It’s great to be back out on beautiful Big Bear Lake trolling for rainbow trout – now if we can only get them to bite! The season is starting off with a FIZZ unfortuately with about one trout per hour on the lines. Pretty hard to grasp considering we have been spoiled the past seasons and the conditions seem so perfect and weather has been so nice. Some winds this past week did put a damper on the bite but overall it’s been pleasant and pristine out on the lake most of the past week. Many lures and much territory have been covered and most lures that worked seem to be bright, flashy silver finish spoons/needlefish. Night crawlers, Gold Thomas Bouyant and purple perch/silver Little Warrior were hit the most. Leaded lines and surface have had no action and the down riggers have been hit at 6 feet and 20-25 feet. The best spot on the lake for us has been just outside Papoose Bay and over the drop off between Papoose and Boulder Bay. Most fish landed were from China Island and through Trout Alley. We’ve only had 1/2 dozen fish on the lines east of Metcalf Bay and a couple hits over in front of Gray’s Landing on the north shore. One three hour trip this week landed two bass, one cat and two trout – all on the troll. Eagle sitings are almost as often as a bite from a trout! The beauty of the mountain, awesome weather and fun times with great people make every minute waiting for a fish to hit worth it! The good news is the fish that have been caught are 2+ lb and hard fighting healthy rainbow trout. Some using power bait have landed trophy size trout. Determination, layers of warm clothing and a arsenal of great selection of lures/bait is a must now. Stop by Big Bear Sporting Goods and beef up your tackle box to ensure a successful day on the lake. The Fishin’ Guys will hook you up with tips and spots on the lake for the different species. Big Bear Sporting Goods for tackle/bait/licenses 909-866-3222, Pleasure Point Marina for pontoon/slip rentals 909-866-2455, Capt. John’s Fawn Harbor for boat rentals and tours 909-866-6478 and Lucky Bear Fishing Charters 909-866-7303.