The last few weeks of Fall Weather patterns in the Big Bear Valley have brought water temps to 57 degrees top to bottom up to the Windy Point area with Dissolved Oxygen levels staying between 7 and 9 parts per million. This means Big Bear's Rainbow Trout population is on the chew and on the move!
The W.O.N. Annual Troutfest Tournament was a Huge Success with the Participants this year. Loads of fish brought to the scales and Tons of smiling faces! The best news is that thanks to some real heavy planting by the M.W.D. there are still plenty of "High Altitude Pink Meats" left for the taking...
We are seeing Trout Schooling Patterns typical for this time of year. Smaller schools scattered from the Solar Observatory and westward to the Buoy Line. The bite is on for both Trollers and Shoreline anglers.
Carolina or Slip Bobber rigs for the "Bankies" set up with Powerr bait or Night Crawlers are producing from the Red House and East up to Grays Landing. Drop Shotting or Jigging from the Old Dam to the Buoy Line is the place to be for Early Risers and we've seen lots of nice , fat, hold-overs taken from either the North or South Shore in that vicinity.
Trollers and Drifters are having good success running from the Solar Observatory to Windy Point about 6 to 14 feet down using Rapalas and Needlefish or drifting a crawler on a wedding ring harness. Then the usual circuits around Trout Alley on the South side and from the S.S. Relief to the West Public Launch Ramp.
Speaking of Ramps and Marinas....Its the time of year when our local marinas start getting ready for winter shut down...Most private Marinas will remain open until Early or Mid November but their operation depends on the weather...The West Public Launch Ramp is slated to remain open until November 30th 2018.
Big Bear Lake remains open to shoreline anglers year round. Winter fishing is Excellent on our Blue Jewel....There is nothing that compares to standing on the snow covered shoreline on a windless morning as the sun glistens off the snow capped mountain peaks highlighted against the deep blue skies.. and then Wham, a big beautiful Rainbow is stripping line and making your drag scream and the fight is on! He is jumping, thrashing and fighting as you play him out...lake temps are perfect for him and he is having his way with your Ultra Light rig and line...A bald eagle has taken an interest in the commotion and circles overhead...You continue the tug-o-war with your finned adversary until you can finally get his head turned and bring him to net...His colors are vibrant and his strength is endless....a quick picture then release and off he swims....This is Winter Fishing on Big Bear Lake.