WON Big Bear Troutfest returns to Big Bear Marina in September 2026

The WON Big Bear Troutfest is set for September 26–27, 2026 at Big Bear Marina (500 Paine Road), with lines dropping at 7:00 AM both days^[1]. The competition is one of the bigger fishing events on the mountain calendar, drawing anglers of all ages to compete for trophies, cash awards, and raffle prizes organized by Western Outdoor News (WON)^[2].

To improve everyone's odds, thousands of pounds of trout will be stocked in Big Bear Lake in the days leading up to the event^[2]. Trophies and prizes will be awarded in adult male, adult female, kids (boys and girls), and overall big-fish categories. A Blind Bogey Contest adds an extra wrinkle: anglers win cash by landing a fish closest to a randomly pre-determined weight^[2]. Raffle prizes include Suzuki Spin-To-Win cash giveaways and top-tier fishing gear, and the first 600 entries will receive goodie bags from event sponsors^[2].

The schedule runs tight. Check-in opens Friday, September 25 from 4:00–9:00 PM at Big Bear Municipal Water District (40524 Lakeview Dr), with late check-in available Saturday morning from 6:00–7:00 AM at the same location. On Saturday, fishing runs 7:00 AM–4:00 PM with the weigh station open noon to 4:00 PM at the marina. Sunday fishing wraps earlier — lines must be in by 2:00 PM, with weigh-in from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM. Each angler may weigh a maximum of five fish per day and cannot continue fishing after weighing in^[2].

Anglers planning to stay the weekend can use promo code TROUT20 at checkout on Destination Big Bear cabins for an additional 20% off already-discounted rates for stays September 25–27^[2].

Registration fees and sign-up details were not listed in available event materials. For full entry information, visit the event page at destinationbigbear.com/blog/big-bear-troutfest (opens in a new tab).