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Big Bear Lake Troutfest is an annual fishing event that takes place in Big Bear Lake, California. The event, usually held in October, attracts fishing enthusiasts from across the region.
Here is Everything you need to know about WON Big Bear Lake Troutfest, registration, event activities, fishing, prizes, and all additional information for Troutfest.
If you are looking for a unique fishing experience in nature, then WON Big Bear Troutfest is the perfect place to be! Every year, hundreds of fishermen come together in the Big Bear Valley, located near San Bernardino Mountains in California, and celebrate their love of angling with an exciting weekend of competitions and social events. Get ready for two full days amidst majestic mountain peaks filled with laughter, knowledge-sharing about trout fishing, and stunning scenery – complete with a hearty helping of camaraderie.
Check out more Big Bear Lake Fishing
All event activities including registration will be held at the BBMWD or Big Bear Marina Gravel parking lot.
There will be tens of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes at stake, trophies and prizes for adult big fish winners (men and women’s division), Kids Division (both boys and girls), and the Big Bear community will as always roll out the red carpet for all WON anglers!
Here is just some of what you get when you sign up for the WON Big Bear Troutfest:
1) Each person that signs up for the 2024 Big Bear Troutfest will have their angler number added to the raffle bin for a chance to win prize packages. On Sunday, October 2nd at the end of the awards program we will raffle tons of prizes and awards the TOP 5 in each category.
2) Trophies and merchandise will be awarded to the top five winners in each of the following categories: Adult Male, Adult Female, Kids Division Male (14 and under), and Kids Division Female (14 and under). This event is perfect for the entire family, and we have prizes and levels so that anyone can win!
3) A Blind Bogey Contest in which participants can win cash. 10 random weights will be chosen for each days combined weight. If your daily weight is closest to, but not over the pre-determined Blind Bogey weight, you win your share of the money pooled for that day. All anglers that have signed up will be eligible for the cash that will be awarded as part of the Blind Bogey Contest.
4) Of course, the fishing should be great at Big Bear Lake, and as always, WON stocks thousands of dollars worth of trout in the lake prior to the event (5,000 pounds in weight for 2022), with the help of the Big Bear Municipal Water District.
This year, as in the past, this event will be limited to only 600 entries and it does fill up fast, so don’t delay on getting in on this one.
For more information on the 18th annual Western Outdoor News Big Bear Lake Troutfest, call Billy Egan (949) 366-0248
Friday, October 4th Anglers check in at the Big Bear Municipal Water District or Big Bear Marina gravel parking lot from 4 pm to 9 pm. (40524 Lakeview Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315; TEL: 909-866-5796). Anglers will receive their wristband with raffle number on it, a goodie bag, a copy of rules and itinerary, and most importantly, have thier raffle number placed into a raffle bin which makes them eligible to win prizes. Late sign-ups, if any are available, will also be taken at this time with a $15 late fee assessed.
Saturday, October 5th Late angler check-in at the Big Bear Marinagravel lot (40524 Lake View Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 909-866-5796) from 6 am to 7 am. It is strongly recommended however that you use the Friday evening check-in.
Fishing will begin on Saturday morning, October 1st at 7:00 am and continue until 4 pm. The official tournament scales, located at the Big Bear Marina parking lot, (40524 Lakeview Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA) will be open from 12 pm until 4 pm. Anglers not in line by 4 pm will not have their fish weighed and their catch will not count towards that day’s competition. Once you weigh fish, you are done for the day and cannot weigh additional fish or continue to fish.
Sunday, October 6th Fishing will begin on Sunday morning, October 8th at 7:00 am and continue until 2 pm. Scales will be open at the Big Bear Marina parking lot from 11 am to 2 pm. Anglers not in line by 2 pm will not have their fish weighed and their catch will not count towards that day’s competition. Once you weigh fish, you are done for the day and cannot weigh additional fish. Each angler may weigh only 5 fish per day.
The raffle prize drawing and awards ceremonies will commence around 3:30 pm in the Big Bear Marina parking lot.
We will be awarding 1st through 5th place trophies and prizes for the top adult male, top adult female, top junior male (under 14 years of age), top junior female (under 14 years of age) and overall big fish. Thousands of dollars in raffle prizes will be raffled off to those in attendance. You must be present to win. The Blind Bogie cash prizes will also be awarded on Sunday. Awards should be over no later than 5-5:30 pm to allow everyone the chance to get down the hill before dark.
Since there is no seating in the Big Bear Marina parking lot, it is strongly recommended that you bring folding lawn/beach chairs.
Additionally, due to the crowd size, no dogs will be allowed on BBMWD property during the Troutfest award ceremonies.
The awards ceremony takes place around 3:30PM at Bartlett located at 630 Bartlett Rd in the Big Bear Village. The awards program includes a general raffle prize drawing with thousands of dollars worth of fishing gear, bait and tackle from national manufacturers plus lunch (vouchers purchased at your registration).
Anglers also have a chance to win a brand-new fishing kayak as part of a separate raffle courtesy of Big Bear Sporting Goods.
NEW! Anniversary Tournament Champion
For 2024, a new Anniversary Tournament Champion will be named based on the Largest Fish (by weight) caught regardless of any age category. Bring your A-game and walk away with $2,500!
Grand Prize Tagged Trout
Cash prizes will be awarded for tagged fish with winning number – worth $10K.
Non-Grand Prize Tagged Trout
$500 will be awarded for each of the first 5 non-grand prizes tagged fish brought in.
Weight Class Awards
Weight class awards will be given to Adult Male & Female (16+) categories:
1st Place – $1500
2nd Place – $750
3rd Place – $500
Weight class awards will also be given to Child Male & Female (15 and under) categories:
1st Place – $500
2nd Place – $250
3rd Place – $100
Are you going to the Big Bear Troutfest this year? Make your fishing trip even more memorable by reserving a rental from one of our Big Bear cabins in advance. Offering a range beyond just a romantic getaway for two, Destination Big Bear has unique cabins available to suit your style, whether it be a cuddy cabin for two, or even a lodge to accommodate your group. Book a cabin so you can enjoy comfortable lodging close to Big Bear Lake and its various activities; this way, you can stay close to the action. Experience a great mix of fun and relaxation where every day is different at our rentals. Call (909) 752-0234 to book your rental today with Destination Big Bear.
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