Can I Fishing At Big Bear Lake?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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As one of the largest manmade lakes in California,

Big Bear Lake provides abundant opportunities for

, as well as a variety of species to choose from. Types of fish normally caught fishing Big Bear Lake include several species of bass and trout, as well as crappie, bluegill, catfish, sunfish, and pumpkinseed.

Can you fish from shore at Big Bear Lake?

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.

Is fishing allowed at Bear Lake?

At Bear Lake

you can fish from the shore

, kayak the lake or troll the waters by boat. You will find boat ramps available at the Bear Lake State Park Marina, First Point, Cisco Beach and Rainbow Cove with watersport rentals near Bear Lake State Park Marina on the west shore.

Do you need a permit to fish at 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.

What fish are biting 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

.

What time of day is best to fish?

Generally speaking, the best time of day to catch fish is in the

reduced daylight hours from dawn until 2 hours after sunrise and from 2 hours before sunset until dusk

. During these windows, light is reduced, prey becomes more active, and water temperatures cool allowing fish to more freely hunt for food.

Where can I fish in Bear Lake?


The east side of Bear Lake is also a great place to fish

. Still within the State Park, you'll discover the areas of First Point, South Eden, Cisco Beach, Rainbow Cove, and North Eden here. Trolling and jigging are popular pastimes at Rainbow Cove and Cisco Beach, where boat ramp access is also available.

What can I fish in Bear Lake?

Fish

What kind of fish are in Great Bear Lake?

Fish

What time can you fish at Big Bear Lake?

Best Time to Fish Morning Afternoon
5AM – 10AM

Good 11AM – 6PM Fair

Is there catfish in Big Bear Lake?


Catfish can be found primarily on the east end of the lake near the Stanfield cutoff and the East Boat Public Launch Ramp, both during the day and evening hours

. Read our blog on the seven best places to fish in Big Bear Lake to get a map of these locations.

Can you fish Big Bear Lake year round?

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.

How much is a fishing license in California?

Title Fee
Resident Sport Fishing


$54.00
Nonresident Sport Fishing $145.80 Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License – Disabled Veteran $8.24 at CDFW Offices $8.64 from License Agents Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License – Recovering Service Member $8.24 at CDFW Offices $8.64 from License Agents

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.

How Deep Is Big Bear Lake right now?

Big Bear Lake Max. width 2.5 mi (4.0 km) Surface area 2,971 acres (1,202 ha)
Average depth


35 ft (11 m)

Max. depth


72 ft (22 m)

Can you night fish at Big Bear Lake?

(2) WATERS WHERE NIGHT AND DAY FISHING IS ALLOWED, BUT

NO TROUT OR SALMON MAY BE TAKEN AT NIGHT

: (A) North Coast District.

What is the best month to go fishing?

Fishing can come alive in the dead of winter on a mild afternoon, but

spring and fall

usually present the best action. Generally, I try to avoid extremes of heat and cold and times when the water temperature falls rapidly. My best days tend to happen when the temperatures are mild and the weather conditions stable.

What is best bait for fishing?

Live (or natural) baits are anything alive or previously alive that you use to catch fish. Some of the best freshwater fishing bait include

worms, leeches, minnows, crayfish, crickets and grasshoppers

. Select good saltwater baits including sea worms, eels, crabs, shrimp, strips of squid, and cut-up pieces of fish.

What month should I start fishing?

Month Best Fishing Days 2022
February


1–16
March 2–18 April 1–16, 30
Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.