View Full Version : Big Bear Lake Tips wanted
DennisMorgan
05-19-2014, 06:27 PM
Guys heading from saltwater this weekend over to my first freshwater yakking trip. Will be hitting Big Bear lake, any tips on bait or techniques?
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MissileTM
05-19-2014, 07:01 PM
Troll a flasher rig on the north side of the lake near the solar observatory. You can use Needle fish, night crawlers or my favorite a small rainbow or brown trout Rapala about 3' below the snubber. For flashers, use multi-bladed type, I like Sep's Colorado blades but have had good luck with Willow blades too. Red or green beads work, get both to switch it up.
Rig the flasher to your main line with a snap swivel then snubber with a 4-6lb leader. Leave your drag loose and troll in a zig zag pattern. This time of year they will be close to the surface so no lead core needed and you don't need to send out half your spool either.
Walmart in Redlands or Highland carries flashers and snubbers, so you can get them on your way up the hill. I know the Redlands store is open 24 hrs for early access.
You will need a net!
William Novotny
05-19-2014, 09:06 PM
Troll a flasher rig on the north side of the lake near the solar observatory. You can use Needle fish, night crawlers or my favorite a small rainbow or brown trout Rapala about 3' below the snubber. For flashers, use multi-bladed type, I like Sep's Colorado blades but have had good luck with Willow blades too. Red or green beads work, get both to switch it up.
Rig the flasher to your main line with a snap swivel then snubber with a 4-6lb leader. Leave your drag loose and troll in a zig zag pattern. This time of year they will be close to the surface so no lead core needed and you don't need to send out half your spool either.
Walmart in Redlands or Highland carries flashers and snubbers, so you can get them on your way up the hill. I know the Redlands store is open 24 hrs for early access.
You will need a net!
What he said
DennisMorgan
05-20-2014, 08:06 AM
Anytime of the day better
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EastLosYaker
05-20-2014, 08:38 AM
Early or late definitely, but not because the fish stop biting. Speed boats, water skiers, and ski doo's take over. There are areas buoyed off near the shoreline, but it still disrupts the fishing process. Also, there is another BBL post on the "reports" forum.
P.S. Don't forget to buy your permits before you hit the water.
IntrntFshrman
05-20-2014, 12:31 PM
Any chance you have pics of the set-up you're talking about? Googled but seems could be several things.
Thanks for info!
fishingfiend
05-20-2014, 06:53 PM
I spent 4 days up there last month for some great Big Bear trout action. That salmon like meat is delicious!
In order to put your kayak on the water, you'll need to get a muscle inspection and then choose which permit works for you. A single day use permit is $20 and annual is $50. If you plan to be on the water more than 3 days, you'll want to just get the annual pass. Why does this matter, the lake patrol will roll up on you and make sure you have your permit affixed to your rear starboard corner. If you have a boat, they will make sure you have enough life jackets. They are pretty tough up there for some reason.
http://www.bbmwd.com/Fees.html
As for fishing, I metered fish all over the lake but had our best trout bite by the observatory. If trout is not your thing, there were bass by the docks and I saw several large carp cruising open water.
It's a very relaxing place, so enjoy the fresh air and cool water.
alanw
05-20-2014, 08:15 PM
It's a very relaxing place, so enjoy the fresh air and cool water.
+1 It's beautiful up there, enjoy your stay
octico
05-20-2014, 08:16 PM
I spent 4 days up there last month for some great Big Bear trout action. That salmon like meat is delicious!
In order to put your kayak on the water, you'll need to get a muscle inspection and then choose which permit works for you. A single day use permit is $20 and annual is $50. If you plan to be on the water more than 3 days, you'll want to just get the annual pass. Why does this matter, the lake patrol will roll up on you and make sure you have your permit affixed to your rear starboard corner. If you have a boat, they will make sure you have enough life jackets. They are pretty tough up there for some reason.
http://www.bbmwd.com/Fees.html
As for fishing, I metered fish all over the lake but had our best trout bite by the observatory. If trout is not your thing, there were bass by the docks and I saw several large carp cruising open water.
It's a very relaxing place, so enjoy the fresh air and cool water.
I have had really good luck near observatory the observatory trolling a Rapala and Kastmaster.
William Novotny
05-21-2014, 02:42 PM
Another area to try is by the dam fishing deep. Early morning best time. Once the boat yahoos come out chopping the place up I like to go back in the coves and fish bass. A lot of bluegill and crappie to be had too. I had fun taking them on 2# tackle using dry flies
octico
05-22-2014, 10:04 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-DuqY5EDi0
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