Aaron Garcia spent a lot of time fishing at Big Bear Lake in his youth. This is a guest post with tips and hints for successful fishing at our mountain lake resort!

Growing up in Southern California, I think I got spoiled by all of the amazing fishing spots and opportunities the state offers. Bishop, California offers some amazing stream fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Santa Monica Pier gives you a chance to catch halibut and sea bass and chartering a boat for some deep sea fishing could land you quite a few yellowfin tuna. However, my favorite spot of all to fish, when living in southern California, was Big Bear Lake.

A Little About Big Bear Lake
This quaint mountain town boasts a population of nearly 6,000 residents, but its lifeblood comes from the tourists that flock to Big Bear year round for skiing, sightseeing, and of course fishing.

Big Bear Lake itself is a man made reservoir, created by the Big Bear dam. The lake is entirely snow fed and has no other source of replenishment. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, which are the most common fish found in the lake. Other species of fish include bass, sunfish, and carp.

Unique Fishing Experience at Big Bear Lake
Fishing at this mountain lake resort is a completely different experience than fishing anywhere else. As someone who has fished the streams of Montana, the rivers of the Carolinas and the open oceans of the Pacific and Atlantic, lake fishing presents a unique challenge, especially at high altitudes (Big Bear Lake rests at 6,750 ft above sea level).

Big Bear Lake offers three distinct types of fishing:

• Pier or Dock Fishing
• Fishing from the Shore
• Fishing from a Boat

Choosing a Rod/Reel
Choosing the correct rod and reel depends on what type of fishing you will be doing. Whether you are fishing from the shore, boat, or dock, the most common type of rod is a spin/bait casting rod. The spinning reel allows you to cast great distances, and although not as accurate as other types of rods, this point becomes irrelevant when fishing in an expansive lake such as Big Bear Lake.

If you are fishing only from a boat, another option would be to use what is called a trolling rod. Trolling is when you drop your line in the water with a lure on the end and leave it as the boat travels around the lake. If you don’t want to bring two rods with you on your fishing trip to Big Bear Lake, you can generally troll with a spin/bait casting rod, but they do make rods specifically designed for trolling.

Choosing a Location
If you are fishing from the shore, your location becomes a lot more important than if you are fishing from a boat or from a dock where your options are very limited. When fishing from the shore, you should pay attention to two major factors:

1. Make sure the sun is in your face – even though this may seem uncomfortable to you, the shadow cast by your body will be behind you and won’t disturb or alert the fish.
2. Make sure the area above you and behind you is free of trees, shrubs and other foliage – many a fishing trip have been ruined because the angler spent hours untangling line from the tree behind him instead of fishing.

In my experience, there is no such thing as a poor location to fish from when visiting Big Bear Lake.

The scenery is beautiful, the weather is amazing and the fish are almost always jumping. Growing up I spent countless days catching countless fish up at this mountain lake resort, and every chance I get, I try to take the time to go back to the lake where I caught my first fish.

About the Guest Author: Aaron Garcia is a representative for Big Bass Lake, a Poconos Vacation Home Community. Aaron is an avid fisher and traveler, and as a Southern California native, he has over 20 years of experience in fishing the lakes and streams of the region.

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“Fawnskin blows” and other silly remarks circulated through the Old Fashioned Picnic on Saturday.

In case you don’t live around these parts, our mountain lake resort community tends to be a bunch of smart…errr…mouthed residents.

The wind kicked up early in the am and continued throughout the day and a fall chill was in the air.

The wind and temperature drop was actually a preview of yesterday’s balmy high of 58 degrees and this morning’s 37 degrees–which lead GG (today labeled as goosebump girl) to build a fire to take away the chill in the inside of the house.

But back to the picnic, I actually ambled over to join the festivities instead of staying sequestered in my house as has been the case for the past couple of years.

Most locals haven’t seen me much at any events but now that I am mostly recovered I do manage to get out now and again.

I was touched by those who took the time to hug me and share their good wishes and thoughts for my sister who goes in for brain surgery this week to removed two tumors around her pituitary.

Since I cannot be there, I’ve been a mess–but we are mostly optimistic.

Plus, it is probably best that I am not there since we’d all be crying up a storm because, well, we are mushy.

A side that some people swear I don’t have.

