California · Fishing
Fishing in Big Bear City, California
Big Bear City sits at the eastern end of Big Bear Lake, putting anglers within a short drive of four solid lake fishing access points: Green Spot Equestrian Group Camp, Serrano, the Big Bear Lake Recreation Area, and Tanglewood Group Camp.
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Big Bear City sits at the eastern end of Big Bear Lake, putting anglers within a short drive of four solid lake fishing access points: Green Spot Equestrian Group Camp, Serrano, the Big Bear Lake Recreation Area, and Tanglewood Group Camp. The lake sits at 6,752 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, which keeps water temperatures cooler than most Southern California reservoirs and supports a year-round fishery. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks Big Bear Lake regularly with rainbow trout, and the lake also holds largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. Trout fishing tends to be most productive from late fall through spring when surface temperatures drop, while bass fishing picks up through the warmer months. Most of the access points around Big Bear City are straightforward to reach by car, and several have shoreline areas that work fine without a boat. If you do want to get out on the water, rental boats are available nearby. A valid California fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and a second-rod stamp is needed if you plan to fish two rods at once.
Frequently asked questions
Which fishing access points are closest to Big Bear City?
The Big Bear Lake Recreation Area and Serrano are the most centrally accessible spots for visitors staying in Big Bear City. Green Spot Equestrian Group Camp and Tanglewood Group Camp are also on the lake but are primarily group-use facilities, so check availability before planning to fish from those locations.
What species can I realistically expect to catch at Big Bear Lake?
Rainbow trout are the most commonly caught species, thanks to regular stocking by CDFW. The lake also holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. Trout dominate catches in cooler months, while bass and catfish are more active from late spring through summer.
What time of day is best for fishing Big Bear Lake?
Early morning is generally the most productive window, especially for trout, before boat traffic picks up and surface temperatures rise. Evening can also be good, particularly for bass along shallower shoreline structure. Midday fishing in summer tends to be slower.
Do I need a boat, or is shore fishing viable here?
Shore fishing is genuinely viable at several of these access points, particularly at the Big Bear Lake Recreation Area and Serrano, where there is accessible shoreline. A boat opens up more of the lake, but plenty of anglers catch fish from the bank, especially during trout stocking periods when fish are concentrated near shore.
What license and gear do I need before I show up?
You need a valid California sport fishing license if you are 16 or older, available through the CDFW website or local sporting goods stores in Big Bear. A basic trout setup — light to medium spinning rod, 4 to 8 lb monofilament, and PowerBait or small spinners — covers most situations. If you want to fish two rods simultaneously, you also need a two-rod stamp.
