Barrett Lake Fishing Spot

• Elevation: 1597'
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/08/09 02:11 PM
• Ask about Barrett Lake in our Fishing Forums

This is one of the last black bass fisheries in Southern california. It is one of the best lakes in the world for bass. It was closed from the 50's to 1994. Reservations are required. They only let 25 boats and 100 people on the lake per day. All fish are catch and release with barbless hooks. The bass are almost always wide open. The cost for a reservation is $40.00 and is worth it. Barrett Reservoir is located in a remote area approximately 35 miles east of San Diego. From Interstate 8, turn south on Japatul Road, left on Lyons Valley Road, 6 miles to gate. From Highway 94, turn west on Honey Springs Road, right on Lyons Valley Road, 1.7 miles to the gate. Access is available only through Lyons Valley Road, Barrett Junction Road is CLOSED. Construction of the dam at Barrett was completed in 1922 and formed an important midway control point for water flow into Lower Otay downstream. Barrett is fed both by drainage from Morena Res. upstream and Pine Creek. For 72 years the reservoir was used solely for water storage, however over the years became populated with various gamefish most likely through run-off from Morena. The lake was finally opened to the public in 1994, where in it's first year the lakes popularity exploded. Anglers from all over the country were talking about this lake and couldn't wait to dip their lines into it. The lake proved to be a top quality bass fishery with anglers catching and releasing up to 30 or more bass in one day. In it's first couple of years the lake was so popular that in order to fish here anglers were required to send in postcards which were randomly drawn in a lottery. Once that system was deemed obsolete, reservations were handled through Ticketmaster.Private boats are not allowed, however rentals are included in the price of the reservation. There are 25 boats available for rent, one for each party. The rentals are 14 feet long and come with 5 horsepower outboards. You may bring your own motor if so desired, max. 25hp. Most people like to bring troll motors which can be rented at Lakeside Bait & Tackle. Barrett is dominated by the aggressive Northern Strain Largemouth Bass, unlike the other lakes in the county which are dominated by the larger but less aggressive Florida-Strain. In 1998 Lake officials planted large amounts of threadfin-shad and silverside minnows in response to a major shortage of forage in the lake. Bass are now much healthier and heavier than before. Although most anglers target Largemouth, the secret of this lake is that it houses "hawg" bluegill of 2 lbs. or more and a growing population of Smallmouth Bass. Barrett also holds plenty of unpressured crappie and catfish. Just keep in mind, ALL fish must be released unharmed and by artificial baits only. No more than 2 vehicles per party will be allowed, and no motor homes, due to limited parking and low overhead on the entrance road. The entrance road to Barrett passes through private property, and in accordance with the property owners, all visitors must be escorted by lake staff while traveling to and from the lake on the entrance road. In order to comply with the request the staff at Barrett have set up times throughout the day in which anglers can be escorted to or from the lake. Anglers will be met at the gate and those possessing a ticket will be allowed to enter with the rest of their party, photo id may be required. The gate will be opened at 5:00 AM (except for the months of April and September when it will be 5:30 AM) and anglers there at that time will be escorted to the boat dock to pick out their boat. The attendant will continue to make trips to the gate (on the hour at 7:00 and 8:00 AM) to let in late arrivals until all parties have entered or 8:00 AM, whichever comes first. After 8:00 AM no anglers will be allowed to enter. Occasionally due to lack of attendance, lake staff will allow anglers without reservations to pay the regular fees at the front gate and enter with regular ticket holders. There may be some delay when leaving the lake. For your convenience and planning purposes, escorted departures are scheduled at 12:00 noon, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00 and sunset.