Take a much-needed break to a four-season locale full of fresh mountain air, lake calm, and small-town charm. Point your compass to Big Bear and enjoy it all. When these are the major features of your vacation destination, you’ll want to soak up all the outdoor fun you can while you’re here. There are plenty of outdoor activities, including fishing, that will keep everyone busy and having fun at the lake. Make sure your fishing gear makes the packing list, but if it can’t, the marinas and other fishing shops around the lake can outfit you with bait, tackle, and even a boat rental. Also, make sure you have the appropriate California fishing license and know your size and quantity restrictions before casting a line. See the best fishing spots on Big Bear Lake below.
Read The Fishing Report
The Big Bear Municipal Water District manages lake conditions, fish plants, public launch ramps, and produces a seasonal fishing report.
Types of Fish
What’s in Big Bear Lake?
Rainbow Trout
The most popular fish in Big Bear Lake is rainbow trout. Big Bear Lake serves as a first-rate trout habitat because its depths allow for the cold temps the fish need to thrive, even in the heat of summer.
Panfish
There are a variety of panfish in Big Bear Lake such as bluegill, pumpkinseed, and crappie found around the south shore and marina docks.
Channel Catfish
Channel catfish are fished throughout the summer. These fish inhale stink baits, mackerel, shrimp or chicken livers, and are on the prowl for a good meal both day and night, so fishing is good all day long. Catfish are primarily found on the east end of the lake near Stanfield cutoff and the East Boat Public Launch Ramp.
Small & Largemouth Bass
Summer is prime time for fishing bass. The aggressive northern bass species get hungry after their mid-summer spawn and will attack just about anything thrown their way. Crank baits such as Rapala Husky Jerks, Luhr Jensen Mini Speed Traps, and plastics fished Carolina or Texas style near docks, rocks and weed beds yield good results.
Boat Rentals & Gear
Big Bear Marina has all of the fishing essentials for your next trip. While you can charter a trip for you and your friends, you can also rent a vessel, from fishing boats to pontoons. Certain fish, like rainbow trout, favor the lake’s deeper central basin, so you’ll want a boat if you hope to catch any. Visit the tackle shop for all your bait and tackle needs. When you need to verify your catch’s weight before starting to tell your latest fish story, there’s an official weigh station.
Best Fishing Spots in Big Bear for You
You came to the area on a fishing adventure you hope to be full of fun and excitement, too.
Big Bear Dam
Fishing just along the dam and in front of Treasure Island can be outstanding if you’re trolling for trout.This section of the lake can get very windy. And even with the best trolling motor the wind can quickly blow you off your spot which will significantly decrease your chances of catching a fish.
Trout Alley
The deep water in front of Papoose Bay, Boulder Bay, and Metcalf Bay is commonly known as “trout alley” and is a great spot for trolling and shore fishing alike. This area is primarily submerged river channels and ledges that the fish love to hide in, holding deep in 30+ feet of water.
Papoose Bay
The smallest of the southern inlets in Big Bear this cove offers a variety of species and features a deep water entrance where trout are known to be found. Several hard spots and a running current in the channel make this a popular space for bass to populate as well.
Metcalf Bay
This larger bay offers many different fish species and is easily accessible by boat and shoreline. River channel ledges and steep dropping points offer trout and bass deep pockets to hide within while trout can also be caught along the bay edges.
Boulder Bay Park
There are a number of outdoor activities that can keep you at Boulder Bay Park all day, and one of them is fishing. The park boasts a peaceful and scenic spot for casting a line. There’s easy access to the lake, and it is great for anglers hoping to hook rainbow trout, as well as some of the other species found in the lake. Stand out on the shoreline or sit back in your camp chair for an easygoing time at the park. Take a break and enjoy the park’s other amenities, including a bandstand, restrooms, and other water activities like swimming, kayaking, or canoeing.
Grout Bay Picnic Area
One of the best fishing spots in Big Bear is located on the north shore of the lake is great for fishing and other activities, too. Trout, bass, and catfish frequent the area. You can spend all day in the area, as it has picnic tables, vault toilets, drinking water available, and other amenities. An Adventure Pass or other interagency pass is required for entry. Keep in mind the area may be closed during eagle season (December 1-March 31) and other times to protect eagle habitats.
The Pit, Stanfield Cutoff, East Boat Ramp
Launch your fishing vessel but stay close to the area. The ramp at the east end of the lake is also a great fishing spot. Fish from the shoreline or the nearby beach, then head out into the deeper waters of the lake on your boat. The Pit is a deeper area carved into the lake floor to mine clay during the creation of the Valley’s dump. Trout like to inhabit this deep water area in the upper section of the lake.
Juniper Point
Located west of Stanfield Cutoff on the north side of the lake, the area is perfect for fishing, picnicking, and more. This is a day use only area. Stay all day, and have access to restrooms, picnic tables, and even the Alpine Pedal Path. The small park area is where you’ll get your lake access for fishing and other lake activities. Fish from the shoreline while surrounded by beautiful trees and landscaping.
Start making your plans for a Big Bear Lake fishing excursion by booking a rental with Big Bear Vacations. After your day’s adventures, bring your catch back and cook it in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Sit back with the meal at a cozy dining space, then pop some popcorn in anticipation of a favorite a movie or stretch out and warm up next to the fire in an open living space. Choose a cozy one-bedroom cabin for a solo fishing journey or for you and your best fishing buddy, all the way up to a sprawling seven-bedroom home for a fishing adventure with all your loved ones. Book a premium unit and get upgrades like stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, flat-screen TVs and more! For extra special fishing gatherings of multiple families or a large group, ask about renting multiple cabins or homes near one another – combine cabins to create accommodations that include 19 bedrooms!
Contact us today! For more fun experiences with Dad, check out these top 5 Father’s Day activities in Big Bear!
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