Big Bear Sporting Goods

Summer break has kicked off, and so has the midge hatch. Every night at sunset the trout are moving up to the top of the water column to cash in on the feast. This is good news for those who prefer to throw a lure or fly instead of bait. Spoons, spinners, and mini jigs will all get bit during this period, along with both wet and dry midge pattered flies. For those who do prefer bait, a bobber set a foot or two deep with a nightcrawler underneath is an excellent choice.

During daylight the bite will be a little slower, but the usual trolling and slip bobber techniques, focused around 10 feet deep, will catch the ones who need a snack to hold them over until dinner. No matter what time you're out there, the trout will be found from the observatory to the west.

Once the hatch is done for the evening, it's time to switch over to catfish. Move down to the east end of the lake, tie on a Santee Cooper rig, and bait the hook with a shrimp or a big hunk of mackerel. Using fresh bait and keeping it up off the bottom is the best way to catch a new PB.

LakesRiversStreams apparel and stickers available at the store.

reels in 7lb Big Bear Lake carp – nice catch!

All the warm water species have really fired up in recent days.

Crappie and bluegill are having their best showing in years. Mini jigs and small paddle tails are great ways to get their attention. A mealworm or nightcrawler under a bobber will also get the job done. Try a rocket bobber for better bite detection.

Bass are getting caught in the rocks, docks, and bushes on several different techniques. Spinnerbaits, underspins, Texas rigs, and shaky heads are a few good examples. Around sunrise and sunset, topwater has been getting some blowups, too.

The catfish are running nice and shallow, and they're eating shrimp and mackerel well. The trick to catching a big one is to float your bait up off the bottom on a Santee Cooper rig.

We've also been seeing a lot of spawning activity from carp lately. Now is the time to shoot a double or triple.

Not a lot has changed with the trout. Whether on a boat or the shore, the west half of the lake is still your best bet, and you'll want to keep your bait or lure around 10 feet deep.

HISTORY MADE - Sean Matthews
lands Big Bear Lake's FIRST RECORD brown trout - 1.739Ibs!

FIRSTS ARE THE BEST - Scott's first bluegill & Ashley's first crappie at Big Bear Lake - NEW FISHING FEVER HIGH!

Final hours of Fishin’ for $50K and have new leader in Men’s category with 8.44 lb! They are out there!

Weigh station open 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM.
Located at Pine Knot Marina at 439 Pine Knot Ave

Awards: Sunday, May 31st, 2026 at 3:00 PM Located at Marina Riviera 40770 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315