When the latest limnological report came out, local guides and anglers gasped! A week ago the concern was over rising water temperatures and how long before it is too high for the trout to survive, now the question is, are the oxygen levels at the dam dropping to a dangerous low level? Well, good news on both counts. Water temps in the western third of the lake have dropped to 67 degrees and the low oxygen readings were incorrect due to a faulty instrument. Mike Stephenson, general manager of Big Bear Municipal Water District was confident enough to do a stocking of hatchery fish. He was right and the trout are doing well, providing good action for anglers.

Curt Dills with Fish Big Bear Charter Service reports good counts of trout in the one and half pound range with an occasional two to three pounder in the mix. The trout are hanging out from the surface to 20 feet down. Trolling Rapala Husky Jerks in black and gold on the surface and Needlefish in a copper finishes from one to three colors has worked well. The larger trout have come in on a flasher crawler combo trolled from leadcore. Be sure to change lures often, each day varies with sun and clouds, keep working it until you find the magic of the day. Drift fishing with dough baits and crawlers with a slip bobber rigged to the right depth is another way to put fish on the stringer.

The bass have moved out of the shallows and are setting up in deeper water. Even though they are deeper they have been coming up after buzz and crank baits. If you find them sitting on deeper structure, try a drop shot plastic worm. Panfish remain elusive with anglers wondering where they are. Nocturnal whisker fishermen are waiting for the kitties to turn on.

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