The timing of the best crappie fishing depends on so many factors it's difficult to predetermine a specific date. My recommendation would be to follow Dave Stewarts weekly fishing report on this web site. You could also contact him on this matter. As far as Big Bear accomodations, I have stayed there on several occassions and have been very pleased with everything. Very nice and helpful people. Many crappie are caught during Feb. I try to plan on being there around the second week in April. If the weather is decent you can usually find some crappie then.