WON Big Bear Troutfest 2026: Dates, Schedule, Travel Tips, and Where to Stay

Quick Answer

WON Big Bear Troutfest 2026 returns to Big Bear Lake on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026 for the event’s 20th annual edition.

Organized by Western Outdoor News, Troutfest is a family-oriented fishing derby with adult and junior divisions, trophies, raffle prizes, cash awards, and thousands of dollars in prizes. Fishing runs from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday and 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM Sunday.

Adult registration is currently $75, while junior registration for anglers age 14 and under is $50. Friday evening check-in takes place from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Big Bear Marina / Big Bear Municipal Water District gravel parking area, and organizers strongly recommend using Friday check-in instead of waiting until Saturday morning.

The current official WON rules state that anglers age 16 and older must carry a valid California fishing license. Boats must comply with Big Bear Lake regulations and are subject to a Quagga Mussel inspection before launching.

Because check-in begins Friday and fishing starts at 7:00 AM Saturday, Troutfest is particularly well suited to an overnight trip. Staying in an A Chalet cabin in Big Bear Lake allows anglers to arrive Friday, organize tackle and clothing, get an early night’s rest, and reach the lake without starting tournament morning with a long drive into the mountains.

Browse A Chalet cabins for WON Big Bear Troutfest weekend.

WON Big Bear Troutfest 2026 at a Glance

What Is WON Big Bear Troutfest?

WON Big Bear Troutfest is one of Big Bear Lake’s signature fishing tournaments, bringing recreational and competitive anglers together for a weekend of trout fishing, weigh-ins, prizes, and family-friendly competition.

The 2026 event is promoted as the 20th annual Troutfest. Western Outdoor News organizes the tournament, while Big Bear Lake and the Big Bear Municipal Water District provide the setting and lake infrastructure.

The format is designed to accommodate more than one type of angler. Adults compete in separate male and female divisions, while younger anglers have junior categories. The event also includes recognition for large fish, raffle prizes, and the tournament’s Blind Bogey cash-prize program.

It is not limited to serious tournament anglers. Families can fish together, and junior competitors have their own entry pricing and prize opportunities.

When and Where Is Big Bear Troutfest 2026?

The fishing portion of Troutfest takes place on:

Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026

Official tournament activities, including check-in, weigh-ins, and the Sunday awards program, are centered around the Big Bear Marina / BBMWD gravel parking area.

The primary tournament address published by Western Outdoor News is:

40524 Lakeview Drive
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Visit Big Bear also references Big Bear Marina at 500 Paine Court as part of the event location. Competitors should follow the exact arrival, parking, and check-in directions included with their registration because tournament activities use the marina and water district area together.

What Is the 2026 Troutfest Schedule?

Friday, September 25: Angler Check-In

Check-in is scheduled for 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Big Bear Marina gravel parking area.

Anglers receive their wristband, tournament rules and itinerary, goodie bag when applicable, and raffle number. Late registrations may also be accepted if space remains, with the current WON information listing a $15 late fee.

Western Outdoor News strongly recommends Friday evening check-in.

Saturday, September 26

Fishing begins at 7:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM.

A Saturday morning late check-in is available at the marina area, but competitors should consult the final event instructions for the precise closing time because different portions of WON’s current page contain slightly different check-in windows.

There is also a discrepancy in published Saturday scale-opening times. Visit Big Bear and one section of the WON page say noon, while the current official tournament rules state 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Because the rules govern competition, anglers should plan around the official rules and confirm the final itinerary at Friday check-in.

Most importantly, competitors must be in the weigh-in line by 4:00 PM.

Sunday, September 27

Fishing runs from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Sunday scales are scheduled from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and anglers must be in line by 2:00 PM for their fish to count.

The raffle drawing and awards ceremony are expected Sunday afternoon in the marina parking area. WON currently indicates an approximate 3:30 PM start for awards and raffle activities.

How Much Does Troutfest Cost?

Current 2026 registration prices are:

• Adults: $75
• Juniors age 14 and under: $50

Western Outdoor News states that the first 600 registered anglers will receive a sponsor goodie bag.

Registration also places the angler’s number into the event raffle, making registered competitors eligible for prize drawings subject to the official rules.

Entry fees do not replace other costs that may apply, such as a California fishing license, boat permit, launch costs, marina services, equipment, lodging, or other lake-related fees.

What Are the Main Troutfest Fishing Rules?