In fact, I found it odd that someone told me that I was always a grump (grumpy girl GG) when I haven’t seen the guy much over the past couple of years.

Of course, alcohol does tend to distort your reality and his was pretty distorted!

The food was plentiful and yummy and the new Moose Lodge 2085 crew was grilling up a storm.

It is odd to see a changing of the guard and I actually got to sit with Dennis London who has been a grill master of many events around these parts since I moved into Fawnskin.

Many lodge members rushed off for Monte Carlo night–which I forgot to mention.

Eesh, see what stress and age do to this one’s memory?

And Pat, who had graciously agreed to collect any winnings from the brown bag auction, got a lot of grief for winning, winning, winning…I swear her treading back and forth created a worn path in the grass between the stage and her seat as she tromped to collect over and over again.

Todd was busy strong arming recruiting people into participating in the apple bobbing contest and the egg toss.

He did a fine job of it by the way. This was the biggest participation I’ve seen for the egg toss since I’ve been attending the event.

The Heart Lights provided some great music (which I could not hear from my home) and actually sounded better than when I hear their music reverberating through my windows when they play at the NS Tavern.

Sadie supervises the picnic grill!

Sadie (a dog) the marina mascot was busy supervising the BBQ and did a fine job of it.

She became the official taster–quality control so to speak, but I was a bit suspicious of the guys when they told me she got all the mistakes because she wasn’t moving and I am thinking she was working them over pretty well and bet they were making mistakes on purpose.

I enjoyed seeing a lot of neighbors I haven’t encountered in a while and it was nice to get out for a bit.

Bob and Nancy happily informed me that all the puppies were placed and that they are having a fine time hiking and enjoying quality time with their two dogs now that the puppy swarm is gone.

They won a few great prizes but it was the usual suspects—Snoop Sister Deb and Karin who got me wondering if some of these things are rigged.

Karin won the 50/50 AGAIN and Deb got a few items, her favorite being the Discovery Tour package.

Wondering if she will adopt me as family so I can enjoy the loot too?

Alas, I had to head home to get back to work since I had a couple of project deadlines but it was a great time and be sure you make next year’s event.

I have a guest author participating on Wednesday but I’ll be back again shortly!

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It is free to all Fawnskin Folks & their peeps.
When: Saturday, August 28th, 2010 4-7 pm
Where: At Captain John’s Marina

• Food, Games, Raffle Prizes and Live Music
• Free Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
• Our Favorite Moose Chefs Will Man the Grill
• Bring Beverages, Chairs & a Side Dish or a Dessert to Share

Contact Kathy Murphy with Questions and for Information (909) 866-5784

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• Fawnskin Blows

So I was feeling like Fawnskin was not going to get any rainfall until yesterday–when we got some token amounts.

In comparison to the rest of the valley, we got jipped.

However, we’ve had more than our share of fires.

Last Sunday we had a structure fire burn over here (a garage) and then some spot blazes just over Holcomb Valley way and another closer to home.

We all love the rain but the rolling thunder was a reminder that there was a lot of lightening happening.

There have been a lot of spot fires as a result near the Holcomb Valley area, over near Angeles Oaks, a few over near Onyx Summit and Jenks Lake and also in the East area of the valley.

You can always catch the latest over on the Big Bear Scanner.

We’ve been enjoying a pretty nice summer without the intense heat of year’s past but fire always remains a danger.

Now the location that made national news was the road to Forest Falls because of the mud, trees and debris floating down the roadway–and of course, the media said “Big Bear.”

But I’ve been sequestered away since life has been busy with projects and some family concerns.

I hope to be out this weekend at least a little bit.

Seems quiet this weekend since most of the big events have been taking place in clumps and this weekend is pretty sparse when it comes to activities.

Personally, I am not into any outhouse races…and besides, lightening might strike in vengeance over the lame attempt at appeasing the Doo Dah parade gods.

Photo Credit: Caren

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Women are getting into fishing and I thought you might to see this fly fishing gal:

Hope to have something more for you later in the week.

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Above: Some of the crowd at the party thrown by Igor & Sherry

This weekend was busy for a lot of people but Fawnskin was full of parties, people and a puppy swarm.

I got to see a couple of my pals who came up to Big Bear for a short spell but found myself mostly worked on a couple of writing projects.

