Big Bear Lake serves as a first-rate trout fishery habitat because its depths allow the fish to thrive, even in the heat of summer. One of the best ways to track down this healthy population of trout is by down rigging deeper waters and trolling leadcore lines at three colors or more.
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Can you go fishing in Big Bear Lake?
As one of the largest manmade lakes in California, Big Bear Lake provides abundant opportunities for fishing, as well as a variety of species to choose from. Types of fish normally caught fishing Big Bear Lake include several species of bass and trout, as well as crappie, bluegill, catfish, sunfish, and pumpkinseed.
Where is the best fishing in Big Bear?
- Bear Valley Dam. When entering Big Bear from Hwy 330, parking is available via Turnouts on the north side.
- Windy Point. When entering Big Bear from Hwy 330, turn left onto Hwy 38.
- Juniper Point.
- Meadow Park.
- Boulder Bay Park.
What fish are biting in Big Bear?
Big Bear Lake is home to a variety of sport fishing – Rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegills, blue catfish, carp, and black crappie. The lake is well stocked with rainbow trout at least twice a year.
Is it safe to eat fish from Big Bear Lake?
When consuming fish from Big Bear Lake, women ages 18-45 and children ages 1-17 may safely eat a maximum of five servings per week of crappie or Rainbow Trout, or one serving per week of black bass species or Common Carp.
What’s the best bait to use at Big Bear Lake?
Big Bear Lake has a great deal of stocked fish in it, so Powerbait, worms, or corn are good baits to use. Trout also naturally like minnows, so things like spinners, jigs, or actual minnows will also work. Do not put too much bait on the hook; trout are not naturally big eaters and may not go for large amounts of bait.
Can you buy a fishing license at Big Bear?
Fishing licenses are required for persons 16 years and older and can be purchased ahead of time online from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, or from a Big Bear Lake sporting goods store and supply shop.
Can you swim in Big Bear Lake?
From the Big Bear Municipal Water District: In the summer months, swimming is permitted in Big Bear Lake at your own risk! There are NO lifeguards on duty and swimmers must stay within 50 feet of the shore or within 20 feet of a private dock.
Can you fish Big Bear at night?
Big Bear Lake is open for fishing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Where can I fish from shore Big Bear Lake?
Fishing from the Shore There are several spots for fishing in Big Bear Lake CA. During the summer, most shore anglers set up at Stanfield Cutoff, Juniper Point, North Shore Landing, or Gray’s Landing towards the dam. The best time for fishing is from just before sunrise to mid-morning or from early sundown until dark.
How much is a California fishing license?
The current California annual fishing license fees for 2021 are $52.66 for a resident and $142.05 for a nonresident. For short-term licenses, the fees are as follows: One-day Sport Fishing License: $17.02. Two-Day Sport Fishing License: $26.49.
What is the biggest fish caught in Big Bear Lake?
(KUTV) โ A fish record has been met and surpassed! Nathan VanderLinden caught a Bonneville whitefish on Dec. 8, 2018, at Bear Lake, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The fish was measured at 21 7/8 inches, weighed 4 pounds 8.96 ounces and had a 13.5 inch girth–breaking the Utah record.
Is there good fishing at Bear Lake?
Averages suggest that Bear Lake freezes over seven out of every 10 years, and when it does, you can ice fish for both trophy cutthroat trout (over 10 lbs) and lake trout (up to 20 lbs). You can also ice fish for two species of fish that cannot be found anywhere else in the world: the Bonneville Whitefish and Cisco.
Are there sturgeon in Big Bear Lake?
Other species like northern pike, cisco, whitefish, lake sturgeon, paddlefish, yellow bass, white bass, shovelnose sturgeon, and white perch can also be spotted in Big Bear Lake.
Is Big Bear water safe to drink?
For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 – March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Is there salmon in Big Bear Lake?
There also are catfish, some crappie, a few bluegill and coho (silver) salmon–few know about the salmon, either–offering anglers opportunities to fish several ways for several varieties of fish.
Can you fish in Big Bear Lake in the winter?
Winter Fishing Locations at Big Bear Lake The marinas at Big Bear Lake typically close for the season in November, and reopen in early spring, so you’ll need to find a good spot on shore to do your winter fishing. Try just off North Shore Drive and Hwy 18 near the dam.
What do you need to fish Big Bear Lake?
During summer the fishing in Big Bear is excellent from before sunup to just before mid-morning. In the afternoon fishing is great from early sundown until dark. A California fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 16 years; these can be purchased at various establishments in the Big Bear Lake area.
How do you fish at Big Bear?

Are float tubes allowed on Big Bear Lake?
Lake Use Permits are required for all vessels on Big Bear Lake. This includes rigid hulled and inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Boards (SUPs), Kayaks, Canoes, and Float Tubes. You can purchase permits at either of the Public Launch Ramps, the BBMWD Main Office*, and at many of the private marinas.
What celebrities live in Big Bear California?
It’s rumored that Brittney Spears has a vacation home here, and Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny), Roy Rogers, and Max Factor have all lived here at one time or the other.
Will Big Bear Lake fill up?
It’s all part of a cycle which usually lasts about a decade, said David Lawrence, general manager, Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency. The lake fills all the way up in wet winters, then the level goes down, but with the current drought, there’s no telling when the lake will be brimming again.
What is Big Bear Lake known for?
Located in the heart of Southern California – and an easy drive from Phoenix and Las Vegas – Big Bear Lake is the jewel of the San Bernardino National Forest and known for excellent fishing, snowboarding and skiing, hiking, mountain biking and so much more!
How much is a California fishing license for 2022?
Starting Saturday all fishermen in California are required to have a 2022 fishing license. The basic license will cost $54 in 2022 and that doesn’t include $17.02 for a second-rod stamp.
Where can you fish for free in California?
- Antioch Pier, San Joaquin River โ Catfish, striped bass.
- Avila Pier, Avila Beach โ Mackerel, white croaker, surfperch.
- Balboa Pier, Newport Beach โ Surfperch, corbina, jacksmelt, bonito.
- Berkeley Fishing Pier, Berkeley โ Staghorn sculpin, surfperch, jacksmelt.