Competitors should read the complete official rules before fishing. Several particularly important 2026 rules include:

• Fishing is limited to Big Bear Lake during official tournament hours.
• Fish must be caught live by rod and reel in accordance with California fishing regulations.
• Trout submitted for weight must measure at least 10 inches.
• Each angler may weigh up to five fish per day.
• An angler may weigh fish only once each day.
• After weighing fish for the day, that angler may not continue fishing.
• Competitors age 16 and older must possess and carry a valid California fishing license.
• Fishing outside official contest hours can result in disqualification.

The tournament director controls the official event time, so instructions provided during registration should take priority if a website schedule and the final onsite itinerary differ.

What Divisions and Prizes Are Offered?

Troutfest advertises tens of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.

Current event information lists competitive recognition for adult men, adult women, junior anglers, and overall big fish. WON’s detailed rules reference trophies and prizes for the top finishers in several categories along with Sunday raffle prizes.

There is a minor wording inconsistency in the published age descriptions: the registration page sells the junior entry for anglers 14 and under, while one section describing award categories uses “under 14.” Families with a 14-year-old competitor should rely on the current registration category and confirm the awards division at check-in.

Raffle winners generally must be present to claim their prize, according to the official tournament rules.

What Is the Blind Bogey Contest?

Registered Troutfest anglers are also included in the event’s Blind Bogey contest.

Current rules say $5 from each entry is allocated to the program. Seventy-five percent of those funds goes to the Big Bear Municipal Water District specifically for trout restocking, while the remaining 25% is distributed to participating anglers through cash prizes.

Blind Bogey awards are scheduled as part of Sunday’s awards ceremony.

Will Big Bear Lake Be Stocked Before Troutfest?

Yes. Current Visit Big Bear event information says the Big Bear Municipal Water District plans to stock Big Bear Lake with thousands of pounds of trout shortly before the tournament.

The stocking is intended to support an active fishing weekend for competitors.

Stocking does not guarantee any individual angler a catch, of course. Weather, water conditions, fishing pressure, location, tackle choice, and angler technique can all influence results.

Can You Fish Troutfest From a Boat?

Yes, but boaters have additional responsibilities.

All vessels are subject to a Quagga Mussel inspection before launch, and competitors must comply with California boating laws and Big Bear Lake Municipal Water District regulations.

WON currently recommends that anglers bringing their own boats arrange inspection and permitting early rather than waiting until tournament morning.

The rules identify the BBMWD East Ramp as a recommended location for inspection and permit procedures based on the organizer’s current understanding.

Boat operators should confirm current launch hours, permits, inspections, ramp conditions, and marina availability directly before the trip.

What Should Families Know About Life Jackets?

The tournament rules state that participants under age 13 fishing from a vessel 26 feet or shorter must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device during tournament hours.

Boaters should review current California boating regulations as well as tournament-specific rules before launching.

Even when not specifically required by a particular tournament provision, properly fitted personal flotation devices are an important part of planning a safe day on the lake.

Parking at WON Big Bear Troutfest

Parking deserves special attention because the gravel area used for tournament operations is not simply an unrestricted contestant parking lot.

The official WON rules state that no parking will be permitted in the BBMWD parking lot from Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27. They also state that truck-and-trailer parking is not permitted in the Big Bear Marina parking lot.

That distinction is important: registration, weigh-ins, and awards take place in the marina/BBMWD area, but competitors cannot assume they may leave any vehicle or trailer wherever tournament activities are happening.

Follow final organizer parking instructions and allow extra time, especially if launching a personal boat.

What Should You Bring to Big Bear Troutfest?

Your setup will depend on whether you fish from shore or a boat, but useful basics include:

• Fishing rod, reel, tackle, bait, and legal fishing equipment
• Valid California fishing license if required for your age
• Tournament wristband and registration materials
• Weather-appropriate layers
• Sun protection and sunglasses
• Water and food for the day
• Personal flotation devices when boating
• Boat permits and inspection documentation when applicable
• A cooler or other legal method of handling your catch
• Charged phone
• Current tournament rules and itinerary

September mornings on Big Bear Lake can feel much colder than afternoon temperatures, especially when you are on the water before or shortly after sunrise. Layering is useful.

How to Make a Weekend of WON Big Bear Troutfest

Friday: Arrive and Check In

Arrive in Big Bear Lake Friday afternoon, check into your A Chalet cabin, and organize your fishing gear before heading to official tournament check-in between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

Using Friday check-in means you can start Saturday focused on fishing rather than paperwork.

Saturday: First Day of Competition

Be ready for fishing to begin at 7:00 AM. Keep the 4:00 PM deadline firmly in mind and allow enough time to reach the scales before the line closes.

Once you weigh your fish, your tournament fishing is finished for that day.

