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Welcome to the Lake Isabella recreation area. We hope that your time here participating in Lake Isabella’s many varied activities will be enjoyable. However, we also ask that your time be spent with one eye open to safely considerations. Several incidents over the past year or two have prompted us to remind you of a few of the “rules of the road”. While not limiting your activities much, these rules will make Isabella Lake a safer and better place to come and play, whether you’re a person who enjoys boating, fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, personal watercraft, camping, or just spending a day.
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BOAT PERMITS Every boat, watercraft & sailboard must display a boat permit.
Boats and watercraft are $45 / year, |
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Each person must have a "Wearable Type" Personal Flotation Device on board and readily accessible. Water skiers and personal watercraft riders should wear their PFD’s at all times. Children under age 11 must wear a PFD at all times. PFD’s must be in good condition and U.S. Coast Guard approved. |
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The speed limit near shore (within 200 ft.) is 5 mph (no wake). The speed limit near docks and marinas and the South Fork Wildlife Area, is also 5 mph (no wake). This speed also applies within 100 feet of any swimmer, including a water skier. The "Basic Speed Law" applies as well; you should always operate your watercraft at a speed appropriate to The conditions. Weaving around other lake users at high speed isn’t safe anywhere on the lake, and you may be cited. Remember, “buzzing” or wetting down” others is prohibited, and people fishing will also appreciate you keeping your distance. Another safely factor; please take into consideration the diminished visibility caused by late afternoon glare on the water. Finally, speeding around trees and bushes is very hazardous as someone may be out of sight just behind the obstruction. |
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Please help preserve equal privileges for all lake recreational users by knowing and observing all lake rules and practicing good boating etiquette. Giving a wide berth to those enjoying other activities, will help ensure access to all of Isabella Lake for everyone. Kern County Parks and Recreation Department http://www.co.kern.ca.us/parks/index.htm |
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Different areas of the lake are popular with different types of lake users. Personal watercraft and water skiers frequent the area closest to the Auxiliary’ Dam for its smooth waters. Windsurfers tend to sail in two areas not far from the 'Auxiliary’ Dam. Please take care in crossing these and all congested areas of the lake. Remember, windsurfers are capable of speeds of 35 miles per hour (mph) personal watercraft can reach speeds of 70+ mph; power/speed boats, speeds of 80+ mph. Judging an oncoming craft’s speed can be misleading and dangerous. So please, reduce your speed and give a wide berth to others, especially in congested areas. |
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This part, of course, covers towing anything, including inflatables. You must have an observer 12 years old or above in addition to the driver. Your boat or watercraft should be rated to accommodate at least three persons; in case of injury to the skier, you must be able to bring Them ashore. The observer must raise a red flag whenever you have a line out, a skier preparing to ski, or a downed skier. Remember that towing a skier does not give you any special privileges - the rules of the road must still be observed, and inflatables must be those designed specifically for towing. |
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Swimming is not allowed beyond 300 feet from shore. Tubes, small rafts, air mattresses, etc. are considered swimming aids and are not allowed over 300 feet from shore. No lake permit is needed for these devices. |
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If you should meet another vessel head-on, pass on the right, just like
driving a car. The same principle applies when two vessels are approaching
a crossing situation; the vessel on the right has the right-of-way, and the other |
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Just like driving a car, boating while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is illegal. People impaired by either drugs or alcohol are one of the primary causes of many of the boating accidents. In addition, it is a felony to cause death or 'serious injury’ to another person while operating a boat under the influence. |
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The wind often changes suddenly at Isabella Lake and has been known to reach speeds up to 50 to 60 mph. Please do not attempt to cross open water during strong winds and stay alert for these changing conditions. |
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Water depth at Isabella Lake is an ever-changing condition, so please take time to explore the lake’s shoreline. Also, be aware that both man made and natural underwater hazards do exist. Submerged fencing is a common man made obstacle especially in the South Fork area of the lake. Snags (submerged trees and branches), rock outcroppings, sand spits and islands are among the natural obstacles. Obstacles will appear and disappear as the water level changes. There is no ongoing program to mark these hazards. |
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At certain times of the year, the Borel Canal may be exposed or lurking in very shallow water. This concrete-lined channel, about eight feet deep, runs right through the western waters of Isabella Lake. The canal insures a consistent water supply to the power plant downstream from the Auxiliary Dam. |
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Riding personal watercraft (Jet ski's) up the Kern River channel is reckless and dangerous, not only to riders and their craft, but to people fishing, swimmers and white water boaters. Please stay out of the Kern River channel with motorized personal watercraft. |
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This riparian forested area is popular for watching wildlife and fishing. The speed limit here is 5 mph (no wake). Be aware of people enjoying the area in among the trees and travel at especially low speeds to protect the visitors and the wildlife. |
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Boating at night is prohibited. All boating is prohibited one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise. If you can't see the sun shining on the highest mountains, the sun has set. Remember, the key word is "SUNSET" not "DARK"!! |
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On occasion, sea planes visit Isabella Lake. Boaters need to keep clear of such craft while they are landing or taking off. |
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Isabella Lake is patrolled by boats under the jurisdiction of the Kern County Department of Parks & Recreation. These boats can be identified as larger than normal, aluminum or white hull with large red slash stripe. The patrol boat is there for your safely and has the authority to issue citations for boating violations. The patrol boats monitor Marine Band Radio channel 16. |
© 1997-2007 The contents of this site is intended solely for personal, noncommercial use. |