Big Bear Lake Fishing Report

Big Bear is kicking out some excellent fishing as vacation season comes to a close. The hot weather is still keeping water temps in the mid-70s, but the trout bite has really picked up over the last few weeks. Both shore and boat guys are pulling limits using a slip bobber around 15 feet, dropping nightcrawlers and PowerBait. Leadcore trollers pulling spoons are finding some better fish as well as numbers.

Bass action is firing well for both smallmouth and largemouth, acting aggressively as if they are loading up calories before the cold season. Rock structure and points have been best for smallmouth on dropshots and small jigs. Largemouth have been holding tight to shallow structure, and T-rigged worms are getting them.

Folks are also reporting some excellent catfish action in the evenings on nightcrawlers... an 18-pound-plus fish was pulled out this week.

It's Big Bear fishing season right now! Water temps have jumped into the mid-60s, CDFW trout stockings continue every couple of weeks, and the bass action really is picking up.

Trout guys are getting fish all around the lake... whether bait fishing from shore (Powerbait, micetails, night crawlers) or trolling (bright colored spoons and wedding rings). The north end from Wind Point all the way to the observatory has been best. The 10–20 foot range is where fish seem to be holding... some guys are getting fish casting Rapalas or smaller crankbaits as long as they can get down that deep.

The bass action has been very good as well... solid smallmouth bite around points and hard structure on soft plastic crawdad imitations, jigs, and grubs. Largemouth guys are getting fish flipping soft plastics under docks or in the tules. Bullhead and carp are biting too. The crowds are picking up at Big Bear, but the fishing remains excellent.

Big Bear water temps are now in the mid-50s, which has sparked excellent fishing for trout, bass, and crappie. Speaking of crappie... a 1.77-pound lake record was landed a couple weeks back, and it hasn't been a one-off. Quite a few hand-sized fish are being pulled out on mini jigs and worms around docks and submerged wood in 10-15 feet of water.

Trout action has been consistent following two CDFW plants in April. Thomas Buoyant spoons and Kastmasters are working well for trollers. Powerbait and floated nightcrawlers are getting a few for shore anglers.

The smallmouth bite has been excellent as well with the warming water temps. Rooster tails, small swimbaits, and mini jigs are landing bass that seem to be pushing shallow to spawn.