Surrounded by lush forests and being one of the biggest lakes in Southern California, the city of Big Bear Lake is the perfect spot to go fishing. The city is located in San Bernardino county, about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. And this city is one of the most popular attractions in Southern California.
The Big Bear valley has four significant lakes – Big Bear Lake, Cedar Lake, Baldwin, and Jenks. There are plenty of Big Bear cabins for rent, as renting is the ideal option since you can be close to nature, in and around the city. All the hotels are far from the fishing grounds. You have to drive to this area for this water activity. If you choose a cabin near a lake, you can walk over to your favorite spot and cast your bait.
During winter, however, people do not typically go to Big Bear to fish. They would go up the mountainside pass for skiing and snowboarding. But winter fishing is one of the most fun experiences you can have, especially if you haven’t tried it yet.
The city gets an average of about 65 inches of snow each year. If you love snowboarding and skiing, you should find Big Bear cabins for rent from January to March. These are the months when the snow is the thickest in the city.
If you want to try winter fishing in Big Bear Lake, considering the following tips:
Bring the right gear
The gear does not just refer to your fishing equipment and bait. You need to wear the right clothes to keep you warm. During the winter season, it is not uncommon for temperatures to drop to about -6 °C. You need water-resistant coats and parkas. Make sure that your boots and gloves are resistant to water, too. But do not choose thick gloves because they will compromise your dexterity. You would be spending long periods outdoors, so you need to be adequately warm to avoid hypothermia.
Prepare to wait
During the winter season, the fish would not be as active. But you would have a higher chance of catching fish when the temperature is about 4 °C. You need to schedule your time around midday. However, trout do not know whether the temperature is cold or not. They will continue to hunt for food no matter what the temperature is. You are likely to catch trout or even a bluegill or two when you go winter fishing. Another useful tip is to go to deeper waters as the fish will dive where the water is warmer.
Where to fish
Some areas are closed for fishing during winter, such as marinas, for example. However, you can go to Juniper Point and Windy Point in the North Shore. It is also the safest route because the North Shore is the most accessible area in winter when the snow is thick.
Big Bear Lake is the ideal spot for sport fishing. Throughout the year, its lakes are teeming with blue catfish, rainbow trout, black crappie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and carp. Whether you are fishing for food or sport, you will never be disappointed with Big Bear Lake. During the winter season, you can still catch fish, and your net would weigh about two or three pounds.
