What You'll Find at Gilner Point

Gilner Point is a rocky outcrop on the north shore of Big Bear Lake that holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie in the deeper water just offshore. The point itself is a natural structure — a finger of rock and boulders that extends into the lake — which makes it reliable for finding fish year-round because bass use that depth change and hard bottom as a hunting ground. You can fish it from shore or by boat, though boat access gives you the ability to work the deeper water where the bigger fish hold.

The point sits roughly midway along the north shore, accessible from the north shore road. The water depth drops quickly from the shallows to 30 feet or more just 50 to 75 yards out, which is why structure-oriented anglers target it. In spring and fall, when water temperatures are moderate, fish move shallow to feed, and you can catch them from the rocks. Summer pushes them deeper, and winter slows activity but doesn't shut it down entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Gilner Point is a rocky structure on Big Bear's north shore where bass and crappie gather because of the quick depth change and hard bottom.
  • You can fish from shore along the rocks or by boat to reach the deeper water where larger fish hold during warm months.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent action, with fish feeding in shallower water; summer requires deeper presentations.
  • A California fishing license is required, and Big Bear Lake has specific regulations on bass size and crappie limits that change seasonally.

How to Reach Gilner Point from the North Shore

From Big Bear Village, take Mill Creek Road north and follow it as it becomes Forest Road 3N14 heading toward the north shore. Gilner Point is accessible from a small pullout along the north shore road; parking is limited but usually available. The walk from the road to the water is short — less than 100 yards — and the terrain is rocky but not steep.

If you're coming by boat, launch from Boulder Bay Park or Aspen Cove on the north shore and run east or west along the shoreline until you see the distinctive rocky point. The point is visible from the water and sits in open water, so there's no confusion about location once you're on the lake. Boat access is faster and lets you position yourself in the deeper water where structure fishing is most effective.

What Tackle and Techniques Work Here

From shore, use medium-power spinning or baitcasting gear with 8- to 12-pound test. Throw crankbaits that dive to 8 to 12 feet, or soft plastics rigged on a jig head. Work the rocks slowly and deliberately — bass around structure don't chase baits far, so accuracy matters more than distance. Early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday, especially in summer.

From a boat, you have more options. Drop a jig and plastic down the face of the point in 15 to 30 feet of water, or cast crankbaits and work them parallel to the structure. Smallmouth bass often hold on the deeper side of the point, while largemouth prefer the shallower rocks and weed edges. Live shiners or crawfish work well if you want to fish bait, though artificial lures are more efficient for covering water.

Crappie fishing at Gilner Point is seasonal and best in spring when they move shallow to spawn. Use small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) in white, chartreuse, or natural colors, or fish live minnows under a bobber in 6 to 12 feet of water. Crappie bite is often light, so use light line (4- to 6-pound test) and pay close attention to your rod tip.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Fish

Spring (March through May) is when Gilner Point fishes best. Water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, bass move shallow to feed and spawn, and crappie arrive in numbers. Fish the rocks and shallow edges early and late in the day, and don't overlook the deeper water at midday — some bass stay deep even during the spawn.

Summer (June through August) pushes most fish deeper as surface water warms into the 70s. Early morning is critical; fish the point hard from first light until 9 or 10 a.m., then move to deeper structure or shade. The point itself becomes less productive during the heat of the day, though it can still hold fish in the early morning bite.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite as water cools and fish move shallow again to feed before winter. October is often the best month of the year at Gilner Point. Winter (December through February) slows the action significantly, but fish still hold on the structure; they bite less frequently but larger fish are often caught during this period.

Regulations and Licensing Requirements

You need a valid California fishing license to fish Gilner Point. Licenses are sold online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website, at sporting goods stores, and at tackle shops in Big Bear. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're visiting for a short trip.

Big Bear Lake has specific size and bag limits for bass and crappie. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit and a five-fish daily bag limit (combined species). Crappie have a 9-inch minimum size limit and a 25-fish daily bag limit. These regulations can change, so check the current regulations on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website before you fish.

Gear and Supplies to Bring

Bring polarized sunglasses — they let you see fish in the shallow water around the rocks and help you spot structure you can't see on the map. A small tackle box with crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics covers most situations. If you're fishing from shore, wear shoes with good grip; the rocks are slick when wet and can be sharp.

Bring water and snacks; there are no facilities at the point itself. The north shore road has a few pullouts and small parking areas, but services are limited. If you're launching a boat, fill your tank before you head to the lake — fuel is available at marinas, but prices are higher than in town. Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, long sleeves) is essential at this elevation; the sun reflects off the water and intensifies the burn.

When Gilner Point Fishes Slow and Where to Go Instead

If Gilner Point is crowded or the bite is slow, the rest of the north shore holds similar structure. Boulder Bay Park has rocky areas and deeper water nearby. Aspen Cove, just west of Gilner Point, offers similar bass habitat with less pressure. Both are accessible by boat or from shore and fish the same seasonal patterns.

If you want to stay on the north shore but try something different, the shallow bays and weed edges near the inlet creeks hold crappie and panfish. These areas are better in spring and early summer when weeds are thick. The south shore of Big Bear Lake, accessible from the town side, has different structure (sandy beaches, submerged trees) and often fishes differently than the rocky north shore, so it's worth exploring if the north shore is slow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Gilner Point at night?

Big Bear Lake allows night fishing, and Gilner Point can produce at night, especially in summer when daytime heat pushes fish deep. Bring a headlamp and use larger baits or louder lures so fish can find them in low light. The rocks make night fishing from shore risky, so boat fishing is safer if you plan to fish after dark.

What's the difference between fishing Gilner Point in spring versus fall?

Spring fish are focused on spawning and feeding in shallow water; they're aggressive and bite throughout the day. Fall fish are feeding to build reserves for winter; they're also aggressive but often hold slightly deeper and bite best early and late. Fall typically produces larger fish because the population has thinned and food is abundant.

Do I need a boat to fish Gilner Point effectively?

No. Shore fishing works well in spring and fall when fish are shallow. A boat gives you access to deeper water and lets you cover more ground, which is valuable in summer and winter. If you're new to the lake, shore fishing is a good way to learn the point without the cost of a boat rental or launch fee.

What's the best lure color for Gilner Point?

Natural colors (brown, green, crawfish patterns) work year-round because they match the local forage. In low light or stained water, chartreuse and white stand out. Experiment with what you have; bass at Gilner Point see a lot of lures, so presentation and location matter more than exact color.

Is there a fee to fish at Gilner Point?

No day-use fee to fish from shore at the pullout. If you launch a boat from Boulder Bay Park or Aspen Cove, there is a launch fee (amount varies by season and facility). Check the San Bernardino National Forest website or call ahead to confirm current fees and hours.