Paddle Power Trout - The mainstay of Big Bear Lake trouting is the trolled lure. Fortunately for kayak anglers, there’s no better boat for slow trolling than a quiet paddlecraft. This holdover rainbow fell for a Rapala CD-3.

Photo by: Photo by Paul Lebowitz

The glistening trout skipped across the still surface of Big Bear Lake. With each jump, the gossamer thread arcing from fish to fishing rod flashed in the brilliant morning sun.

For a few moments, the rainbow trout surged wildly to and fro before finally submitting to the net. Its wide tail, 18 inches behind its blunt nose, testified that this was no recently stocked trout, but a vigorous survivor of a winter under the ice.

Big Bear Lake is an alpine island in a sea of desert, a piece of the High Sierra transported south. Its waters, rimmed by pine-forested peaks, sustain a thriving year-round rainbow trout fishery. Located just a couple of hours above suburbia, Big Bear is a prime place for Southern California’s oceangoing kayak anglers to rinse the salt out while enjoying many of the delights offered by the Eastern Sierras without the day-long drive.

This beautiful lake sits at 7,000 feet. When full, as it is now, it is 7 miles long and as wide as 1 mile across. Strong winds sometimes gust the length of the lake. Fortunately, a series of indented bays along the south shore usually provides a calm refuge.

One, Boulder Bay, is an excellent place to launch to fish the west side. North side shore launch spots are located at the Grout Bay Picnic Area, Juniper Point and the parking turnout at the abandoned Gray’s Landing, about a mile east of the dam. Of course, the public launch ramps are available, as well.

The lake is in the midst of its fall trout fishing season. Action should be consistent until cold weather has most Big Bear visitors thinking of racing down Bear Mountain’s ski slopes rather than fishing. In early October, the lake was murky and green. Until the water clears, trout should remain near the surface, where they are easy to target using small minnow-shaped hard baits, such as the Rapala CD-3 in Firetiger or black and chrome.

Once the water clears to its usual sparkling blue, Big Bear’s trout should seek deeper water. Then it will be time to break out the leadcore trolling line, the local bread and butter. The weighted line allows a lure to be presented at a controlled depth without the hassle of a downrigger. It’s a good, simple option for kayakers. Alan Sharp of Big Bear Marina (BigBearMarina.com) shared his set-up.

Spool a light saltwater reel with 18-lb. leadcore line. Avoid the lighter 14-lb. leadcore; it sinks too slowly. The rig is simple. Tie 50 feet of 8- to 10-lb. test monofilament above the leadcore and attach a swivel to the end. Hook 3 to 4 feet of light 4- to 6-pound mono leader onto the swivel, and tie on a trolling spoon. Dick Nite spoons are the preferred weapon, but trout spoons such as Needlefish also produce strikes.

Using leadcore line can be dull if you’re winching in fish with heavy gear. John Cantrell of Cantrell Guide Service (BigBearFishing.net) knows how to have fun. Cantrell pairs his leadcore reels with light rods, even ones designed for spinning gear. The point is to match the rod to the fish. Use a trout rod for a more sporting battle.

Whichever trolling method you employ, a leisurely paddle is the perfect pace. If using leadcore, start with two colors out and go up to four. Keep moving until you find the fish. Most trout in Big Bear Lake are on the small side, about a half pound, but a bigger fish could latch onto your bait at any time. To increase your odds of encountering the larger, holdover trout, troll the shoreline early and late in the day - times when fish cruise the shoreline looking for an easy meal.

There are only a few more weeks in this year’s Big Bear fishing season, so it’s not too early to think ahead to next year. In springtime, the blue lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and the fish are hungry.

“Fishing is awesome in April and May,” Cantrell said. “If you can’t catch fish then, it’s time to take up golf.”

He suggested starting an early season fishing trip at the shallower east end of the lake. The trout will be there where the water is warmest.

BIG BEAR KAYAK FISHING RESOURCES GUIDE

No permit is needed to fish the lake, but the Big Bear Municipal Water District (BBMWD.org) requires every vessel, including kayaks, to have a boat permit. Non-motorized craft pay $15 for the first day, $10 for a second day or $25 for a season pass. Permits are available at most marinas, public launch ramps and the BBMWD office.

The widest selection of fishing tackle in town is found at Big Bear Sporting Goods (909-866-3222) on Big Bear Boulevard just west of the village. Proprietor Cliff Fowler also sells kayaks, PFDs and paddles - a better option than heading back down the mountain for that forgotten piece of gear. Big Bear Marina has a smaller selection, but all the Big Bear Lake staples. Excellent, up-to-date fishing information is available at either establishment.

To get the most out of a trip to Big Bear Lake, you’ll want to stay overnight. Options range from campgrounds to quaint bed-and-breakfast inns and luxury guest homes. The Big Bear Lake Resort Association (BigBearInfo.com) is a good source for lodging information and has tips on recreation, dining and shopping.

Lakeside RV camping is available at Holloway’s Marina and RV Park (BigBearBoating.com) and the BBMWD RV Park, both on the south shore. The best bet for tent campers is the U.S. Forest Service Serrano Campground on North Shore Drive. Unfortunately, Serrano isn’t on the lakefront, but it is one of the few Forest Service campgrounds to offer showers.

For those who want a roof overhead, there are dozens of choices for every taste and budget. Kayak anglers will feel right at home at one particular place. Cathy Weil, the innkeeper of the historic Gold Mountain Manor bed and breakfast (GoldMountainManor.com), is a long-time paddle-sports enthusiast. Weil keeps a selection of kayaks for the use of her guests.