One of the big events this weekend was the private party held on Saturday by Igor and Sherry up on Cedar Dell.

If you live in Fawnskin you probably heard the music reverberating across town.

Damn Good Question played and just about everyone in town was invited.

I missed the event last year and promised the two I would show up–and show up we did.

Above: Some of the crowd at the party.

Now if you are not familiar with Fawnskin, we are a bunch of party animals.

At any time you can see neighbors getting together for a breakfast, lunch or dinner at a private home or at the local restaurants.

But when there is a live gathering, well–it usually is packed.

My theory is that since most everything is in walking distance, folks figure they should take advantage of the fact!

Above: Damn Good Question in the middle of things.

In true Fawnskin fashion, there was a lot of dancing and carrying on.

However, I have to report on the canine action at the place.

Toby (their black dog) was well behaved but their newly adopted Cup Cake (beige dog) made the rounds grabbing food off of the plates of unsuspecting visitors.

She may need some schooling!

Now speaking of dogs, prior to the party I got to go see the puppies over at the house of Bob & Nancy Vargas. (They have a couple puppies not sold if you are seeking a youngster.)

I first got to see them when they were just beginning to make their way around.

Since they could not climb, they were securely housed in a empty kiddie pool which kept them safe and was easy to clean.

But now, at seven weeks of age, it is hard to confine them!

The puppy swarm moves as a mass but periodically breaks into segments of prowling puppies that play attack from different angles.

Snoop Sister Deb carted over her entourage  so they could meet the puppies. The group included her grand kids.

Kids that the puppies saw immediately as their siblings.

Above: Part of the puppy swarm thinking, “Hooray, a new playmate just our size!”

All went well.

In fact, the two kids ended up going home with a puppy after all.

Now, when it comes to Snoop Sister Deb–she must have hit the Lotto because she had TWO brand new cars in the driveway this weekend.

She told me if she did ever win the Lotto, she would share with all her friends in town.

So maybe she really didn’t win the Lotto–but we do want to know her secrets.

You’ll be relieved to know that after some investigative work, I am happy to report that although she has a new car (the other was her daughter’s vehicle) she did not toss her Chickadee tire cover away.

In fact, I heard she was wrestling with the sales manager in a tug-o-war over the thing since they thought it would attract more buyers if they kept it.

Fawnskin Folks were so worried about that Chickadee tire cover that I thought I should mention it.

We have our breaking news priorities around these parts!

The big burning question that remains is whether or not it will take its place over the new fancy tire cover or not.

The local vote is–please do so–otherwise it makes it hard to spy on you.

Although the color of her new chariot is so unusual it might not be too hard to spot the brown car but we want to be accurate in our snooping.

Rumor is Just a Rumor

Okay, so in the midst of all this action packed information I do have to mention the new rumor spreading about the Fawnskin Flyer.

LOL

Someone told a former advertiser that I am not writing the flyer any more and he was concerned since he advertised all winter and did well, so he asked me about it.

That is news to me since I am still at it!

The truth is, as I mentioned before, that I need the community and readers to step up to the plate to support it.

I’ve covered the groups in town, events, and even promoted the businesses around these parts for five years without any pay.

When I’ve been too ill to do hardly anything, I kept it going.

When I have not been able to pay my bills, I kept it going.

Since it started as a joke, I figured it was more like my community service project.

Truth is, it takes a lot of time to do and I need some help.

People rant and rave about how they love it but truth be told, few support it financially even though I have the tip jar in the sidebar and advertising options.

Word of mouth is good and people love it.

Driving traffic here is good too but sadly, those things don’t pay the bills.

I really love my advertisers and those who do step up and I sincerely appreciate and thank those of you who took the time to drop some funds in the bucket.

Candy Hallstead has supported the flyer for a long while AND also gets a lot of business from her ad. It is so targeted that she gets people calling or going to her website all the time.

Now when I ponder all the other the businesses that I have promoted, I am sad to report that most have never even bought me a cup of coffee.

The truth is, that when I hear their ads on the radio or see them in the local paper, it doesn’t sit too well when I get them very targeted traffic and attention.

Anyway, as I said a few weeks back. I am taking the Fawnskin Flyer into a new direction and you’ll see some changes coming up soon.

