Summer has arrived on Big Bear Lake, and the changes are evident all around the lake. With air temperatures in the high 80's and low 90's this past week, surface water temperatures have soared to the high 60's with bottom temperatures in the low 60's. The first oxycline of the year has developed at 46 feet near the dam, 40 feet at Papoose Bay and 23 feet at the west ramp. Simply put the trout are heading west for cooler water and more oxygen. A slip bobber rig is a must for all bait anglers this time of year and should be set from levels noted above, to a minimum of 10 feet, night time fishing near the dam with Eagle Claw NITRO and night crawlers has been very effective.

Summer time means panfish and catfish on Big Bear Lake. Crappie and Bluegilll are plentiful in Boulder Bay and all along the shore near docks, rocks and weeds. Great fun for the young ones, a worm and a bobber will bring on smiles as big as the sun. The cats are starting to prowl during the night along the east end of the lake. Put out the stinkiest stuff you got with a big old hook or take a tip from legendary "Catmando" and try meal worms on a small hook for the whisker fish.

NEWSFLASH---Curt Dills owner of Fish Big Bear Charter Svc. reports that his group caught 31 fish in four hours today while trolling leadcore at 2 colors in the areas of Windy Point, Metcalf Bay and Boulder Bay. "Man it sure feels like summer, but the fish are hittin' like it's Spring!" exclaimed Dills. Rapalas in rainbow and gold, as well as, Dick Nite Spoons in gold/red and silver/green made the drags sing today.

Billy Miyata of Rosemead landed these nice trout while trolling a fire tiger Rapala on the surface near Boulder Bay on 7/2/07.