August can be one of the toughest months of the year for fishing on Big Bear Lake, but you can still catch a lot of fish, by fishing at the right time, the right lures or bait, and at the right depth.

Trout
If it’s a bright sunny day, fish early in the morning, and from about 2 PM until dark. If it’s a cloudy day, fishing can be good all day long. Currently, it seems like I’m catching fish at all different depths every day. So be versatile and try every depth from straight mono with say a Rapala just under the surface to as deep as four and a half colors of lead core off the reel.

Top producing lures for me this month have been Rapalas, Helgy’s, Needlefish & Dick Nite Spoons in copper and gold. Bait fishermen should be using slip bobbers this time of year, and try depths from 8′ to 17′. Top baits are Nitro Bait & Power bait, along with Night Crawlers. Don’t get discouraged if you fish one day and don’t do well, because the next day you might catch several fish! The best areas for fishing right now have been Gilner Point, Metcalf Bay, Boulder Bay, and down by the Dam.
 
Bluegill
Bluegill are showing up on stringers from all around the lake. Fish around brush, and the docks for best results. Red worms and meal worms are the best baits, on 4 lb. to 6 lb. test line.
 
Crappie
Crappie fishing has slowed a bit, because the fish have moved to deeper water. Try the points and from 10′ to 25′ of water for best success. Mini Jigs with a Berkely crappie nugget on a hook works great! Using light line (4 lb. test) will catch a lot more fish.
 
Catfish
Catfish are being caught all over the lake right now. Best time is early morning, late afternoon, and at night. Best bait’s are night crawlers, shrimp, stink bait, and mackerel. Big Bear has plenty of big catfish, so I suggest that you use at least 12 lb. test
line.
 
Good Luck
Curt Dills