You might have noticed the new topics in the sidebar.

I also cut back to writing three days a week.

The next change will be some new features with a focus on some particular topics.

I’ve been searching for some helpers to tackle gardening, fishing, and hiking or camping.

If you, or someone you know is interested, leave me a comment below.

The more support I get, the more you’ll see–sound fair?

Now I want to know what you think about this and ask that you vote in the poll below to share your opinion.

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A few people wanted to know about the Log Cabin in the Sky.

There isn’t a lot of information available about it–other than it is a large cabin on the top of a granite knoll.

Built of large logs, the site also has evidence that it was once a mining activity. The hike is short but tough.

Bill Mann’s Guide to Big Bear helps a bit and gives the following GPS coordinates:

• Parking N34 degrees 18.64 W 116 degrees 53.89
• Cabin N 34 degrees 18.81 W 166 degrees 53.78

Look for the transformers on the tree and head straight up from there it is about 3/4 of a mile.

You’ll need to access the area via 3N43.

Need more information? Check with the Big Bear Historical Society.

There are a few events taking place across the valley including the Art on the Lake, the Native American Arts Festival, and the Big Bear Ren Faire (here in Fawnskin).

Locally there will be a Stand Up Paddleboard clinic and demo down at Captain John’s Fawn Harbor & Marina on Saturday, August 21, 2010 starting at 9am.

Hobie instructor Mark Carlisle will have several models of Hobie SUPs to demo and the clinic will cover a progression of basic and advanced paddling strokes and safety issues.

The demonstration is free but there is a group clinic available for $25 and private sessions are also available upon request.

For more information call Jim or Janet at (909) 866-3414.

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Somehow the hail and rain missed my house yesterday but my brave neighbors joined Chris (of the Big Bear Historical Society) to tromp up hill to eventually find the infamous Cabin in the Sky, a historical point of interest here in Fawnskin.

Around these parts it can sometimes be hard to find such treasures but after a long effort–they finally conquered the task.

Typical of Fawnskin residents.

They didn’t let a little hail and lightening stop them…

It is hard to believe that this year will be the eleventh annual Big Bear Cowboy Gathering. This year the event is dedicated to Curly Musgrave who passed away in December of 2009.

The Cowboy Gathering runs from August 19-22 2010 starting with a kick-off fundraising dinner where you can enjoy the talents of Nancy Lee, Richard Elloyan, and stories from Gary Robertson. Mingle also with Gary Allegretto, Alan Geoffrion and the Pioneer Town Posse.

On Friday evening there will be a special tribute to Curly Musgrave at the PAC (Performing Arts Center).

If you have never attended this event–it is worth your time and money. You can get the full schedule on the Cowboy Gathering here.

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• Weekend Eminent

There has been a bear invading the back streets of Fawnskin who has been seen during daylight hours (which is a bit unusual) but although many people think that he may be hitting the trash cans left outside, Sampson the dog has been making the rounds and is more likely to be the culprit.

Speaking of dogs, Dog Man has been living down the hill and has come up to visit now and again. Apparently someone keeps calling animal control right after he arrives.

He is taking care of all the issues so if you still have a beef, ask another neighbor to have a chat if you are too afraid to do so yourself before calling the enforcement agencies again. He is just getting back on his feet.

Speaking of cats, another wild bobcat was seen in daylight hours tromping around Cedar Dell. There are a couple of fairly large individuals who live around these parts.

Smaller cats tend to be tough guys so use caution if you see one.

Now as far as domestic cats, T-Rex–the sweet little kitty that showed up at Carol’s house was picked up by her owners this week.

We didn’t know who was more excited–us or them!

The family was up vacationing when the cat disappeared and they stayed an extra two days trying to find her.

Thanks to the local network and VCA, the family made the trip back up from Ocean Beach to pick her up and she is safely back at home.

Now this brings up some postal peeves:

To the individual who took the dated announcements of the lost cat off the community board of the Fawnskin Post Office–you should have your butt kicked.

That was really a bad decision and you might have prevented the reunion of the animal with its owner by that stupid act.

Grrrrr.

Which brings up something else, a while back no businesses were allowed to post their advertisements on the community board. The event board was specific to Fawnskin notices and activities around town.

