Lake Isabella near Lake Isabella: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Lake Isabella is one of the Isabella County waters in Michigan. It lies 889 feet above sea level. At 701 acres this is proper open water rather than a pond. The perimeter runs near 11 miles, so plan the walk before you start. Among the waters listed for Isabella County, none is wider. Start from Lake Isabella, 1 mile down the road. It is 57 miles to Grand Rapids, the nearest city. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Lake Isabella

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Open biodiversity records for Isabella County list johnny darter, white sucker, rainbow darter, rock bass and bluegill. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. The shape of Lake Isabella decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 69°F, while January sits near 20°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Once it clears, about early April, the fishing comes on quickly. Average temperatures cross freezing around early April in spring and again near mid December in autumn. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. That is the shape of the year on Lake Isabella.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. A boat ramp sits half a mile away, so trailered boats can get on. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, Sister Lakes is 2.3 miles off. What applies at Lake Isabella may have changed since it was mapped.