Where would you go?

[SlayinRainbows]

Okay so I've been checking out the DFG stocking report for this week and I was wondering...of the available options...where would you guys go FOR SHORELINE TROUT FISHING out of these options...and why? I'm tryin to plan my memorial day fishing this Saturday and I want some advice!

Jenks
Big Bear
Arrow Bear
Green Valley
Silverwood
Jackson

I'm not interested in lake Gregory this weekend cause there's gonna be a trout derby and I'm assuming that'll be more packed than usual. Anyways remember, shoreline fishing for trout guys. Thank you so much!

[IncredibleHuck]

GVL will give you your shot at the biggest fish, but get there early because of crowds.

Jenks won't open up the parking lot till next weekend.

[Skyler]

Big Bear. I'd rather eat fish with pink meat than those mushy DFG stockers.

[SlayinRainbows]

Lol! Yeah Skyler I hear you on that, the clean lookin pink meat beats the hell out of the dark red stocker everytime! I'm taking my friend and it's his first time so I'm more concerned about where the bite will be the best ya know? I practice c&r pretty regularly and because I use those power worms on a drop shot rig 95% of the time, I don't have trouble releasing the fish unharmed. Don't get me wrong though, if I catch a few decent sized ones I'll hold on to them and have trout taco time later!

[Skyler]

Lol! Yeah Skyler I hear you on that, the clean lookin pink meat beats the hell out of the dark red stocker everytime!

You MUST C&R a lot, because stockers don't have dark red meat. Their meat is white and bland, with a bit of a mossy taste. The lining of the stomach is redish. But if you fillet and rinse them you'll see the meat itself is white.

[SlayinRainbows]

About a year ago I went up to Azusa. My friend caught a couple of half way stockers and I caught a couple plus one big *** wild that I just had to keep and eat. When we cut open the stockers they seemed much, much darker than the pink native. Anyways, I'm relatively new to all of this which is why I joined this forum. Everybody (for the most part) seems to be pretty chill and willing to help and it's been great. In the past year this site has helped me step up my game a lot.

[angelsfan951]

GVL is a real nice and small lake and if u are taking the fan bam its a great place. kids can enjoy a day in the water and u can fish the lake. trout bite was really off this last saturday but the panfish very active. I was using a powermouse on a jig head and was killing them good luck out there. Don't for get to post up a report of were ever u go

[Skyler]

About a year ago I went up to Azusa. My friend caught a couple of half way stockers and I caught a couple plus one big *** wild that I just had to keep and eat. When we cut open the stockers they seemed much, much darker than the pink native. Anyways, I'm relatively new to all of this which is why I joined this forum. Everybody (for the most part) seems to be pretty chill and willing to help and it's been great. In the past year this site has helped me step up my game a lot.

If you guys split their belly and gut them, then what you were seeing is the membrane that lines the thoracic cavity. Probably with some blood in the mix. Here's a good video showing how to fillet a trout. Then you can see what the meat really looks like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZYRxl_-ErY

The ones at Big Bear are red, like salmon. This is caused by the Gammarid shrimp they feed on. If you catch one there with white meat, it is a recent stocker.

[5150fishn]

I would pick Big Bear lake if it was me. Fishing near the dam has always been productive when I fish shore there.

[SlayinRainbows]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the help!

[SlayinRainbows]

I'm probably just going to go to big bear. I hear the dam produces pretty well. Can anybody tell me if one side of the dam is more fruitful than the other? Or any other suggested spots?

[5150fishn]

I prefer the left side of the dam as you come up. I have caught many fish on both sides but my go to spot is on the left. Throwing the red and gold Thomas Bouyant lure is always produced for me up there.

[paintsn]

im going there too this weekend..and as you it sounds the same.. bringing some none fishing fam who doesnt even know how or what the outdoors provides..

with your list..for me.. Im hitting all but last but not the least.. always gonna spend and enjoy time at Big Bear!!.. haha cant wait

but to answer your question.. Big Bear all the way..for that would be the lake that offers many to do.

good luck and have fun,

[SlayinRainbows]

Right on paintsn! Thnx and good luck to you as well! Anybody know if the trout worms are hittin up there? I called big bear sporting goods and the dude said power bait (though I'm not a fan).

[seal]

The thermocline is now a factor at BBL. Not sure drop shotted worms will work but hey can't hurt to try.

[christainmetalhead909]

I think gvl you will catch more but big bear has a better quality of fish and i like big bear more. just my opinion.

[Skyler]

Right on paintsn! Thnx and good luck to you as well! Anybody know if the trout worms are hittin up there? I called big bear sporting goods and the dude said power bait (though I'm not a fan).

If you are fishing by the dam, LONG leaders are the ticket. I'm talking 6+ feet off the bottom. Otherwise your rig will fall between the submerged boulders and the fish won't find it. Also, don't cast very far. The water there gets really deep, really fast. As for trout worms, the best way to fish them there is off a slip bobber set to about 10 feet. Keeps your bait right in the strike zone.

BTW, I prefer the north shore of the dam, but both sides can be productive on any given day.

[SlayinRainbows]

I was just about to ask what leader length to use over there and I'm so glad you just shared that with me man thank you so much! So 6' + and power bait huh? I'll probably have 4 poles out all at varying depths with the power bait dipped in garlic gravy. But hey, feel free to keep givin me depth and bait tips. I might give some night crawlers a shot, unless you think that'd be a waste and just stay with power bait. I'm pretty much just interested in trout (for now). 1 more day then BOOM! Wake up at 3:30, get to the dam by 5:15am and secure my spot!!!

[Skyler]

I'll probably have 4 poles out all at varying depths with the power bait dipped in garlic gravy.

I hope you are fishing with someone else? 4 rods will get you popped. I can almost guarantee warden will be up there this weekend too.

I'll be up there Saturday morning with a friend. Say what's up if you see me. Just look for the red Suzuki 4x4 with a snorkel.

[SlayinRainbows]

Yeah bro my friend is gettin a two pole annual permit and I have a 2 pole as well so we're legit for that (but good lookin out)

[SlayinRainbows]

For sure man, same to you. I'll be in a silver gmc Z71 that say Sanello Construction on the camper shell. I should be one of the first trucks after the dam cause I'm getting there around 5:30. Say what's up if you can

[Skyler]

Sweet. I'll hit you up. Plan on fishing for trout 'till noon, then heading to the east end to bowfish for some carp. Hope to see you there.

[SlayinRainbows]

I got a compound bow fishing setup myself. I would love to join you on the carp but my damn string snapped

[Skyler]

I got a compound bow fishing setup myself. I would love to join you on the carp but my damn string snapped

Gotta keep those babies waxed. Take it to BPS and have 'em re-string it.