Rainbow Trout fishing did improve this past week on Big Bear Lake Lead core trollers going down 2 1/2 half to 3 colors have seen limits of fish to 2 pounds. The best time to fish is early and late, in the western third of the lake. The top water action has been dead, with all the trout hitting nickel back spoons in 12 to 15 feet of water. Water temperatures and the oxycline are uniform from top to bottom which means the fish are scattered and lethargic. Bait anglers with slip bobbers rigged at fifteen to twenty feet with Nitro and Nightcrawlers suspended below have also seen some limits when drift fishing from a boat or sitting on the shore. Patience is a virtue during the summer on Big Bear Lake. Conditions will improve as the water cools and boating pressure slows.

Large and Small mouth Bass have been hitting topwater poppers and small spinners fished near docks in the shallows of Mallard and Papoose Bay. Catfishing remains good in the east end. Anglers soaking shrimp, mackerel, or stink baits have had singing drags.

Don't forget about the other species available on the lake. Summertime species of crappie, bluegill, redear, small and large mouth bass are out there. Lake records have not been established for these species. Catch one of the above and bring it to the official weigh station for your chance at a lake record.

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