Fishing in the San Bernardino Mountains |
| With various lakes and streams throughout the San Bernardino Mountains, there are many options and styles of fishing available for anyone from novice to pro. Fishing on Lake Arrowhead is restricted to Arrowhead Woods property owners and their guests. The State of California requires all anglers to have the appropriate license. |
| Various local vendors sell California fishing licenses, as well as the local marinas. Some restrictions to keep in mind: Generally, the catch limit is five in the lakes, two in the streams. "Catch and Release" is encouraged. There are some equipment restrictions. Licenses, bait, tackle and other supplies are available at: |
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Lake Arrowhead
Fishing on Lake Arrowhead is restricted to ALA board members only. There is no public fishing on the lake.
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Silverwood Lake Recreation Area
Known for its huge striped bass, crappie, catfish, largemouth bass and trout, this lake has something for everyone. Popular lures for the stripers and large mouth bass are the big Rapalas, Z-Plugs, and shad imitators such as the Shad Rap, fished on heavier tackle. Using a good attractant, like the Poer Bait Jelly will mask human scents and get more strikes.  Bait for stripers and catfish include mackeral, anchovies and nightcrawlers. Silverwood Lake offers fishing boats and motors for rent, allow float tubing or...just fish right from shore. Park entrance is $6.00 per car and $5.00 to launch a boat. Bait, supplies, snacks, etc are available at the marina store. Details - (760) 389-2281.
Lake Gregory
Trout, bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill - The trout fishing is usually very good with plenty of five-fish limits caught using Power Bait, Super Dupers, Kastmasters and Rooster Tails. Trolling from rental boats ($20/half-day, $40/all-day) is available and quite productive, especially if you bring or rent an electric motor. Float tubing is also available (rent $5.00/day) and, of course, shore fishing, which is free.
Lake Gregory also holds and annual Free Youth Fishing Derby every June for kids under 16 as well as a big tagged fish Fishing Derby four times a year with a $2,000.00 top prize and hundreds of smaller prizes! Details - (909) 338-2233
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Deep Creek and Bear Creek
Two of the premier wild trout streams in Southern California have benefited greatly from this past winter's snow and rain. After years of drought, both streams are up and running and should be producing some fine catches. While most Southern California streams hold trout to the six to ten inch class, these two streams are notable exceptions. Their limited access and rugged terrain have a lot to do with it. You have to be a dedicated stream angler to fish them.
Deep Creek has long been recognized by those in the know as a prime big trout stream. It has, by Southern California's standards, a large population of browns and rainbows and some BIG fish! Above its confluence with Holcomb Creek, there are mostly rainbows. Further downstream lay some very large browns.
Further up the mountain is another good producer of wild brown trout. Running clear and cool below Big Bear Dam, Bear Creek also supports a good population of rainbows and, some say, a few salmon. While I've never seen a salmon caught out of the stream, it is known they live in Big Bear Lake, so it is possible. Two trailheads east of Snow Valley Ski Resort, provide good access to the stream below. Effective gear in these streams would be similar to what you would use in any of the smaller Sierra waters. Please remember, when fishing in the wild trout area...practice catch and release to insure fishing for future generations!
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Grass Valley Lake
Great fishing fun for the family! Easy to get to and usually stocked full! Trout, Bass, Catfish and Bluegill are all available out of Grass Valley Lake. The lake has been heavily planted with trout from Fish and Game. Use Power Bait, Zeke's or Sierra Gold on a light, 3 lb leader or a cast -a-bubble in the deep water. Super-Dupers, Kastmasters, Rapalas, Trout Teasers and lures are all great choices, early or late in the day.
Big Bear Lake
Trout, Large and Small Mouthed Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Pumpkinseed and Carp - Famed for its annual May Trout Classic that draws a full field of 400 anglers every year. Big Bear Lake is stocked regularly by the Department of Fish and Game with catchable sized rainbows and by the Fishing Association with fish up to 16 pounds. You can fish from the shore, bring your own boat, or rent one from one of the many marinas. Various colors of Power Bait, "still fished" or "drifted", are always effective as well as trolled or cast C.D. Rapalas, Super Dupers, Needlefish and Flashers with 1/2 a crawler. While you can fish 24 hours a day 365 days a year, (no ice fishing), Spring and Fall tend to be the best in this altitude lake.
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Alpine Trout Lakes
If the catch is the thing, try Alpine Trout Lakes "Where Kids Catch Fish!" No permit required. Picnic and barbeque facilities on site and for a small charge they will even clean your fish for you. |
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