Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

In the San Bernardino National Forest, visitors can only target shoot in designated and signed areas and only at certain times due to fire danger rating. Target Shooting areas may be closed completely due to fire restrictions, road conditions, and/or other safety issues.

Lake and Pond Fishing

The San Bernardino National Forest has miles of streams and several reservoirs where you can cast your line. Whether you choose to fish along one of our wild trout streams, or try your luck from a fully accessible fishing pier, the San Bernardino National Forest offers an outdoor adventure for the entire family.

Most of the lakes and streams on the San Bernardino are stocked with rainbow trout during fishing season and also contain bass, bluegill and catfish. Fish stocking is done by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and stocking schedules can be found online: fish stocking schedule website.

Free Fishing Days

Have you ever felt the excitement of watching your bobber suddenly jiggle, then dive out of sight? Or feeling the tap-tap-tap of a bass as it tastes the worm on the end of your line? Or having a salmon practically tear the rod out of your hands as it smashes your lure? What's that? You say you never learned to fish?

Well, if you are new to the sport of fishing, and not sure if you will enjoy it, we have a great opportunity for you.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife offers two Free Fishing Days each year. On these days, you can fish without having to buy a sport fishing license. Free Fishing Days provide a great, low-cost way to give fishing a try. Some California Department of Fish and Wildlife offices offer a Fishing in the City program where you can go fishing in the middle of major metropolitan areas – perhaps just a few blocks from your home. Fishing in the City and free fishing day clinics are designed to educate people just like you about fish habits, proven methods of catching fish, and tackle you'll need. You can even learn how to clean and prepare your catch so you can enjoy it for dinner that night.

While all fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect; there are two Saturdays each year when anyone can fish without purchasing a fishing license.

Tread Lightly: Tips for Responsible Fishing

River and Stream Fishing

There are opportunities for stream fishing across the forest. Please remember to contact your local Ranger Station for more information if you are interested in a particular area.

Hunting

Hunting is a seasonal activity, and the rules are simple: Follow the state laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates and licensing. Forest Service laws also apply. Additionally, some local areas may be closed due to a Forest Order; check in with your local Forest Service ranger to be sure you are following all the rules.

Hunting is permitted during hunting seasons designated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Licenses are available online, at any CDFW license sales office or license agent.

Popular game animals include mule deer, mountain and valley quail, and turkey. Waterfowl can be hunted on Baldwin Lake in Big Bear. Band-tailed pigeons, cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, and black bears can also be hunted.

CDFW maintains native fish, wildlife, plant species and natural communities for their intrinsic and ecological value and their benefits to people. This includes habitat protection and maintenance in a sufficient amount and quality to ensure the survival of all species and natural communities. The department is also responsible for the diversified use of fish and wildlife including recreational, commercial, scientific and educational uses.

Tread Lightly: Tips for Responsible Hunting

Recreational and Target Shooting

Target Shooting areas are often closed due to Fire Restrictions, road conditions, and/or other safety issues. Adventure Passes may be required.

If an area is open, then the activity level will dictate terms and conditions in which shooting can occur such as the length of day or hours of operation. Activity Levels can be obtained by calling (909) 382-2997 or your local office.

Shooting will be allowed all day during activity levels 1 & 2
Shooting will close at 1:00 pm during activity level 3
Shooting will be closed all day during activity levels 4 & 5

Lightning Gulch, Big Pine Flats, and Arrastre are in Fire Danger Rating Area 692.
For more information please call the Mountain Top Ranger District/Big Bear Discovery Center at (909) 382-2790 (closed Tues/Wed)

City Creek Road (1N09) shooting area is in Fire Danger Rating Area 665.
For more information please call the Mill Creek Visitor Center at (909) 382-2882 (closed Tues/Wed).

There are also three developed shooting ranges on the forest:

Link to Target Shooting Handout and Map [PDF, 386 KB]

AMMUNITION, FIREARMS & TARGETS

Target Shooting rules apply to firearms, air rifles and gas guns. This includes devices used in recreational paintball activities.
Shooters shall not use paintballs or other forms of ammunition that would result in visible residue except where authorized in ranges that operate under special use permit (see above).
Steel core, armor piercing or Teflon ammunition is not permitted. You may only shoot at a target which is dirt, paper, wood, clay pigeon, or a metal spinning/knockdown target. Pick up and dispose of your targets when you are done.
Shooters are prohibited from destroying any natural feature. Also prohibited is discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows: in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area; or across or on a road or a body of water; or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.