At the moment a few contractors are taking a lot of space up for their advertising. Uh, how about supporting the Post Office and paying for a mailing to residents instead of cluttering up the board?

Finally, last week word circulated through town that our beloved Betty Sunseri passed away.

Father Joseph Frazier will conduct a memorial service for Betty Sunseri at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 1:00 pm.

The church is located at 42324 North Shore Drive, Big Bear City, CA 92314 (1/4 mile east of Stanfield Cutoff). Tel (909)866-7239.

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Most get tossed since they are not relevant to Fawnskin but Sara Russ of the Big Bear Chamber sent me something you needed to see.

Caltrans held a press conference yesterday and released a White Paper that highlights how the budget delay will impact transportation projects statewide.

Funding for transportation projects worth over $2.1 billion are contingent on the approval of the state budget and may either be deferred or delayed–so the Big Bear dam bridge completion may be impacted.

In our district (District 8 ) the $33 Million dollar Big Bear Bridge is currently 50% complete with progress that has been very fast and quicker than expected.

Their notes indicate that it is “very visible, political, and there is a need to avoid delays into winter shutdown.”

I did not get the release in time to call in to listen but the Big Bear Chamber sent this response:

Caltrans announced yesterday that due to the state budget crisis they could be forced to delay over $3 billion in transportation projects across the state, including the Big Bear Bridge. Though previously guaranteed that the funds were set aside and untouchable by the state legislature and its crumbling budget, the announcement by Caltrans contradicts prior commitments.

This comes just weeks after the announcement that the Big Bear Bridge contractor, Flat Iron Construction, was on target to finish the Bridge almost a year early, saving the state millions of dollars. However, if this delay is realized, it will add millions to the overall cost of the project, in addition to creating a potentially dangerous situation since the current bridge across the historic Big Bear dam has been condemned for many years. Caltrans has confirmed that the current bridge has “out-lived” its lifespan and could easily collapse or have irreparable damage if a high magnitude earthquake should hit Big Bear.

On behalf of the Big Bear business community, we are frustrated that our current legislature is unable to solve the state’s budget crisis which has caused this unfortunate and potentially dangerous situation. Halting this project would cause the state to not only spend additional and unnecessary funds, but would also put potential lives at risk.

We would like to assure our business community that the Chamber is expending time and resources to fight this possible delay and will keep them informed of the situation.

“We applaud the efforts of Caltrans to complete the bridge ahead of schedule, saving the state millions of dollars, and we will do all that we can to support them in completing this critical project for Big Bear,” said Marlene Cain, Chairman of the Board, Big Bear Chamber of Commerce.

This community is in serious need of the bridge–a matter of safety in the event of a disaster.

The current financial disaster has resulted in several more businesses closing–including Bear Mountain Trading Company on Moonridge Road.

Fee Free Weekend
This weekend, August 14-15, 2010 is a fee-free weekend. A National Forest Adventure Pass will not be required for visitors recreating in areas of the national forests that typically require one.

The fee-free days support the goals of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors Conference and First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative by actively supporting and promoting programs, projects, and initiatives that encourage the use of the outdoors by the American public.

GG will be on in the hills this weekend if all goes as expected!

Fun Run
Lots of locals have been waiting for the 21st Annual Big Bear Lake Antique Car Club Fun Run–and it is this weekend from August 13-15,2010.

The first vehicles will be arriving at the Bartlett Street parking lot early on Friday.

On Saturday, the “Show and Shine” will allow the classic car viewing until 3:45 p.m. when the Fun Run drive around Big Bear Lake takes place.

Ren Faire
Once again it is time for the Big Bear Renaissance Faire which will be held in Fawnskin from August 14-15 and 21-22, 2010.

Locals are groaning but the reenactment is popular with some and a re-creation of an English Summer Faire–and in it’s 16th year.

The local Ren Faire features Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Court, Knights Jousting on Horseback, Archery Tournament, Live Steel Battle, Living History Encampments & Demonstrations, Ethnic Food & Drink, Belly Dancers, Jugglers, Musicians & Singers, and a Midsummer Fairy Forest Children’s Area.

Fawnskin Luau

Moose Lodge Members will be heading over for the annual luau at Moose Lodge 2085 on Saturday at 5pm. Only $8 so bring a guest–like music too!

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