Fish and Wildlife Taking Advisor Applications Through Today

Big Bear, Ca July 13, 2011 12:00 pm – In Big Bear, all residents and visitors are stakeholders in the health and vitality of the fish and wildlife in the Valley.  Much of the allure of our resort community is the abundant fishing and the chance to see eagles and other wildlife.  Big Bear and other California residents have an opportunity to serve as advisors to the state Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision Committees and to participate in making policies about our resources, however they must apply before the end of the day today.  The Strategic Vision Advisory Group will include representatives of a wide range of organizations involved in creating a joint vision for the state’s fish and wildlife resources.  The group’s main purpose is to coordinate and identify spokespersons for interested groups in order to include them in the Strategic Vision process.  Those interested in applying can access the application online at http://www.vision.ca.gov/stakeholder_advisory.html.

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FREE Fishing Day- July 2nd!

Big Bear, Ca, June 29, 2011, 3:00pm -  The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) invites anglers to celebrate Independence Day by fishing in California’s waters for FREE!  Saturday, July 2 is the first of California’s two 2011 Free Fishing Days, when people can try their hand at fishing without having to buy a sport fishing license. All fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect. Every angler must have an appropriate report card if they are fishing for abalone, steelhead, sturgeon, spiny lobster or salmon in the Smith and Klamath-Trinity River systems.  Free Fishing Days provide a low-cost way to give fishing a try.  Anglers should check the rules and regulations (www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/) for the waters they plan to fish.

Protect the Bears of Big Bear

Big Bear, Ca May 7, 2011 3:00 pm – The grizzly bears that named the Big Bear Valley are no longer with us, except at the Moonridge Animal Park.  Our local wild bears are the smaller and less aggressive black bears.  They are not small animals however, and will be aggressive enough for concern if they are protecting food or cubs.  Care should be taken when hiking, fishing, camping, and in your backyard to limit encounters with the bears, for your protection and the animal’s.  “Bears are constantly in search of easily obtainable food sources.” says Marc Kenyon, California’s Department of Fish and Game Bear Program Coordinator.  It is key to limit food odors that attract bears.  When camping, never keep food in a tent.  Store food and toiletries in air-tight containers away from your campsite.  Use bear-proof garbage cans or pack out trash to a secure location if not available in the campground.  Don’t burn or bury food waste.  Keep your area clean of anything that might smell good or be food for a bear.  “A bear’s fate is almost sealed once it associates human activity with potential food” continues Kenyon.  To protect the bears of Big Bear, do not feed or tempt them with human food.

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Big Bear Lake Bass Tournament

May 21, 2011
8:00 am	to	6:00 pm

2-person teams set out to catch the biggest bass in the lake.  10% of entry fees go to plant 3 pound+ bass in Big Bear Lake, 90% goes to prizes.  Entry fees $200/team, $25 Big Fish entry.

At Holloway’s Marina, 398 Edgemoor Rd, Big Bear Lake.  After mandatory angler’s meeting, launch at the east or west ramp.  Weigh-in begins at 5:00 pm, with food from Saucy Mama’s and Hacienda Grill, $10 prepaid or $15 at the event, and a raffle after.

Call Karrie Gardner, Tournament Coordinator for additional information 909-866-2240

Spots Still Available For The Jim Hall Memorial May Trout Classic

Big Bear, Ca, April 21, 2011, 4:00pm - In 1983 two men decided they wanted to create a trout tournament to help bring people to the Big Bear Valley in the springtime between the ski season, and summer.  These two men were Jerry Eden and Jim Hall, and the tournament they created, then called the May Trout Classic, has become a major event in the Big Bear Valley for the past 29 years.  Now known as the Jim Hall Memorial May Trout Classic, after the passing of Hall in 2001, this event brings thousands of people to the Big Bear Valley every year. “People plan their vacations around this,” said Jacque Hall, “This year we have people coming from as far as Oklahoma and Kansas to participate.” Jacque, the late Jim Hall’s wife, and their son Jason, with the help of countless volunteers, continue to organize and promote the event that Jim created.   There is a maximum of 500 entrants each year, and many years they have filled all the spots.  For this year’s event there are only 150 spots left, so interested parties should sign up now.  Entry fees are $65 per person, with two divisions for children, who can join in the fun for free if a relative is participating in the tournament.   The top nine anglers will split an $8,000 cash purse.  Entry applications are available at Big Bear Sporting Goods, Big Bear Marina, the MWD offices, and Holloway’s Marina, or you can download one from the website at maytroutclassic.com.

