Big Bear Lake Fishing Rainbow Trout
Big Bear Lake is one of the best lakes in Southern California for catching rainbow trout. The Department of Fish and Game keeps the lake well stocked and locals add prize fish for contests.
Besides rainbow trout, you’ll also find bass, catfish, carp and crappie. The largest trout taken from the lake was 14 ounds 11 ounces. The largest catfish caught in Big Bear was 28 pounds! Commonly used bait includes eagle claw nitro, salmon eggs, minnows, and berkely power bait.
If you are looking for trout, the best spots are on the north shore between the Dam and Gray’s Landing. You can also still fish from a boat or slow troll. Deep water is best for slow trolling so you will want to troll from the Dam to the Observatory. Big Bear’s “trolling alley” is along the north shore to the dam, cross over to the south shore, head east to Metcalf Bay and then across to the north shore again.
Many fishermen park their cars along Stanfield Cuttoff and cast from the shore. If you want to try shore fishing, bring a lake rod, casting reel and 15 pound line. Hold the line with your thumb and forefinger, twitching the line every 30 seconds.
The best fishing is either in the morning or late afternoon. With 2,971 surface acres and 22 miles of shoreline, your bound to find a spot. In Big Bear we have a saying, “Wind from the west, fishing is the best. Wind from the east, fishing is the least.”
Trout Fishing, 1940's
