Welcome to the Big Bear Lake May Trout Classic

The 2013 Jim Hall Memorial May Trout Classic fishing tournament will be held in Big Bear Lake on May 19th and 20th.  The top prize is $2,500 for the lucky angler who catches the largest trout.  Registration is limited to 500 entrants in the adult fishing division.  There are also two divisions for the younger fishermen.

For fishing tournament entry info, call 909-585-4007 .  If you need a cabin rental or lodging in Big Bear Lake during the fishing tournament give us a call here at Mallard Bay Resort.

Don’t let the big one get away this year, did you know that Mallard Bay Resort sits right on Big Bear Lake and we have our own Private Boat Docks for guest use Free of  Charge!  We even have Free Parking for your boat trailer as well.  Lake view cabin rentals, outdoor BBQ’s, large sitting area in our courtyard and fishing from the shoreline or the docks.  Come see what you have been missing in Big Bear. We have a limited number of dock slips available plus free boat trailer storage for guests  participating in the tournament (Please make your reservations early so we may reserve a boat slip for you.) The phone number for Mallard Bay is 909-866-2526.

Thinking About Big Bear Lake Trout Fishing?

When I started fishing for trout in big Bear Lake during the 1980’s, it took me about two years to learn where and how to fish the lake.  I have fished for trout throughout California and then some.  I can truly say that the acclimated, red flesh rainbow trout in Big Bear Lake are some of the BEST tasting trout you will ever eat!

 I have been patronizing the cabin rentals at Mallard Bay Resort, on the lakefront, from as early as the late 1980’s, when they were known as Henry’s Mallard Bay Resort.  I find them to be centrally located for anyone wanting to do a little fishing and still be within walking distance of Big Bear village.  Here is a typical stay for me.  After getting situated at the lodge and getting my “lucky this and lucky that” in Big Bear, the first evening is spent at the open area where an outdoor wood burring fireplace is located.  Sharing conversations with other guests often with a marshmallow makes for a warm, family-like atmosphere to enjoy under a clear Big Bear star-lit evening.  There are gas BBQs and tables available by the open fireplace to cook up a meal, perhaps a trout or two or steaks before enjoying some family time playing cards or ???  The activities are controlled for quiet after a designated time where the only sounds are the crackling of the fire in the fireplace and friendly conversations.  It’s all GOOD!!!

 At the crack of dawn and after having a fresh cup of brewed coffee, off I go, taking a scenic, leisurely 15-20 minute walk around the lake side to Holloway’s boat rentals.  After renting a boat I then navigate the boat along the shore line to the Mallard Bay private boat dock to pick up my fishing pole and tackle.  What is really nice is that there is a discount for the boat rental while lodging at Mallard Bay.  Boats rented at Holloway’s can be kept overnight as Mallard Bay has an approved boat dock!  Just let Holloway’s know your intent.

 Fishing from the Mallard Bay boat dock can be fun for kids and grownups alike!  Blue Gill, Catfish, Trout, Bass and Carp have been known to be caught off the dock.

 I usually make my fishing trips over a long weekend and keep the boat for 2 ½  days.  On the last ½ day after some early morning fishing, I would return to the Mallard Bay boat dock to unload my fishing tackle before returning the boat back to Holloway’s.  Again a short leisurely 15-20 minute scenic walk puts me back at Mallard Bay to ready myself for a trip back to reality, usually with my limit of red-fleshed trout!

Call us at 909-866-2526 for your registration form.  You can also email us at info@mallardbayresort.com for more info.   If you book online at http://www.mallardbayresort.com we will make sure your free entry gets processed.  Don’t forget…..dock slips are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis…..so don’t delay!

The Big Bear Chamber of Commerce is hosting Moonshine and Mayhem at the Convention Center on February 26^th.  This fundraiser features trick ropers, line dancing, auctions, and of course plenty of food and fun.  Hours are 6 to 11 PM.  Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased by calling the Chamber at 909-866-4607, ext. 286.

Spend the night at Mallard Bay and make a weekend out of it by calling us at 909-866-2526 or booking online at www.mallardbayresort.com .

Ever seen a wild Bald Eagle before? Volunteers are needed to help count bald eagles at Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains.  “Counters” are stationed at vantage points around the lake where they spend an hour watching for signs of eagle activity.  You don’t need experience….just bring binoculars and a watch, and dress warmly.  The next eagle counts will be help February 12, 2012 and March 12, 2012.  Bald eagle count volunteers should visit the Big Bear Discovery Center on North Shore Drive at 8am for instructions.  For more information, call the Big Bear Ranger Station at 909-382-2828.

If you’re looking for something new to try during your stay at Mallard Bay Resort, here’s an idea:

The Big Bear Discovery Center offers an alternative to skiing and snowboarding with their weekend Snowshoe Tours.  The snowshoe tours provide great exercise and family fun while learning about winter ecology and the natural history of the Big Bear Valley.

Tours are given Saturdays and Sundays through March.  Saturday times are 9am to noon and 1 to 4pm.   Sunday’s tour is from 9am to noon.  Reservations are recommended and tours are limited to 12 people.  (Participants should be at least 8 years of age).  Current Rates are $35 for Adults and $25 for ages 8 to 16.  (You can save $5 if you joint the San Bernardino National Forest Association on site).  The cost includes snowshoes, poles, water and a snack.  Warm clothing, mittens, sunglasses, waterproof footwear and sunscreen are recommended.  The Discovery Center is located at 40971 North Shore Drive in Fawnskin.  Call 909-382-2970 for more details.

It looks like Big Bear Lake is going to be FULL this year, so be sure and mark your calendars for the FIVE  fishing tournaments coming up this year:

May 14-15  Jim Hall Memorial May Trout Classic 

May 21  Aaron’s Spring Bass Tournament

June 11-12  Fishing For 50K  Trout Tournament

June 25-26   Carp Roundup

October 1-2  Big Bear Lake October Troutfest 

In addition,  the Department of Fish and Game will sponsor two free fishing days when anyone can fish without  having to buy a fishing license.  The free fishing days are July2 and September 3rd.

We’ll post more information about these as it becomes available.  If you’d like to make your Big Bear Mallard BayResort reservations in advance,  you can book online at www.mallardbayresort.com  or call us at 909-866-2526.

Guests of Mallard Bay Resort and Big Bear Lake hotel visitors can access the following sources for planning the best routes to and from Big Bear:

Caltrans recently launched a new website which gives instant real time traffic information on road conditions and accidents, as well as delays, flagging and construction.  The website address is www.ie511.org  .

You can also call CalTrans at 1-800-427-7623 for updated information.

Proceeds from this event helps the Seven Stars Foundation to assist the men and women serving our nation. The date is September 24th and the event takes place at the Snow Summit Ski Resort in Big Bear Lake, CA. For more information about the event and to register online go to www.sevenstarsfoundation.com

Overnight lodging is available at Mallard Bay Resort by calling 909-866-2526 or book online at our website.