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Trout Rescued and Returned to Big Bear Lake

Big Bear, Ca Saturday, April 16, 2011 12:00 pm – Friday, April 15, between 50 and 100 rainbow trout were rescued from culverts and ditches beside the Big Bear City Airport by the California Department of Fish and Game.  Because of the abnormally high water levels in Big Bear Lake, mature trout have been swimming into normally dry creek beds to spawn.   Many times the fish are unable to return to the lake and would die without the help of department game wardens, volunteers, and biologists.  Between 400 and 500 fish have been returned to Big Bear Lake in two rescue missions.  In Friday’s operation, Mike Giusti, Senior Environmental Scientist for the department donned waders and carried a machine on his back that gently shocked the fish for a short time.  Assistants were then able to safely scoop the stunned fish into a holding tank for their short trip back to the lake.  Many of the captured fish were estimated to be in the 3 – 4 pound range.  The public is reminded that fish seen in local streams may not be caught or handled during spawning season.  Local streams are closed to fishing through May 27.

Additional pictures and information is on the CA DFG  News website

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Enjoy Big Bear Lake Safely

Big Bear, Ca April 3, 2011 12:00 pm – Big Bear Lake is open and the early spring is a great time for boating on the lake.  Because the water temperature is quite cold as snow melt runs into the lake, a few extra precautions should be taken to make your trip safe.  Personal flotation devices, also known as PFDs or lifejackets should always be worn and buckled up.  This is particularly important when the lake is cold.  Falling into cold water causes a reflex gasp that can result in swallowed water and drowning.  An inexpensive PFD keeps the mouth and nose above the surface, allowing a second breath to be air instead of more water.  Clothing should be chosen carefully.  Cotton jeans, sweatshirts, and jackets hold cold water next to the body when they get wet.  Polyester fleece and wool, with a nylon shell to protect from the wind are better choices.  They dry quickly and keep the body warm even when damp.  According to the US Coast Guard, the leading causes of boating accidents are inexperience, inattention, and alcohol.  Take a boating class, stay warm and dry, wear a PFD, and wait to party until back on dry land.  Take the time to pay attention to these details and a trip on Big Bear Lake this spring will be safe and fun.

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Well-Fed White Pelicans on Baker Pond

Big Bear Lake Open for 2011 Season

Big Bear Lake, Ca April 1, 2011 12:00 pm – The 2011 season for Big Bear Lake has begun.  Each year, the Big Bear Municipal Water District officially opens the lake for fishing, boating, and water skiing at the beginning of April.  While there is still snow on the mountain slopes, Stacy, on duty at the MWD’s East Boat Ramp, says she has been busy.  The ramp has already launched at least 25 boats and she has heard reports that fishing is good, especially at the east end of the lake.  Boating permits for motorized craft, sailboats, and paddlers must be obtained prior to launching and all vessels must also be inspected for quagga mussel infestation.  The mussels can live in standing water for several months and are not visible to the eye.  For this reason, the MWD asks that prior to launch, all boats and trailers be clean of debris, all bilges, lockers, and engines be drained and dry.  Boats that are damp or with standing water will require decontamination.  Boats with obvious mussel infestation will require decontamination and may be prohibited from launching.  Boat permits, inspections, and decontamination services are available at the East Ramp from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and 6:00 am – 7:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays.  Big Bear Lake is at its highest level in years, ready for a full season of fishing and boating, beginning this weekend.

Big Bear Lake Municipal Water District website

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