For the anglers plying the waters of Big Bear Lake, it has been a confusing week. Dazed by high winds, snow on the ridge, and rain in the valley; not only are the anglers wondering what's going...so are the fish. Trout fishing that had been strong in the western end of the lake went flat this past week. The trout are scattered around the lake due to high oxygen levels and even water temps. Trout have moved back into the "Trout Triangle" and are hitting on trolled crawlers (with or without flashers), flies and CD Rapalas all trolled on the surface or as little as 10 feet down. This is a big contrast from the past month when three to five colors of leadcore was the norm. Bait anglers along the shore or drift fishing are using slip bobbers rigged shallow with dough baits and crawlers.


While the trout fishing has been inconsistent, the large and small mouth bass are not confused. They are hitting crayfish jigs fished near docks in a pre-spawn binge. Working the docks, with a slow retrieval of jigs has produced double digit counts on largemouth in the 3 pound range with an occasional 5 pounder mixed in. Smallies are showing, but less active than the bucket mouths.


It appears that with the end of Sprinter (winter and spring combined) we jumped right into summer. As the waters warm the panfish and catfish will go off. Crappie and Bluegill are spotty now. They are starting to school up near the shore, but are moving around, much like the trout. If you find todays spot, hit it hard with mini-jigs tipped with nuggets or worms. No catfish sightings yet. Look for them to come on when the warms a bit more.


Upcoming Fishing Events in Big Bear Lake

June 7 & 8: Fishin' for $50K                         ----- Info: 800-424-4232
June 21: Aaron's Bass Tournament Championship Series ----- Info: 800-475-3166

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