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| Tuesday May 13, 2008 |
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| By Cheri Sicard Photos by Mitch Mandell
While the fishing is great here year round, spring is exceptional. According to John Cantrell owner of Cantrell's Fishing Guide Services, "If you can't catch fish in Big Bear in spring, you'd best take up golf!" Cantrell claims the fish practically jump onto your hook in springtime no matter if you fish from the shoreline or from a boat in the middle of the lake. Perhaps that's true but this writer suspects that is has a lot to do with Cantrell and partner Cliff Fowler's talents as anglers. Several locals I spoke with claimed the pair's abilities to find fish are uncanny. Cantrell concurs that it is a very rare day indeed that their boat, the Less Stress II, returns without a catch.
A fishing trip with John and Cliff will not only likely yield results, you'll learn a ton in the process that will help your fishing overall. Along the way you'll be well entertained by this affable duo's jokes and friendly banter. They also have the only guide service in Big Bear that offers a covered boat, a huge benefit on ultra sunny days. The Less Stress II can also be completely enclosed, giving guests the ability to fish while staying inside the heated pontoon boat during the colder days of spring or autumn. Summertime Considerations Cantrell advises summertime shoreline fishermen to head towards the Big Bear dam where the water temperature remains cooler, otherwise with 23 miles of shoreline, you'll never be at a loss for an easy and scenic place to fish from shore. From a culinary perspective, the trout in Big Bear Lake are outstanding. A relative of the salmon, wild trout have a sweet delicate flavor and pale pink flesh. "There's absolutely no comparison between this fish and the nondescript white fleshed trout you buy in the supermarket," says Cliff Fowler. After cooking and consuming our catch, we heartily agree. In addition to the great trout action, Big Bear Lake has both large and small mouth bass, as well as catfish, crappie, pumpkinseed and bluegill.
Fishermen looking for boat rentals are amply served by Holloway's and four other marinas that offer fishing and pontoon boats. Licenses and tackle can also be purchased at the marinas. Two public boat launch ramps on the North Shore are set to open from early April through November.
Be sure to tune in to local radio station KBHR (93.3 FM) when in town. Besides being one of the best and most enjoyable local radio stations we've ever encountered (and we here at FabulousTravel.com are road trip junkies who have traversed the country countless times), Cliff Fowler also hosts a regular show that lets listeners know where the biggest fish are biting at any given time. A great place to buy bait and get some fishing
advice is, believe it or not, Big Bear Donuts. Owner Ric Nelson is an avid
angler who knows the ins and outs of the lake he fishes nearly every day, so be
sure to stop in for some fish tales and tips. Oh, and they make the best donuts
in Bear Valley too. Practicalities As of this writing in 2007, a fishing license will set you back $12.00 for the day or $37.00 for the season. Cantrell's Fishing Guide Services usually run from April through October, weather depending. They get the poles ready, set them up with the proper lures, and find the fish for you. You get to reel them in. Whether you've never fished before in your life or are an experienced angler, you're sure to have a great time spending some time on the lake with John Cantrell and Cliff Fowler. You can find John and Cliff at the Big Bear marina at the end of Paine Street. For more information or reservations call 909-866-3218 or visit their website at www.bigbearfishing.net. The Old Country Inn is located at 41126 Big Bear Blvd Big Bear Lake, 92315. Phone them at 909-866-5600 or visit their website at www.OldCountryInn.net. For more information about Big Bear, to book accommodations, or to request a Visitors Guide, visit the Big Bear Resort Association's website at www.bigbear.com or call 1-800-4-BIG-BEAR. More About Big Bear
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BIG
BEAR LAKE, CALIFORNIA, USA -- The fishing is fine in Big Bear Lake, an alpine
lake about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. One of a select few California
lakes to be planted with trout on a regular basis, Big Bear Lake receives about
150,000 to 200,000 pounds of trout per year from the Department of Fish and Game.
John
and Cliff have a seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of fishing and an intimate familiarity
with every inch, nook, and cranny of Big Bear Lake and going out with them will
definitely give you a more in-depth fishing experience. No matter what time of
year, they know the where their prey are likely to be lurking, and how to lure
them onto their hooks. 
Of
course staying warm is not a problem in summer when tourists flock to the seven
mile long alpine lake, but according to Cantrell and Fowler summer presents the
most challenges for anglers. "As the water gets warmer, the fish get lazier,"
says John, "you're best off fishing early in the morning or late in the evening
in summertime, avoid mid day." 
"This
is one of the only places in Southern California where you can enjoy a genuine
alpine fishing experience," said Loren Hafen, owner of Holloway's Marina. "Why
travel five or six hours to the Sierras when you can get the same quality of trout
fishing here in Big Bear Lake?" 
Big
Bear Anglers Insider Tips