This is the best time of year to catch a variety of fish at Big Bear Lake. Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, panfish and more can be caught right now. During the warm summer months, anglers are especially looking for fresh catfish. To celebrate National Catfish Month, here are a few tips to catch and cook catfish at Big Bear Lake.
Best Bait to Find Catfish
The summer is the best time of year to catch catfish at Big Bear Lake. Use the following bait to reel in your catch:
- Mackerel
- Chicken livers
- Shrimp
- Stink baits
Where to Catch Catfish
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.
Catfish Cooking Ingredients
Catfish is known as a tasty fish that has a mild sweet flavor. Catfish can be deep friend, pan fried, baked or grilled. One of the most popular methods of cooking catfish is pan frying the fillets. You will need the following ingredients to make pan fried catfish:
- Four 6-ounce catfish fillets
- ¼ cup of all-purpose flour
- ½ cup of yellow cornmeal
- 1 tsp. of salt
- 1 tsp. of creole seasoning
- ½ tsp. of paprika
- ¼ tsp. of black pepper
- ¾ cup of milk
- 6 tbsp. of divided unsalted butter
- Lemon wedges
Here is a simple pan fried catfish recipe courtesy of The Food Network
Grab Some Catfish Side Dishes
Once you’ve caught some fresh catfish from Big Bear Lake, you’ll want a fresh salad and some side dishes or vegetables to go along with your catfish fillets. Some catfish side suggestions include:
- Corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Collard greens or spinach
- Cornbread
Visit the Big Bear Farmer’s Market, which runs through September at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. You can find fresh lettuce and other vegetables, as well as fruit and even fresh flowers for your table.
Book Your Big Bear Lake Visit
It’s time to make a reservation so you can stay awhile to enjoy the beauty of Big Bear Lake. Make a reservation for a comfortable cabin or luxury hotel room at Big Bear Frontier. Contact us today to find out how Cali4nia pass holders are eligible for a 15 percent discount. Make your reservation today!
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