Big Bear Blog

If you have been out on the trails lately, you might have noticed a change in the landscape. The mountains seem to be leaving the lush color of green behind for a canvas painted in orange, purple, red, yellow and white. Flowers and their brilliance accompanied by a sweet scent – it’s making hiking, running and biking a bit more interesting.

I went for a quick run on the PCT this morning – a carpet of tiny purple and white flowers slowed my pace as I admired the perfection of a native landscape. Why can’t my yard look like this? I ran past Indian paintbrush, Sea Fig, Columbine and Lupine. I even came across an entire meadow of wild Iris earlier this week – shocked because I had never seen them before despite having mountain biked the trail for years.

The constant change makes me hike, ride and run the same trails week after week. Checking for changes and waiting patiently for my two favorites - Lemon Lily and Corn Lily – to arrive.

Earning my turns,

Glade Girl

There isn’t almost anything in fishing that leaves a longer lasting memory than catching your first fish! For me, I was staying with my grandparents during Easter Vacation. My grandfather came into the house and told me to follow him, that he had a surprise for me in the garage.

When we got out to the garage, my grandfather gave me a rod, reel, and a small tackle box, and asked if I would like to go fishing in the morning? Yes was all there was to say, and I gave my grandfather a big hug!

Even though I was only about 5 years old, I can remember just about every detail of that trip. First my grandpa said we would have to dig up worms in the back yard for bait; even that part was a lot of fun. The next morning we got up early and headed for a small lake in San Fernando Valley. When we got to the lake, grandpa tied a hook on my line, pinched on a small split shot, and attached a small red and white bobber to the line. Then he put one of the worms we dug the day before on the hook, and cast it out in the lake. He told me to watch that bobber, and when it goes under water, pull back and set the hook because there was a fish on there.

I have learned a lot about worm fishing since that day. Every fish that swims in Big Bear Lake will take a worm including the Trophy Rainbow Trout and catfish. Last year in May, Erin Dominguez broke the lake record for trout landing a massive 18.69-pound Rainbow on a night crawler.

The following is a way to rig your line that at times can be deadly for fishing night crawlers, or a combination of a mini marshmallow and a night crawler. This works best if the line from your reel is either 2 lb. or 4 lb. test so that you can get a good distance on your cast. On the end of your line tie a #6 hook for large worms, or #8 bait holder hook for smaller worms. About 12 to 15 inches above the hook pinch on a # 3 to # 5 split shot. When you cast this rig out, let it sink to the bottom, and then s-l-o-w-l-y work it in, stopping occasionally. If you feel a bite, wait a couple of seconds to make sure the fish has it, and then set the hook.

If there is a problem with moss from the bottom covering your bait, you can inflate the crawler with a worm blower, or put on a mini marshmallow above the eye of the hook then add the night crawler which will help keep it off the bottom.

You can also fish a night crawler on a slip bobber rig, which works very well once the water in the lake warms in summer and the fish are no longer on the bottom. If you are targeting trout, the medium size night crawlers work best. If your after catfish, try the large crawlers.

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You’ve probably seen them out there already – people standing on a long, surf board using a paddle to propel themselves forward over the surface of the water. Known simply as SUP, they are not new and have been used on the ocean as a cool option to traditional surfing. A few of the marina’s have purchased SUP’s for rent and Big Bear is coming into its own as a popular SUP destination. 

Need proof? Last Friday a few of us were treated to a special clinic put on by Mark Carlisle of Hobie. He showed us how to find the right paddle length, the proper stance and a few basic paddle strokes. With that we each got to demo one of Hobie’s boards. Friday was just a snapshot of what Mark will teach at this year’s 3rd Annual Big Bear Paddlefest. Saturday, July 10th, Mark – courtesy of Hobie – will instruct an SUP clinic. He will have numerous paddle boards for demo purpose. SUP is easy to learn and super fun! Plus, if you feel the need to challenge yourself against other SUP enthusiasts, Sunday’s race line up features a 5K and 10K SUP race.

Even if you don’t want to learn to SUP, you can always take part in one of the three kayak or canoe clinics happening on Saturday as well. Whatever you decide – just get out and paddle Big Bear!

Earning my turns,
Glade Girl

What a weekend! Exciting! Busy! Bike-friendly! The Tour of California blew through Friday leaving in its wake tons of enthusiastic bikers taking to it to the streets and trails all day Saturday. I spent Friday taking photos, talking to people and watching the race from the East Ramp. Saturday I shared Grout Bay trail with a bunch of riders from San Diego and there could not have been more smiles.