Afterward, return to your cabin, prepare dinner, organize tackle, and rest before Sunday’s early start.

Check A Chalet cabins for September 25-27 Troutfest weekend.

Sunday: Fish, Weigh In, and Attend Awards

Sunday fishing begins at 7:00 AM and ends earlier, at 2:00 PM.

Scales operate from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. After fishing, competitors can stay for the afternoon awards, raffle prizes, trophies, and Blind Bogey awards.

If you do not want to drive out of Big Bear immediately after a full tournament weekend, consider keeping the cabin through Sunday night and departing Monday.

Where to Stay for WON Big Bear Troutfest 2026

For Troutfest, an A Chalet cabin in Big Bear Lake is the most practical choice because registration, weigh-ins, awards, and all tournament fishing are centered around Big Bear Lake.

For groups, Conklin Canopy is currently listed in Big Bear Lake with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and sleeping space for up to eight guests.

Verified current amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, washer and dryer, game room, secure private deck, barbecue, and parking for up to three vehicles.

The kitchen and laundry facilities can be particularly useful during a fishing weekend when anglers are leaving early, returning with outdoor gear, and preparing for another morning on the lake.

However, anglers traveling with boats or trailers should never assume a vacation rental can accommodate them. Confirm the property’s parking rules and any restrictions on trailers, boats, or oversized vehicles before booking.

A Chalet also offers additional current rentals throughout Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City for couples, families, and larger groups.

Browse current A Chalet cabins for Big Bear Troutfest.

Tips for Booking a Troutfest Weekend Cabin

Arrive Friday. Official check-in runs from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and WON recommends completing it that evening.

Choose Big Bear Lake when possible. It keeps your lodging closer to the tournament’s central activities.

Confirm boat and trailer parking before booking. Cabin parking capacity does not automatically mean trailer storage is permitted.

Plan for early mornings. Fishing begins at 7:00 AM both days.

Read the official rules before traveling. Tournament deadlines, weigh-in procedures, licenses, minimum fish size, and boating requirements can affect whether a catch counts.

Consider Sunday night. Staying an extra night can let you attend the entire awards program without immediately starting the drive down the mountain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is WON Big Bear Troutfest 2026?

WON Big Bear Troutfest 2026 is September 26-27, with official angler check-in available Friday, September 25.

What Time Does Fishing Start?

Fishing starts at 7:00 AM both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday fishing ends at 4:00 PM, while Sunday fishing ends at 2:00 PM.

How Much Is Troutfest Registration?

Current registration is $75 for adults and $50 for juniors age 14 and under.

Do I Need a California Fishing License?

Yes, if you are age 16 or older. The 2026 official tournament rules require contestants age 16 and above to possess and carry a valid California fishing license.

How Many Trout Can I Weigh?

Each angler may weigh up to five fish per day. Anglers may weigh only once each day, and once they weigh their fish, they cannot continue fishing that day.

Can I Bring My Own Boat?

Yes, but boats are subject to Quagga Mussel inspection and applicable permits and regulations. Confirm current BBMWD inspection, launch, and parking procedures before tournament weekend.

Where Should I Stay for Big Bear Troutfest?

An A Chalet cabin in Big Bear Lake gives anglers a convenient overnight base for Friday check-in, two early tournament mornings, and Sunday’s awards. Groups should choose a property that fits their occupancy and vehicle needs and separately confirm any boat or trailer restrictions.

Check A Chalet availability for Troutfest weekend.

Plan Your WON Big Bear Troutfest 2026 Getaway With A Chalet

WON Big Bear Troutfest 2026 brings two days of competitive trout fishing to Big Bear Lake on September 26 and 27, with Friday evening check-in, adult and junior divisions, trophies, raffle prizes, cash awards, and thousands of dollars in prizes.

Competitors should pay particular attention to the official rules. Fishing begins at 7:00 AM each day, Saturday ends at 4:00 PM, Sunday ends at 2:00 PM, and anglers must meet strict weigh-in deadlines. California fishing licenses are required for anglers age 16 and older, while boaters need to account for lake permits, inspections, and parking restrictions.

Friday arrival makes the weekend considerably easier. Check in with tournament organizers, settle into an A Chalet cabin, prepare your tackle the night before, and start Saturday morning already in Big Bear instead of racing the clock on mountain roads.

After Sunday’s fishing and awards, your cabin also gives you somewhere to relax before heading home—or a reason to add another quiet night beside Big Bear Lake.

Browse A Chalet cabins and plan your WON Big Bear Troutfest 2026 getaway.