Calling all anglers! Gear up from spring through fall when Big Bear Lake is open for three prime seasons of fishing. Boasting over six square miles of pristine freshwater space, you’ll be stuffing your creel to the brim with that catch of the day. For a quick snapshot of places to fish, species in the lake and boating options, visit our Big Bear Lake Fishing and Boating page before your next angler expedition.

Tournaments on Bear Bear Lake

Just about anyone can head out on the water and snag a catfish or largemouth bass. However, only a lucky few will win a fat stack of Benjamins to pair alongside their scaly catch. Big Bear Lake has a rich history of competition fishing which continues to this day with multiple tournaments scattered throughout the year. Maritime masters with enough skill to reel in a big one on their line might find themselves flush with cash and leave behind a Big Bear Lake legacy if they catch the largest fish.

Fishing for 50k Annual Trout Derby

This tournament debuts in late spring/early summer each year, and true to its name, is all about the trout. Prior to the competition’s opening, thousands of rainbow trout are released across Big Bear Lake. A select few are tagged, with each tagged fish worth $500 a catch and five special fish worth $10,000. The tournament spans multiple days and has placings in multiple age brackets, as well as winners for heaviest trout and tagged trout categories. Visit bigbear.com each year to register you and your family for this one-of-a-kind fishing extravaganza.

Calling out the Carp Round-Up

Like many ecological marvels, Big Bear Lake continues to struggle with invasive species. Starting with the first introduction of the grass carp in the mid-1900s, the species has devastated the habitats for native populations of bluegill, bass and other aquatic animals. Since the inaugural Carp Round-Up began, anglers have helped reduce the detrimental effects from this unwanted fish. Fill out an entry form online on the Big Bear Lake Municipal Water District’s website to secure your spot in the competition. Both traditional fishing and bowhunting participants are encouraged to enter, with prizes awarded to the largest and smallest carp catches.

Try ‘Troutfest’ in October

Fall is the harbinger of Oktoberfest celebrations across the U.S., and Big Bear Lake is no exception. If you’re looking for more than just food and beverage, Troutfest is a worthy supplement. Hosted by Western Outdoor News, signup takes place online and check-in occurs at either Big Bear Marina or the Big Bear Lake Municipal Water District. Participants can compete in the adult or kids division with top five placements earning trophies and merchandise. Additionally, all entries are automatically entered into a raffle with the chance to randomly win some nautical prizes!

Big Bear Lake is Open for Recreational Fishing

Only those who can get near the fish will have any chance of reeling in a catch. Fortunately, Big Bear Lake offers multiple access sites to either cast your line onshore or launch a boat into the area’s placid waters. Not all fishing sites are alike. Some provide multiple amenities to cater to families and solo anglers alike, others might offer only the bare necessities.

The best fishing in Big Bear Lake is found at both the East and West Launch Ramps, public facilities maintained by San Bernardino County. Both locations offer multiple amenities for those wishing to fish on the shoreline, set sail from the dock or simply enjoy the recreational scene. Parking, including trailer parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and of course, the launch ramps themselves, are all available for visitors to enjoy. Every vessel must pass an inspection before sailing from the ramp itself, plus, have a valid Lake Use Permit. Fortunately, the staff on-site can assist with both the permit purchase and inspection.

Journey to the origin of Big Bear Lake itself by visiting the Bear Valley Dam at the far west of the lake. Parking is at the top of the dam with steps leading down to the shoreline. For some, it’s the best place to catch trout, but you’ll stay for the view. Both the top of the dam and along the shore feature some of the best sites to take in the open water and surrounding forest. This site is one of the more isolated spots for fishing with fewer disturbances from pedestrians and traffic compared to other onshore fishing destinations. Hopefully, this will aid in your next big catch.

Many of the inlets and bays within Big Bear Lake are teeming with schools of fresh fish. At Boulder Bay, anglers can take advantage of the Kayak Park-Fishing Pier, perfect for launching a small boat or snagging a few catfish. Just to the east, Metcalf Bay is larger and can accommodate more canoes, kayaks and overall fishing vessels than any other inlet around the lake. Head north to Grout Bay and you can find Captain John’s Fawn Harbor and Marina where visitors can rent a plethora of fishing vessels to sail into the heart of Big Bear Lake. With all these options available, if there’s a fish you want to catch, there’s always a spot to catch it!

Purchase a Big Bear Lake Fishing License

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) mandates the purchase of a fishing license for any activity involving the harvesting of fish, mollusks, amphibians and other aquatic species from public areas. Multiple licenses are available for state and out-of-state residents that vary in their duration and applicability. Visit their website for all the details so you can acquire a license and legally fish at Big Bear Lake.

If you’re eager to head out and fish far from the shoreline, you might also want to obtain a California boater card. This is an official state license required for all motorized boat operators starting in 2025. Visit the California boater card website FAQ to learn more.

Visit Big Bear Sporting Goods

Consider securing a fishing license at Big Bear Sporting Goods, just a short walk from Big Bear Frontier. This historical establishment provides more than just licensing, it’s also the go-to destination for learning about local fishing hot spots. Their experts can provide a selection of bait and tackle, including pole rentals, as well as tips to reel in your next catch. Big Bear Sporting Goods even offers kayaks and paddle boards for sale to anyone looking to explore the lake itself. Visit their website to browse the company’s stock of fishing and outdoor amenities. 

Book Your Stay at The Frontier 

Big Bear Frontier offers the perfect lodging amenities for your stay in Big Bear Lake, California, including select lakefront suites. Call 909.866.5888 to reserve your hotel room or cabin online. All of our accommodations feature a full bath, small refrigerator, microwave, TV and coffee maker, as well as free Wi-Fi. Additionally, each cabin is outfitted with a toasty fireplace to keep guests warm at all hours. Both our hotel and cabins are pet-friendly, so you can bring the whole family on your next Big Bear Lake excursion. Big Bear Frontier even allows guests to fish off our dock, as well as the shoreline of the property.

Enjoying fishing around the lake? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram by tagging @BigBearFrontier and sharing your prized catch.