Lake Recreation

Big Bear Lake is a public recreation and fishing Lake located in the magical setting of the San Bernardino Mountains.

Lake Statistics

Elevation		6743'
Length		7 miles
Average Lake Width		1/2 mile
Shoreline		22 miles
Maximum Water Depth		72' 4"
Average Water Depth		35'
Lake Storage Capacity		73,370 Acre Feet

Boating

Boating is permitted on Big Bear Lake. All types of boating activity is allowed including: water skiing, sailing, fishing, personal watercraft, float tubes, kayaking, canoeing and sailboarding. The maximum boat length is 26', and all vessels must have a boat permit for Big Bear Lake. Privately owned boats can be launched or you can rent one from a local marina. The District has two public launch ramps on the North shore of the Lake where there is no cost for launching.

Boat Permit Fees

Duane Boyer West Launch Ramp

Carol Morrison East Launch Ramp Causeway
A Favorite Fishing Spot

Swimming: Swimming is allowed within 50' feet of shore, unless otherwise posted. There is a designated "Swim Beach" at Meadow Park.
Fishing: Big Bear Lake is a trophy rainbow trout fishery and also boasts a large population of largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The Lake is stocked regularly throughout the year by the California Department of Fish & Game. In 1996 alone, the department stocked more than 545,000 trout. The Fishing Association of Big Bear Lake also stocks trout in conjunction with its annual May Trout Classic. MWD cooperates with the Association in sponsoring a fall plant of catfish and trout.


Lake Record Catch - Large-Mouth Bass, Northern Strain 7 lbs., 4 oz., Caught 5/25/97 in Grout Bay by Danny Robinson

May Trout Classic

The Fishing Association of Big Bear Lake sponsors the May Trout Classic program which provides major funds for fish plants; artificial habitat structures; conservation projects and monthly tournaments for designated species. These funds are derived from May Trout Classic entry fees and donations from the Big Bear Municipal Water District; Hafen Memorial Trout Fund; marinas; businesses and individuals who have dedicated interest in the fishery. All private plants are coordinated by the Fishing Association. Organized and implemented in 1983, the May Trout Classic has returned Big Bear Lake to a trophy trout status.

A major trophy trout plant is made prior to each Classic. In 1995, Harvey Clark of El Cajon, Ca. won the May Trout Classic with a 14lb 11oz rainbow trout and set a new Lake record. It was a planted fish. As not all these fish are caught during the event, a "carry-over" provides quality fishing throughout the year.

Lake Record Trout - 14.69 lbs,
caught by Harvey Clark

Supplemental plants are made in the Fall of each year, prior to ice-over so that they can grow in size over the winter. In addition, channel catfish are being stocked annually by the Fishing Association and the Big Bear Municipal Water District in a cooperative venture.

Artificial structures, designed by fishing experts, have been placed throughout the Lake. Oriented to channel catfish and largemouth bass, they have proven highly successful for spawning and fry protection.

Big Bear Municipal Water District RV Park

BBMWD RV Park

This small lakefront RV Park has a quiet atmosphere and is conveniently located within walking distance to "The Village" which has numerous shops, restaurants and 5 movie theaters. Also, the Park is adjacent to a full service marina.

The Park has a total of 25 RV sites. 21 sites have full hookups, including TV cable, with limited sites accommodating up to a 40' RV. The remaining 4 sites have no hookups, but water, a dump station and bathrooms with hot showers are readily available.

Reservations are required (be sure to call as far in advance as possible) . Confirmation of a reservation requires a deposit paid by credit card. A cancellation fee will be charged if reservation is cancelled less than: 2 days for short term stays (30 days or less) or 7 days for long term stays (more than 30 days).

Park Rules
Driving Directions

Full Hook-ups (only one RV per site)

Daily

ЕЕЕЕ...

$40.00

Monthly

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$550.00

No Hook-ups (only one RV per site)

Daily

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$30.00

Monthly

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$350.00

Marinas

There are a number of private marinas on Big Bear Lake, all of which are shown on the Lake Facilities Map. Information about some of the public marinas is given below:

BIG BEAR MARINA (909) 866-3218
Offers the best mountain lake fishing and water sport adventures in Southern California. You may choose to cruise the lake in one of our comfortable pontoon boats that can accommodate up to 12 people, or spend the day fishing for Rainbow Trout, Bass, Catfish or Panfish from our outboard fishing boats. For those looking for the wilder side, we have Jet Skis, water skiing and wake boarding available, or you can get a good workout plying the waters of Big Bear Lake in a pedal boat, canoe or kayak. Our facility has a launch ramp, slip rentals and we sell fishing licenses, bait, tackle, beer, soda, snacks and gift items. Big Bear Marina is home of the Big Bear Queen lake tours as well as Professional Fishing Guide Services to ensure a memorable day on the lake. We have ample parking and welcome large coaches and buses. Big Bear Marina is open 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset from April to November, weather permitting. Located near the Village at 500 Paine Road at Lakeview Dr.

HOLLOWAY'S MARINA & RV PARK (800) 448-5335
Discover One of Southern California's Best Kept Secrets!
398 Edgemoor Road
P.O. Box 2877
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

PINE KNOT LANDING (909) 878-5900 Valley Wide Marine at Pine Knot (909) 866-6463 Dock Club
Pine Knot Landing is a full service marina located at the foot of the village on Pine Knot Ave. We offer rentals of fishing boats, pontoon boats, speed boats, canoes, and kayaks. We offer parasailing, waterskiing, and jet skiing. We have slip and mooring buoys for rent, we sell gas and have a complete marine hardware and repair facility including boat sales.

PLEASURE POINT MARINA (909) 866-2455
Located 2-1/2 miles east of Bear Valley Dam on the south shore in Metcalf Bay, at 603 Landlock Landing Road (Cienega Road off Big Bear Blvd.). Pontoon boats, canoes and pedal boat rentals. Lake permits, fishing licenses and supplies available. Open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, May to November, otherwise as weather and lake conditions permit. Suzuki authorized repairs. Premier and Voyager Pontoon dealer. Winter boat storage available.