Fishing Big Bear Lake

What's biting on Big Bear Lake by month, the latest stocking reports, limits, bait shops and the gear to bring.

Photo: H.G. Judd · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Rentals, stays & trips for Big Bear LakePartner links · same price for you
Fishing charterHalf and full-day trips, gear includedViator Rent a boat on Big Bear LakePontoons, ski and fishing boats from local ownersBoatsetter Stay near Big Bear LakeLake cabins, vacation homes and hotelsExpedia · Vrbo Private campsiteWhen the public sites are fullHipcamp

Heads up: Off-season trips are quieter. Many owners still rent on calm, sunny weekends.

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What's biting

Fish in Big Bear Lake

SpeciesOriginBest monthsNotes
Rainbow troutStocked Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep Last stocked Oct 4, 2026.

Recent stocking

  • TroutOct 4, 2026
  • TroutSep 27, 2026
  • TroutSep 20, 2026
  • TroutJul 26, 2026
  • TroutJul 12, 2026
  • TroutJun 28, 2026
  • TroutJun 7, 2026
  • TroutMay 24, 2026

CDFW Fish Planting Schedule

Gear for these fish

Partner links

Rainbow trout

Fly rods, reels and fliesTrident Fly Fishing→Fiberglass fly rods and kitsEpic Fly Rods→Spoons, spinners and minnow luresRapala→

For every angler

Landing nets and fly boxesEGO Fishing→Sun-protective fishing shirtsHook & Tackle→Fishing shirts, shorts and vestsColumbia→

Gas and fuel docks

  • Shell41339 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake
    0.2 mi
  • Valero
    0.7 mi
  • 7-Eleven41901 Big Bear Boulevard
    0.7 mi
  • Chevron
    1.0 mi

Bait and tackle

  • Sportsman's Warehouse
    26.4 mi
  • Soboba Flight Park
    29.3 mi

Groceries and ice

  • 7-Eleven41440 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake
    0.3 miCall
  • Grocery OutletIce42126 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake
    1.0 miCall
  • VonsIce42170 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake
    1.2 miCall
  • Stater Bros.Ice42171 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake
    1.3 miCall

⚑ Limits.See the full limits table on the Big Bear Lake page, and always confirm with the California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (wildlife.ca.gov) before you fish.

Good to know

Questions about Big Bear Lake

What fish are in Big Bear Lake?

Big Bear Lake has Rainbow trout. Rainbow trout is stocked by the state.

Is Big Bear Lake stocked with fish?

Yes. The most recent state planting report for Big Bear Lake lists Trout the week of 2026-10-04. Sign up on this page to get an email when it's stocked again.

Where can I buy bait near Big Bear Lake?

Bait and tackle nearby: Sportsman's Warehouse (26.4 mi), Soboba Flight Park (29.3 mi). Hours change, so call ahead.

Do I need a fishing license at Big Bear Lake?

Yes. In California, anyone 16 or older needs a California fishing license, and some waters need extra stamps or validations. Check the state wildlife agency for current rules before you fish.