By Paul Lebowitz

"I've never seen this much water!" John Cantrell said. Cantrell, a Big Bear Lake fishing guide, was clearly excited by the prospects of the early season. "It's a full lake, and the Big Bear Municipal Water District (BBMWD) has been working on the fishery.

This season should be spectacular with a lot of big trout and bass. There was even a 21-lb. catfish caught early this season. It's like summertime, 80 degrees and sunny. The fishing should be wide open in early June."

Big Bear Marina's Alan Sharp is just as bullish on the 2006 fishing season. "The lake hasn't been this full since 1995," Sharp said. "I'm very happy about that. The water district is doing an excellent job. Last fall, the district planted about 40,000 crappie and bluegill. They're growing well and getting to catchable size."

In recent years Big Bear Lake has been known mostly for its trout. Reestablishment of a panfish population will give summer visitors another option.

Sharp explained, "Everyone is on vacation when the trout slow down in summer. Although experienced anglers can catch trout all year long, we can put occasional anglers and families on the crappie and bluegill. All you need is a cane pole and a piece of nightcrawler."

According to Sharp, the best places to find panfish are the newly developed Boulder Bay Park, near the south shore swim beach, and at Meadow Park.

"Basically anywhere along the shoreline where there are weed banks and around docks and other structures," Sharp said.

The big panfish stocking wasn't the only enhancement to Big Bear Lake's fishery. The Whitewater Trout Company was scheduled to put 70,000 fingerling trout into the lake, but when the private hatchery was sold and ceased operations, that number soared to 280,000.

Filled to the Brim and Full of Fish - Big Bear Lake is filled close to capacity. There are plenty of fish in all that water. Over 300,000 trout, crappie and bluegill have been stocked since last year.

Big Bear Equals Trout - Big Bear Lake is known for its trout fishing. Both bank anglers and trolling boaters catch their fair share. According to longtime guide John Cantrell, trout fishing should be wide open in early June.

Mt. Lassen Trout Farms contributed bigger fish, a bunch of trophy trout for the mid-May Trout Classic. According to Cantrell, the Department of Fish and Game has been stocking catchable trout as well as a few bonus-sized fish. Only about a dozen of the trophies had been caught by May 24. By now, the brimming lake must be fairly bursting with fish.

The best spots to cast for trout from shore run from the dam at the west end of the lake to Windy Point on the north shore, where access is easiest. The typical offerings are effective: baits such as dough baits, nightcrawlers and salmon eggs, and lures such as small spoons and spinners.

In mid-May, the lake was starting its annual spring turnover. Cantrell reported the best trout fishing extends from the observatory to the dam. The fish are holding between 12 and 18 feet, easy to reach for boaters trolling leadcore line.

Sharp recommended using 18-lb. leadcore line spooled on a light saltwater reel. Tie on 50 feet of 8- to 10-lb. test monofilament above the leadcore and attach a swivel to the end. Tip the rig with 3 to 4 feet of 4- to 6-lb. monofilament leader. Then tie on a trolling spoon such as the local favorite the Dick Nite. Troll slowly with two colors out and keep moving until you find the fish.

As the weather continues to warm, the lake will stratify and develop a strong thermocline and oxycline. Trout will congregate in the cooler, oxygen-rich water. Fishing businesses on lake keep close tabs on the conditions. Stop by Big Bear Sporting Goods or Big Bear Marina for the latest information.

For the first time in three years, all of the public launch ramps are open, including the newly reworked east ramp. The ramp on the southern shoreline at Big Bear Marina has reverted to a fee launch. As in past years, the BBMWD requires every vessel - motorized or not - to have a boat permit. The fee is $15 for the first day, $10 for a second day or $25 for a season pass. Permits are available at most marinas, public launch ramps and the BBMWD office.

Cantrell Guide Service offers morning and afternoon fishing trips on a comfortable pontoon boat. Call (909) 585-4017 or visit bigbearfishing.net. Big Bear Marina rents 14-foot fishing boats and new, four-stroke powered large and small pontoon boats and personal watercraft. Call (909) 866-3218 or visit www.bigbearmarina.com. Big Bear Sporting Goods carries the widest selection of fishing tackle in town and can be reached at (909) 866-3222.