What North Shore Landing Offers

North Shore Landing is a public boat launch and day-use facility on the north side of Big Bear Lake, operated by the San Bernardino National Forest. It sits near the town of Big Bear Lake village and gives you direct water access without a long drive around the lake. The launch has paved ramps, parking for vehicles with trailers, and a day-use area with picnic tables and restrooms.

The landing works best for anglers targeting largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie in the shallower northern waters. The north shore itself is less developed than the south side, so the water tends to be quieter during weekday mornings. If you're launching a boat or kayak and want to fish the upper end of the lake without a steep ramp or long wait, this is a straightforward choice.

Key Takeaways

  • North Shore Landing has a paved two-lane boat ramp, day-use parking, and picnic facilities run by the San Bernardino National Forest.
  • The north shore waters hold largemouth and smallmouth bass year-round, with catfish and crappie more active in warmer months.
  • Day-use fees apply; bring cash or check because card readers are not always reliable at remote forest service facilities.
  • The ramp can get crowded on summer weekends, so arrive early or fish on weekday mornings when the parking lot is less full.
  • Shade is limited in the day-use area, so bring sunscreen and water even if you're only staying a few hours.

Launching Your Boat or Kayak

The ramp at North Shore Landing is concrete, two lanes wide, and maintained year-round. It handles small to mid-size recreational boats well—bass boats, center consoles, and pontoons launch without trouble. The ramp angle is moderate, so you don't need a heavy-duty tow vehicle, but the parking lot can fill during summer weekends and holidays.

If you're towing a trailer, arrive before 9 a.m. on weekends or fish on weekdays to avoid the backup. The lot has designated trailer parking separate from day-use parking, which keeps things organized but means you may park a short walk from the water. Kayak and canoe anglers can launch from the beach area next to the ramp without paying the boat launch fee—only day-use parking applies.

Fish Species and Seasonal Patterns

Largemouth bass are the primary target at North Shore Landing. They hold in the shallow coves and rocky points along the north shore, especially in spring and early summer. Smallmouth bass are also present and often bite better in the deeper water just beyond the shallows, particularly in fall and winter when the lake cools.

Channel catfish move into the shallower northern waters in late spring and stay active through early fall. Fish for them at dawn or dusk with chicken liver, cut mackerel, or prepared stink baits. Crappie (both black and white) appear in the shallows during spawning season in April and May, and again in fall when they move shallow to feed before winter.

The north shore's rocky structure and weed beds make it productive for bass year-round, but water clarity varies with season and recent rainfall. In spring, runoff can cloud the water; by late summer, the lake often clears and bass move deeper. Adjust your lure colors and depths accordingly—darker, larger baits in murky water; lighter, smaller presentations in clear conditions.

Facilities and What to Bring

North Shore Landing has a paved parking lot, two restroom buildings, picnic tables, and trash receptacles. There is no fuel dock, bait shop, or food service on-site, so plan ahead. The nearest gas station and tackle shop are in Big Bear Lake village, about 5 to 10 minutes away by car.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water—the day-use area has little shade and the sun reflects hard off the water. If you're launching early and staying all day, pack a cooler with lunch and snacks. Cell service is spotty in the area, so don't rely on your phone for navigation or emergency contact; download maps before you arrive.

Day-Use Fees and Hours

Day-use parking at North Shore Landing costs a flat fee per vehicle; boat launch fees are separate. The San Bernardino National Forest charges these fees to maintain the facility. Exact amounts vary by season and can change year to year, so call the Big Bear Ranger District at (909) 382-2882 to confirm current rates before you go.

The facility is open year-round during daylight hours, but the gate closes at sunset. In winter, sunset comes early—around 5 p.m. in December—so plan your fishing day accordingly. The ramp is usable in all weather, but ice can form on the pavement in early morning during cold snaps; use caution if you launch before sunrise.

Fishing Techniques That Work Here

Bass fishing at North Shore Landing rewards both casting and trolling. From shore or a small boat, cast soft plastics—4- to 6-inch worms, creature baits, and swimbaits—along the rocky points and into the coves. Work the structure slowly; bass here are not always aggressive and often require a subtle presentation.

If you're trolling, run crankbaits or small swimbaits parallel to the shoreline in 8 to 15 feet of water. The north shore's gradual drop-off makes it ideal for trolling because you can cover a lot of water without running into deep holes. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most strikes; midday fishing is slower unless you move to deeper water beyond the shallows.

For catfish, set up near the ramp or in the nearby coves with rod holders and wait. Catfish are not picky about presentation—a simple three-way rig with a sinker and a baited hook works fine. Fish the bottom in 10 to 20 feet of water and check your lines every 15 to 20 minutes.

When to Fish and Crowd Levels

Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are the quietest times at North Shore Landing. The parking lot rarely fills, and you'll have more water to yourself. Summer weekends and holiday weeks draw crowds; if you go then, launch before 8 a.m. or plan to fish in the afternoon when the morning rush has cleared.

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the best combination of good fishing and manageable crowds. Winter is quiet but cold, and the water temperature drops enough that fish bite less frequently. Summer is warmest but most crowded, and midday heat can make fishing uncomfortable unless you're on the water early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a California fishing license to fish at North Shore Landing?

Yes. California requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day, annual, or multi-year license online at wildlife.ca.gov or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores in Big Bear Lake village. Bring your license with you on the water.

Can I fish from shore at North Shore Landing?

Yes, but access is limited. The day-use area has a small beach and some rocky shoreline, but most of the productive water is better reached by boat or kayak. Shore fishing works for catfish at dusk, but for bass you'll have better success launching a small boat or kayak.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning, one hour before sunrise through mid-morning, produces the most strikes for bass and crappie. Catfish bite better at dusk and through the night. Midday fishing is slow unless you move to deeper water beyond the shallows and fish slowly.

Is there a boat size limit at North Shore Landing?

Big Bear Lake has no official boat size limit, but the ramp and parking lot work best for boats under 25 feet. Larger boats can launch, but parking becomes tight and the ramp can get congested. Check with the ranger station if you're bringing a boat longer than 25 feet.

What should I do if the parking lot is full?

If North Shore Landing is full, try Aspen Glen Picnic Area or Boulder Bay Park on the south shore, or Mill Creek Ponds for a quieter alternative. Call the Big Bear Ranger District to ask which facilities have space before you drive over.