Big Bear Lake is the Top Choice for California Fishing This Summer

Why travel five or six hours to the Sierras when you can get the same quality of fishing here in Big Bear Lake? The cool alpine lake is just a short drive from scorching deserts and inland valleys. In fact, Big Bear Lake's temperatures rarely exceed the 80's during summertime, which makes it a pleasurable experience for anglers looking for refuge from the heat!

Rainbow Trout:
Big Bear Lake is a first-rate trout fishery because its depths allow rainbow trout to thrive, even in the heat of summer. One of the best ways to track down Big Bear's healthy population of rainbow trout is down rigging deeper waters and trolling leadcore lines at three colors or more. The west end of the lake tends to see a majority of the action during the summer months. Shore anglers fishing near Big Bear Dam will have success with slip bobber setups with power bait or live bait 15 to 18 feet.

Largemouth Bass:
Summertime also generates action from a variety of other species, namely largemouth bass. The aggressive northern bass start to get hungry after their mid-summer spawn and will attack just about anything thrown in their direction. Crank baits such as, Rapala Husky Jerks, Luhr Jensen Mini Speed Traps, and plastics fished Carolina or Texas style near docks, rocks and weed beds get good results. Some of the hot spots for bass fishing are Eagle Point and Grout Bay.

Catfish:
Channel catfish are fished throughout the summer. These fish inhale stink baits, mackerel, shrimp or chicken livers, and are on the prowl for a good meal both day and night, so fishing is good all day long. Catfish are primarily found on the east end of the lake near Stanfield cutoff and the East Boat Public Launch Ramp. 

Panfish:
There are a variety of panfish in Big Bear Lake such as bluegill, pumpkinseed and crappie  found in and around the south shore, especially at the marina docks. These tasty fish make great fishing for young anglers.

Marinas, Fishing Guides and More:
Fishermen looking for boat rentals are amply served by six marinas that offer fishing and pontoon boats. Licenses and tackle can also be purchased at the marinas. Licensed fishing guides offer a more in-depth fishing experience for trollers and downriggers. Both public boat launch ramps are open and will remain open through November. The lake is also accessible from all shoreline vantage points for easy fishing from shore.