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.
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Can you fish Big Bear Lake year round?
Big Bear Lake has excellent trout fishing year-round. The best fishing spots on Big Bear Lake are the areas that make up the “Trout Triangle” on the west side of the lake.
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.
When can you fish in Big Bear?
The best time to fish in Big Bear is just before sunup to mid-morning, early sundown until dark. You must have a California fishing license (unless you are under the age of 16).
What time can you start fishing at Big Bear Lake?
Shore fishing works best early in the morning until 9 or 10 a.m., then from close to sundown until it gets too dark to see clearly. Use a slip bobber set to around 15 feet and head over to the area around the dam for some of the better bank fishing. PowerBait, worms, or minnows should be your go-to baits here.
What’s the best bait for 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.
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 kind of fish are in Big Bear Lake right now?
Fishing at Big Bear Lake 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.
Can you fish Big Bear Lake at night?
Big Bear Lake is open for fishing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Are there snakes in Big Bear Lake?
You may spot critters like squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits who pose little to no threat and are quick to scamper off at the sight of humans. Rarely, you may spot other wildlife like bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes who are equally averse to humans but can pose a danger if threatened or afraid.
Is there good fishing in Big Bear?
Big Bear Lake is home to several different species of fish, including rainbow trout, carp, crayfish and more. Because the temperatures here never get too hot, our fish stay active even in the warmest part of the summer. It’s a great place for both experienced anglers and brand new fishermen to relax and have fun.
Can you fish at Big Bear Lake in October?
Where to go and how to prep for an autumn fishing excursion in Big Bear Lake! Spring is usually touted as ‘The’ fishing season here in Big Bear Lake. What you may not know is that the fall season is just as good – and maybe even better – for rainbow trout fishing.
Can you 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 do you need to fish Big Bear Lake?
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.
How do you fish at Big Bear?

How do you fish for Big Bear Lake trout?
Rainbow Trout 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.
How much is a fishing license in California?
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.
How do you catch bass at Big Bear Lake?

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.
Where do they stock at Big Bear Lake?
Big Bear Lake currently stocks trout from a Fish and Wildlife hatchery in Northern California. Hatchery Drive cuts through the forest about a mile east of the reservoir for which this San Bernardino Mountain resort community is named.
Are there grizzly bears in Big Bear?
The only place you can see Grizzly Bears today is at the Moonridge Animal Park in Big Bear Lake. Years after the demise of the Grizzly, the smaller, less aggressive Black Bear was introduced into the San Bernardino Mountains.
Is Big Bear Lake safe to swim in?
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.
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.
Who owns Big Bear Lake?
In 2002, Snow Summit purchased Bear Mountain, the other local winter resort. Together these areas became known as Big Bear Mountain Resorts, creating a dual mountain experience that continues to attract over 34,000 visitors per month during its peak winter season.
Who owns the water in Big Bear Lake?
Department of Water & Power (DWP) The City of Big Bear Lake, Department of Water and Power (DWP) provides water service to about 15,520 customers in the Bear Valley of the San Bernardino Mountains. Water is supplied to customers by pumping groundwater from local aquifers.