Water temperatures rose this past week and the lake has turned over. With surface temperatures in the low sixties and bottom temperatures in the high fifties, the lake is now in its summertime mode. Oxygen levels have risen to 33 feet at the dam, 36 feet at Papoose Bay and the west ramp, while the observatory is at 33 feet. What does all this mean? "Go West" is the direction the trout are heading for their annual migration to deeper, cooler water.

Slip bobbers for trout bait anglers is a must now that the trout are holding between 15 and 30 feet. Nitro dough and nightcrawlers presented this way have caught limits. Trollers using leadcore are going down to 3 and 4 colors to find the fish biting on cooper finish Needlefish. Surface action has slowed with the rising temperatures.

Big Trout of the week honors go to George Elliot of Apple Valley who weighed-in a 6.45 pound bow. The fish hit a CD-7 Rapala at 4 colors off of Windy Pt.

Summertime species of panfish, bass and catfish are getting active with the rising water temperatures. Take a kid out to the shore with a clipon bobber and worm rigged to their rod and watch their faces light up as scrappy panfish make the bobber dance then disappear under the surface.

Big Bear Marina is proud to announce that we are the first OFFICIAL WEIGH STATION on Big Bear Lake. New LAKE RECORDS will be established! Bring your BIG FISH and QUALITY LIMITS to the marina for weigh-in and be eligible for monthly prizes.

BIG BEAR LAKE FISHING EVENTS 2008

OCTOBER TROUTFEST**OCTOBER 4 & 5----Western Outdoor News 949-366-0030