Читать книгу Fly Fishing California - Ken Hanley - Страница 16

by Jeff Solis

Located in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake offers some of the best early- and late-season trout fishing in Southern California. Summer still produces some fast and furious trout fishing but also throws three- to five-pound bass into the mix.

At 3,015 surface acres, Big Bear has approximately 70 miles of rocky shoreline, points, and coves. Using a float tube is the best way to cover the most water, with a full sink or sink tip line to get your streamer pattern or beadhead nymph down. If you’re looking to take trout on dry flies and emerger patterns, the east end of the lake is the best place to be in the spring. As the water warms, try some of the sheltered bays, such as Boulder Bay or the area near the dam.

Big Bear Lake also has numerous areas distinguished for their grassy shorelines, lily pads, submerged logs, and other fish-attracting structures favored by the lake’s bass population. The walking or wading angler can easily access these spots, and a well-presented leech pattern or surface popper will often result in a jolting strike.

To reach Big Bear Lake, take Interstate 10 east from San Bernardino to Highway 30. Go north on 30 until it forks with Highway 330. Continue north on 330 until it ends at Highway 18, turn right, and proceed to the lake.

The city of Big Bear Lake has grown steadily over the last 30 years and is now a destination for hunters, hikers, skiers, horseback riders, and golfers, as well as anglers. With all of these attractive activities, Big Bear Lake is a great place for anglers to spend a weekend with the whole family!

Healthy rainbows abound. Photo by John Sherman.

Types of Fish

Trout, bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill.

Known Hatches & Baitfish

Midges, mayflies, damselflies, game fish fry, and shad.

Equipment to Use

Rods: 5–7 weight, 8–9 feet in length.

Reels: Standard click or disk drag.

Lines: WF double-taper floating for dries. Full sink or sink tip for streamers and nymphs.

Leaders: 4X to 6X, 7–9 feet in length.

Wading: Can be very productive. Wear chest-high waders and boots.

Flies to Use

Dries: Renegade #14–18, Parachute Adams, Adams #14–20, Griffith’s Gnat #16–20, Roy’s Special Emerger #18–20, Looping Callibaetis #16.

Nymphs: Beadhead Pheasant Tail, Beadhead Hare’s Ear, Beadhead Prince #10–18, Brassie #12–20.

Streamers & Poppers: Woolly Worm or Bugger #2–12, Zonker #6–10, Matuka, Muddler Minnow #4–10, Light Spruce Fly #6–12, foam or deer hair poppers #2–10, Clouser Minnow #1/0–6, assorted dragonfly and leech patterns #2–8.

When to Fish

Spring, summer, and fall.

Seasons & Limits

Open year-round. There is no limit on bluegill, and you can keep 25 crappie, 5 trout, and 5 bass at least 12 inches in length. Check current regulations for other limits and restrictions.

Nearby Fly Fishing

Santa Ana River and Bear Creek.

Accommodations & Services

Plenty of camping can be found around the lake, and numerous motels are in the area. There are many stores on the north and south shores, including some that rent fishing boats, canoes, ski boats, and jet skis.

Rating

With a variety of cover to explore, Big Bear Lake rates an 8.