TroutfesT – Fishing in Big Bear Lake

TroutfesT is here!

Since 2004, the Western Outdoor News Big Bear TroutfesT has been growing. This is the 15th year of the contest and we are expecting it to be just as full as every other year. The cash and prizes are just as big as ever, with every ticket holder getting a chance to win a new boat and motor at the end of the tournament. There are lots of other prizes too! There is a limit to 1,000 spots, so make sure you register now in the appropriate category: Adult Male, Junior Male (16 and under), Adult Female, or Junior Female (16 and under).

Here are some tips on catching trout in the fall:

1. During the fall the lake is starting to cool off which brings the trout a little closer to the surface and changes the pattern as to when it is best to fish for them. Mid to late afternoon and early evening are the best times to try your luck fishing. They are also not as deep in the water.
2. Look for plant growth. Plants attract the bait fish, which in turn attract the trout. You want to get close enough that you are able to draw some of the trout to your hook, but not so close you get your line caught in the plants.
3. Big Bear Lake has a great deal of stocked fish in it, so Powerbait, worms, or corn are good baits to use. Trout also naturally like minnows, so things like spinners, jigs, or actual minnows will also work. Do not put too much bait on the hook; trout are not naturally big eaters and may not go for large amounts of bait.
4. Trout have a very good sense of smell. Any scents you may have on your hands can be transferred to the bait, and possibly scare off the fish. Make sure you rub some dirt on your hands to get rid of any powerful smells, like perfumed soaps or tobacco.
5. Master your fishing technique.
   1. Jigging. Fish of all kinds like their meals to be lively; trout is no exception. Jigging is moving your bait through the water to mimic minnows, something trout loves to feed on.  Lake trout is attracted to light lures, try using a spoon jig. The jig’s motion should be like a minnow swimming. If you make it too jerky or erratic, you might scare off the fish.
   2. Trolling. Trolling is best done in a boat, but it can be done from the shore. Just make sure to pay attention if you do it from the shore! Trolling is moving the boat slowly through the water and letting the lure do all of the hard work. The movement of the boat will give the trout a moving target. To get to the right depth, you want to let out your line slowly, until you hit the lake floor. Then reel your line in to the appropriate depth.

The Big Bear Municipal Water District offers fishing information on the lake as well. They will let you know what is working, what is not, and what is really biting!

We look forward to this event every year, and to all of the people who come and stay with us to participate in it. Our location is within walking distance. If you are coming up this weekend for the tournament we wish you the best of luck! If you are just up here for some hot cider and an escape to the mountains, we have that waiting for you as well.