a No Wake Zone. Speeds over 5 mph in these areas are a violation of state law.
· Unmarked underwater hazards, such as submerged fencing (particularly near the South Fork area), tree snags, rock outcroppings, sand spits, and islands appear and disappear with Lake Isabella's ever-changing water level.
· Jet-skiers should AVOID the Kern River channel and not endanger themselves and others.
· The law limits boating to the daytime—one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset—for boats with full navigation lights. Personal watercraft must be off the lake as soon as the mountain shadow is cast upon the water as the sun sets behind it.
· Age and Safety Gear Requirements: Boat operators must be at least 16 years old and possess a current California Boater Card issued by California State Boating and Waterways. Each person aboard must have a wearable US Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD); water skiers and personal watercraft riders must always wear PFDs.
· Towing Rules for Water skiers, Inflatables, Etc.: A tow boat must qualify to hold at least 3 people, including an observer at least 12 years old, capable of rescuing an injured water skier. The observer must raise a red flag whenever a line is out, a skier is preparing to ski, or a skier is down. The length of a tow line will not exceed 100 feet.