BY MIKE STEVENS
BIG BEAR LAKE — Thunderstorms that brought flash-flood conditions to Big Bear Lake was just what resident trout ordered as the lake was suffering through low oxygen levels for weeks before Mother Nature delivered relief. More good news came just before press time when it was announced that 4,000 pounds of trout will be stocked prior to WON Big Bear Troutfest.
“Troutfest is coming up quickly, and luckily, it looks like the lake is going to cooperate,” said Josh Cummings of Big Bear Sporting Goods. “Thunderstorms brought fresh, cool, oxygenated water into the lake, creating favorable conditions for our favorite alpine fish. Boaters should focus on the mouths of Metcalf, Boulder and Grout Bays, the Observatory, and the run from Windy Point down to the S.S. Relief. Depths will vary with time of day. The higher the sun is, the lower the fish will be. Shore stompers can get bit anywhere from the red house to Windy Point. Juniper Point is also worth checking out. Bait will bring the best results while the sun is up, but that evening lure bite is still happening if you can find them rising on the midges.”
Staffers at Big Bear Sporting Goods also said the bass bite is improving around grass lines and rocky points.
“Good habitat can be found at Boulder Bay Park, Meadow Park, and Juniper Point,” said Cummings. “Fish spinnerbaits and weedless underspins in the grass and topwater above it. Drag craw style baits and crankbaits over the points.”
He went on to say panfish are “turning up in good numbers” in the same type of areas bass are showing up in.
WON Big Bear Troutfest goes down September 27-28, and there is still time to register for anglers looking to make a last-minute run up the hill for a great time. For more info, visit WONEws.com and find Troutfest under the TOURNAMENTS tab.
