Trout anglers across California are very familiar with the short fall of fish from Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) and private hatcheries, due to lawsuits, budget cuts, and drought. It has changed fisheries throughout the state as well as Big Bear Lake. While anglers are still catching trout, the fish tend to be smaller and fewer, with more time and patience needed to fill a stringer.


Mike Stephenson, general manager for Big Bear Municipal Water District (BBMWD) is well aware of the shortfall and is taking action to turn it around. Stephenson is planning to expand the trout rearing cages for the already successful program by building a war chest of funds from Big Bear Lake tournaments, The City of Big Bear Lake, and the BBMWD budget. While this is a great way to enhance the Big Bear Lake fishery in the future, the more important question is what about now? What about TroutfesT a mere two weeks away? Well, Stephenson has secured a contract that will provide trophy, sub-trophy and numerous catchable sized trout for the 10th Annual TroutfesT. This very well could be the best tournament of the year in Big Bear Lake.


Some anglers may have already given up on trouting this year. However those anglers just might want to grab their gear and enter TroutfesT for not only a chance at a new Klamath boat or thousands of dollars in cash and prizes, but also for that catch of a lifetime, or at least this year.


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