Fishing in Big Bear: The Ultimate Guide to 12 Epic Lakes

Fishing in Big Bear Country

Nestled amidst the rugged San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake is a premier fishing destination known for its abundance of trout, bass, and other species. With 12 pristine lakes and over 22,000 surface acres of water, anglers of all skill levels can experience an unforgettable fishing adventure.

Top 10 Fish Species to Catch in Big Bear

1. Rainbow Trout
2. Brown Trout
3. Largemouth Bass
4. Smallmouth Bass
5. Crappie
6. Bluegill
7. Yellow Bullhead
8. Brown Bullhead
9. Catfish
10. Sunfish

Recommended Fishing Spots

1. Big Bear Lake

With over 7,000 acres of water, Big Bear Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, brown trout, and bass. The lake's deep waters and rocky shorelines provide a variety of habitats for fish.

2. Pine Lake

Known for its crystal-clear waters, Pine Lake is a haven for largemouth bass and crappie. The lake's weed beds and submerged trees create ideal cover for these elusive species.

3. Baldwin Lake

This smaller lake is known for its abundant yellow bullhead and bluegill. Baldwin Lake is a great spot for beginners or families looking for a relaxing fishing experience.

4. Boulder Bay at Big Bear Lake

Boulder Bay is a secluded bay on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. This scenic area is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, bass, and crappie.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses

Before you head out to fish in Big Bear, it's essential to obtain a valid California fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores. Additionally, you must adhere to the following regulations:

• Daily bag limit: 5 trout, 5 bass, or a combination of both per day.
• Size limit: Rainbow and brown trout must be at least 15 inches in length, while bass must be at least 12 inches in length.
• Barbed hooks: Barbed hooks are prohibited in all Big Bear lakes.

Techniques and Gear

1. Rainbow Trout

• Trolling: Use spinners, lures, or bait behind a boat for trolling.
• Fly fishing: Cast dry flies or streamers near the surface for hungry trout.
• Shore fishing: Cast lures or bait from the shoreline for targeting trout in shallower waters.

2. Bass

• Bass fishing: Use crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics to entice bass lurking in weed beds or near drop-offs.
• Topwater fishing: Cast topwater lures during low-light conditions for exciting strikes.
• Jigs: Jigging is an effective technique for catching bass in deeper waters or near structure.

3. Crappie

• Minnows: Live minnows are a go-to bait for crappie fishing.
• Jigs: Small jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics can be effective.
• Vertical jigging: Use a technique called vertical jigging to target crappie suspended in deeper water.

4. Bluegill

• Bread: Bread can be used as a simple and effective bait for bluegill.
• Worms: Nightcrawlers or red worms are also good options for catching bluegill.
• Small spinners: Small spinners with flashy blades can attract bluegill in various depths.

Where to Find Fishing Equipment

1. Big Bear Sports

• Address: 41176 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
• Phone: (909) 866-6382
• Offers a wide selection of fishing gear, bait, and licenses.

2. Big Bear Valley Sporting Goods

• Address: 530 W Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
• Phone: (909) 866-3601
• Specializes in fishing gear, including custom-made rods and reels.

3. Capt'n Hook's Sportfishing

• Address: 40928 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
• Phone: (909) 866-4009
• Provides fishing gear rentals, guided fishing trips, and fishing lessons.

Fishing Events and Tournaments

Big Bear Lake hosts several fishing events and tournaments throughout the year. These events offer a chance to compete with fellow anglers and win prizes.

• Big Bear Valley Fishing Derby: Held annually in March, this event draws thousands of participants.
• Buckhorn Lake Fishing Derby: Held in June, this tournament targets bass fishing in Buckhorn Lake.
• Trout Hunter's Derby: This tournament runs from November through April and features a special prize for the largest trout caught.

Conclusion

Fishing in Big Bear is an unforgettable experience for anglers of all skill levels. With its pristine lakes, abundant fish populations, and convenient access to gear and services, Big Bear Country offers a perfect escape for fishing enthusiasts. So grab your rod and reel, and head out to Big Bear Lake for the fishing adventure of a lifetime!

Useful Tables

Table 1: Big Bear Lakes and Surface Areas

Table 2: Fish Species Found in Big Bear Lakes

| Species | Rainbow Trout | Brown Trout | Largemouth Bass | Smallmouth Bass | Crappie | Bluegill | Yellow Bullhead | Brown Bullhead | Catfish | Sunfish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bear Lake | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pine Lake | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Baldwin Lake | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Boulder Bay | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Grout Bay | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Metcalf Bay | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Bowman Lake | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Sugarloaf Lake | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Division Creek | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| South Fork | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Marshall Canyon | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Hollow Tree | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |

Table 3: Fishing Regulations for Big Bear Lakes

Table 4: Fishing Gear Recommendations