The signs of Summer continue on Big Bear Lake. As we noted last week the first oxycline of the year developed and now we have a thermocline to match it. The depths you can not go below (because the trout are not there) are 30 feet at the dam, 23 feet at Papoose Bay and the West Ramp and 20 feet at the observatory.

For bait anglers a slip bobber rig is a must this time of year and should be set from levels noted above, to a minimum of 10 feet. Drifting in a boat down the middle of the lake with a simple sliding egg sinker rig is a rewarding way to spend a lazy summer day. Night time fishing near the dam has been very effective too. Be sure to use Eagle Claw NITRO, and inflated night crawlers soaked in Eagle Claw Gravy for the best catches.

Trolling for trout is best with leadcore line. With leadcore you can present your lure at the levels noted above. Most of the trout have set up shop off the West ramp and along Trout Alley now and depending on the day and time are hitting from 2 to 4 colors with needlefish in copper getting the most fish.

Summer time means panfish and catfish on Big Bear Lake. Crappie and Bluegilll are plentiful in Boulder Bay and in Mallard Bay. Try mini-jigs in assorted colors or simply hang a mealworm or part of a night crawler 4 feet from a clip on bobber. Great fun for kids with short attention spans. Catfish are starting to inhale nocturnal nuggets of shrimp and chicken livers presented off the bottom. Try the east end of the lake after the sun goes down.