Summer Campbell-Kern Valley Sun

The 18th annual Lake Isabella Fishing Derby ended on April 2. The event, headed by the Kern Valley Chamber of Commerce, brings in many visiting anglers as well as many local fishers to the lake for a weekend of fun and financial opportunity.

Anglers had some of the best weather in the 18 years the derby has taken place. This weather fortune is odd considering that the date of derby was pushed forward, from March 30-April 2, this year in order to allow for children to participate without having to miss school. The Lake Isabella Fishing Derby, one of the largest of its kind in the state, started in 1990 and has grown significantly since its dawn. This year's registration is up from last years 3,906, to rest at a wholesome 4,608. Among the 4,000 plus registered there were 3,017 individuals and 405 families; these numbers are up 702 from last year.

2007 Whiskey Flat Day Mayor Rustlin Rachel releases a fish Friday morning before the official start of this year’s fishing derby.

The some 600 tagged fish were released the Friday morning of the derby, and fishing was underway by Saturday at 8:00 a.m. This year Mr. Ten Grand was joined by Mrs. Ten Grand giving anglers twice the chance to catch a fish with a $10,000 tag.

Although registration was up from last year the number of tagged fish reeled in was not quite as high. Saturday's winnings totaled $5,440 from 96 fish, 54 were $20 tagged fish and 44 lucky fishers earned $100. The fish took a bit of a rest on Sunday for only 76 were caught most of which were $20 fish.

The Lake Isabella Fishing Derby, which is one of the largest in the state, has paid out a total of 200,000 dollars for tagged fish over the past 18 years, all of which were caught during the derby weekend. Out of the 600-tagged fish released this year 254 brought fishers revenue.

While this years derby did not reel in Mr. or Mrs. Ten Grand anglers still managed to collect a total payout of $13, 130.