Big Bear Lake
San Bernardino County Trout, Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Carp
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Big Bear Lake Bite Meter

4 weeks ago
Trout
Excellent
Bass
Good
Crappie
Good

Big Bear Lake Fishing Overview

Water Description

Big Bear Lake, perched over 6,000 feet high in the rugged San Bernardino National Forest, draws anglers and vacationers from the nearby Southern California cities. The lake offers plenty of recreation, but most importantly an excellent fishery for a variety of species throughout the entire year. Rainbow trout are the main attraction, especially during transitional seasons like spring and fall when the water is cool. Although anglers can still find action during mid-summer trolling deep on the far north and south ends. Ice fishing is also...

Big Bear Lake, perched over 6,000 feet high in the rugged San Bernardino National Forest, draws anglers and vacationers from the nearby Southern California cities. The lake offers plenty of recreation, but most importantly an excellent fishery for a variety of species throughout the entire year.

Rainbow trout are the main attraction, especially during transitional seasons like spring and fall when the water is cool. Although anglers can still find action during mid-summer trolling deep on the far north and south ends. Ice fishing is also available during the winter.

While rainbows are the highlight, the Big Bear also provides solid action for northern strain largemouth and smallmouth bass during the warmer months. The largemouth typically hold on weed lines and in bays. The smallmouth cruise the rocky areas, particularly near the dam.

Anglers also have the option of targeting catfish, crappie, bluegill, and notably sizable carp. A few anglers try bow fishing for the giant carp during the summer.

Big Bear recreational area offers convenient access to amenities like marinas, campgrounds, eateries, fuel stations, and other facilities. However, due to the area's popularity, planning a fishing trip during early spring or fall is advisable when crowds are fewer, and fishing conditions are optimal.

Species:
Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, Brown Trout, Carp
Stocked Date:
Trout stocked 1 week ago - View Schedule
Forage / Baitfish:
Crawfish, Minnows
Trophy Fish:
  • Rainbow Trout: 18.69 lb - 2009
  • Largemouth Bass: 8.03 lb - 2020
  • Blue Catfish: 26.65 lb - 2016
  • Channel Catfish: 28.67 lb - 2011
  • Smallmouth Bass: 3.80 lb - 2021
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating
Geography:
Max Depth: 72 ft
Surface Area: 2,971 acres
Surface Elevation: 6,752 ft
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Latest Fishing Reports

Trip Report
15 Trout
62°F with Substantial Wind
52°F Clear

Three of us out for the day all of us limited out by noon. Believe the lake was stocked on the 27th and there are plenty of nice fish the biggest two and a half pounds today

4 anglers found this report useful
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Trip Report
15 Trout
63°F Sunny with Light Breeze
54°F Clear

The trout are hitting at Big Bear lake. A new stock this week will make it more wonderful. Three of us went out on Saturday morning before noon we all three had our limits and smoking fish that evening. It was awesome!

6 anglers found this report useful
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Latest Stockings

Lower, Upper
Trout CDFW
Trout CDFW
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Big Bear Lake Weather

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Guides & Tackle Shops

Big Bear Lake Map

148 Share

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