Big Bear Lake?

[Rattus]

Might have the opportunity to fish Big Bear Lake this upcoming weekend. Probably all shore fishing, but may rent a boat if it makes sense. Any reports from the area and/or recommendations? Thanks!

[DarkShadow]

Haven't heard much about that place as of late, other than the water level was up.

For what's it's worth, there was this recent report posted online:

The summer time fishing is in full swing with the trout being hot and tired. We need to adapt to the conditions in order to avoid the skunk. Slip bobbing with dough bait from the shore or while drifting, and controlled depth trolling are going to be most successful to put trout on the plate. The key is to find the depth in which the trout are at. The lake is layered more than most years and the cold water salmonids (trout) are searching not only for cooler temps but enough oxygen in the water to breath. This means most of the action will be on the west end of the lake. West of the observatory is where all the trout will be and will be for a while until the lake flips and starts to cool. So slip bobbers, down riggers, dipsy divers, and lead core will be the ticket to get a tug.

Catfish are partying in the warm shallows eating what they can smell. We have seen lots of good eaters along with the big breeders showing up. Which explains the baby catfish balls in areas of the lake. Cut mackerel, chicken liver, shrimp, or a good old baby snake will ring the bell and wake you up. Good fish are being caught so have enough backbone on your rod and a good poundage of line is important, but a little finesse is needed as well. Warm nights and full moons makes for catfishing at its finest.

Bass fisherman are still catching but you need to dodge the weeds and fishing early or late is the best. So grab a weedless rig or a topwater for early mornings.

Crappie and Bluegill are in hide and sneak mode, and this can make them a little more challenging to find. Try your luck around docks out on the points of coves with mini jigs, red worms, or meal worms. Having good electronics on the boat will help, but as we all know sometimes its just dumb luck.

[DarkShadow]

I recall that Big Bear is a Northern Largemouth fishery. If I were you, I'd focus on those grasslines with topwaters like buzzbaits or even a frog. You can take advantage of the water level being up and get some feisty northerns to go.