This past weekend was the wrong one to spend a day or two on the waters of Big Bear Lake. With a late winter blast bringing several of inches of snow, high winds, and wind chills in the teens, the anglers stayed at home.


Before the weather went south, the trout fishing remained good. The water temp is high for this time of year between Juniper Pt. to the observatory at 58 degrees. As a result the trout are starting to head west a bit ahead of schedule. The latest storm should help bring the fish back to the "Trout Triangle" again. In the meantime, more fish are showing from Windy Pt. to the dam, where water temps are 54 degrees.


Trolling leadcore as always got the best results. From 2 colors early then down to 4 later in the day, with CD Rapalas in tow, has produced limits of holdover trout. Trout over two pounds are common with the occasional three pounder mixed in.


Bait anglers along the shore are having better luck from the west ramp to the dam along the north shore. While fishing off the bottom works, using a slip bobber, will suspend your dough bait or inflated night crawler just above the weeds that are starting to grow off the lake bottom.


The first of the lake's trout tournaments is just two weeks away. The 32nd Jim Hall Memorial May Trout Classic is the "Grand Daddy" of them all and offers Big Cash Prizes $$$, Fishing Tackle and Raffle giveaways plus free Pautzke's Firebait for all.


Upcoming Fishing Events in Big Bear Lake

May 17: Aaron's Bass Tournament Championship Series - Info: 800-475-3166
May 17 & 18: Jim Hall Memorial May Trout Classic - Info: 909-585-4007
June 7 & 8: Fishin' for $50K - Info: 800-424-4232


Big Bear Lake Marinas
Big Bear Marina, 500 Paine Ct.: 909-866-3218

Captain John's Marina, 39369 North Shore Dr. (Hwy. 38)

Holloway's Marina & RV Park, 398 Edgemoor Road: 909-866-5706

Pine Knot Marina, 439 Pine Knot Ave.: 909-866-7766

Pleasure Point Marina, 603 Landlock Landing Road: 909-866-8455

North Shore Landing, 38573 Northshore Drive: 909-878-4386