Barrett Lake
San Diego County, CA Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Sunfish
5 Share

Fishing at Barrett Lake

Barrett Lake is a remote lake near the California/Mexico border that is only accessible by reservation. This exclusive access results in an outstanding experience for anglers, and a fishery that is extremely well preserved. Northern strain largemouth bass is the primary target at Barret Lake, gaining national recognition. Anglers can catch an astonishing 50+ fish on a good day, and even 10 or so...

Barrett Lake is a remote lake near the California/Mexico border that is only accessible by reservation. This exclusive access results in an outstanding experience for anglers, and a fishery that is extremely well preserved.

Northern strain largemouth bass is the primary target at Barret Lake, gaining national recognition. Anglers can catch an astonishing 50+ fish on a good day, and even 10 or so on a bad day. With varied structure including downed timber, brush piles, and rock piles, the habitat at Barret is nearly ideal for bass.

The lake also hosts crappie, catfish, and sunfish... once again, all with minimal fishing pressure... fishing for these species is also excellent.

Reservations (through Ticketmaster) and regulations are taken very seriously, as groups are keenly accompanied to get in and out of the lake. Barbless hooks are required (catch and release only). The season typically starts in April and goes through September. The lake provides rental boats, although visitors are allowed to bring their private boats as well.

Species:
Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill
Forage / Baitfish:
Threadfin Shad, Minnows
Structure / Terrain:
Dropoffs, Submerged Boulders/Rocks, Submerged Brush
Boating / Access:
Reservation required for access. Private boats allowed. Rentals available.
Geography:
Surface Area: 612 acres
Surface Elevation: 1,615 ft

Latest Fishing Reports

Bass anglers are having a lot of fun at Barrett Lake this spring. The water levels are high and there's plenty of submerged shoreline to target. The early morning top-water bite has been fantastic, while soft plastics and jigs are catching fish later in the day. As noted in our Lake Barrett overview...

Bass anglers are having a lot of fun at Barrett Lake this spring. The water levels are high and there's plenty of submerged shoreline to target. The early morning top-water bite has been fantastic, while soft plastics and jigs are catching fish later in the day. As noted in our Lake Barrett overview, you do need a reservation to fish the lake.

Other Nearby Reports

6 lber. Eagle Point. Live crawdad tails

After a strong bite for good-sized largemouth chasing shad in late-May/early-June, the action has slowed. Anglers are still finding strikes, but there is no day-to-day...

Barrett Lake Weather

Loading Weather...

Guides & Tackle Shops

Barrett Lake Map

5 Share

Nearby Lakes & Rivers

Bass, Trout, Crappie, Catfish, Carp
Bass, Catfish, Crappie
Last report: 4 weeks ago
16 miles away
Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bullhead
Last report: 2 weeks ago

Create your Free Account

Get updates from your favorite local water, and track your own fishing trips.

Sign Up