The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Big Bear Lake
San Bernardino County, California · 2,970 acres (4.6 sq mi)
48°F water, windy Friday (20 mph S).
About Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is a reservoir in San Bernardino County, California, covering 2,970 acres. Big Bear Lake was created in 1884 by one of California's earliest dams, built originally for irrigation.
From end to end it runs about 6.1 miles with roughly 18.4 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 6,730 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 72 ft. Big Bear Lake is on the shore. The closest city is Yucaipa, about 15 miles away.
- Size
- 2,970 acres (4.6 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 72 ft
- Shoreline
- About 18.4 miles
- End to end
- About 6.1 miles
- Elevation
- About 6,730 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- County
- San Bernardino County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Fair
- 5:45 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 mph
Saturday Good
- 7:00 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Big Bear Lake
Anglers come to Big Bear Lake for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish and trout. At 48°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowCatfish
Cold. Slow, in the deepest holes. Cut bait works best.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:19 am · sunset 4:44 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Big Bear Lake
- Big Bear Lakeon the shore
- Big Bear Cityabout 1.4 mi east
- Running Springsabout 7.9 mi west
- Lucerne Valleyabout 12 mi north
- Yucaipanearest city, about 15 mi southwest
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Questions about Big Bear Lake
What fish are in Big Bear Lake?
Big Bear Lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish and trout. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Big Bear Lake?
About 72 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Big Bear Lake?
2,970 acres, with about 18.4 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Big Bear Lake?
Big Bear Lake is on the shore; Big Bear City is about 1.4 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Big Bear Lake today?
The surface was about 48°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Big Bear Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
