Fishing Records

The official weigh stations for Big Bear Lake are located at Big Bear Municipal Water District (main office), Big Bear Marina, Big Bear Sporting Goods, and Pleasure Point Marina.

Blue Catfish: 26.65lbs, Caught 08/19/2016 by Robin Hart

Bluegill: 0.45lbs, Caught 05/27/2012 by Clayton Green

Channel Catfish: 28.67lbs, Caught 09/05/2011 by Dan Marshall

Crappie: 1.68lbs, Caught 06/05/2023 by Scott Eberhard

Largemouth Bass: 8.03lbs, Caught 03/31/2020 by Philip Bougie

Rainbow Trout: 18.69lbs, Caught 05/24/2009 by Erin Dominguez

Smallmouth Bass: 3.80lbs, Caught 04/01/2021 by Philip Bougie

Fishing Report

April 26, 2024

It’s that time of year again for our weekly fish reports. The water temps are rising and the fish are getting more active. Trout fishing has been nonstop the last few months with many catching limits in an hour or two. Shore fisherman have been doing great using various powerbaits, mice tails, and even casting lures like Kastmasters, Rooster Tails, and Thomas Buoyants. With current water temps and dissolved oxygen levels being very similar lake wide, the trout can be caught anywhere from the east side of the lake to the west. Fish from the bottom for now with a two to three foot leader with powerbait or micetails and you shouldn’t have to wait long to hook up.

The water temperatures are rising fast which bodes well for the warm water species. Last week and earlier this week we started to see more warm water fish begin to be caught. It’s about pre spawn season for the bass and that means hungry Smallmouth and Largemouth moving in. Bass anglers have been lucky on jerkbaits, jigs with trailers, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Their old habitat is definitely back with the rise in lake level so go back to your old fishing holes and get your line wet. Not only are bass being caught but we have seen some good Crappie being caught, possibly even new lake records. Jigs, mini spinnerbaits, and meal worms on a bobber will work every time. We expect to see great quality Crappie being caught all year.

The rise in water temps is also benefitting the catfish anglers. A couple of very nice sized Channel Catfish have been caught recently. Fish for catfish using the usual. Mackeral, chicken liver, shrimp, or any other smelly baits will do the trick. And finally some good news for the bow fisherman, for a few days we started to see the Carp sun bathing on the surface and a couple of tail splashes. During that time we saw some bow folks have some decent days. The cooler weather we have been experiencing towards the end of the week ushed them back down for now, but next week the weather looks great so have your bows ready. Remember that there will be no carp disposal bins until after memorial day, so make sure you have a way to dispose of them, or hold off on hunting them!

We are very excited for the 2024 season. The water level and quality should be great throughout the season, and the fishing will be great as a result. Remember, if you catch a monster that you think is a new lake record bring them by the office for an official weight and you might just be able to get on the coveted list of lake records. We will see you out there!

Tip of the day!

At the start of the season it always a good idea to check your gear. Make sure your fishing line has been changed, make sure your hooks are sharp, and make sure your bait is fresh. You don’t want to lose the next lake record due to gear that’s not up to par.