Barrett Lake
San Diego County Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Sunfish
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Barrett Lake Bite Meter

4 days ago
Largemouth Bass
Hot

Barrett Lake Fishing Overview

Water Description

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...

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
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Latest Fishing Reports

Hot Largemouth Bass bite
Bass
77°F Clear

Barrett’s been on a heater, plain and simple. Post-spawn bass are feeding aggressively, with numbers and size both in play. 50 fish days with top fish in the 6-7 pound range have been reported late. Fish are tight to cover... bushes, rocks, and submerged trees... and eating a range of baits. Jigs have been the top producer, especially black and...

Barrett’s been on a heater, plain and simple. Post-spawn bass are feeding aggressively, with numbers and size both in play. 50 fish days with top fish in the 6-7 pound range have been reported late. Fish are tight to cover... bushes, rocks, and submerged trees... and eating a range of baits. Jigs have been the top producer, especially black and blue paired with longer trailers like Power Lizards. Most bites are coming on the fall and close to structure.

Spinnerbaits and Texas rigs are filling in when the jig bite slows, and topwater is starting to come alive with poppers and walking baits getting hit early and late. Finesse setups like micro jigs and TRDs are also getting bit, especially along transition banks. The lake’s rising water levels seem to be fueling one of the best seasons in years.

2 anglers found this report useful
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Season is now over, and Barret Lake will be closed until May.

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Other Nearby Reports

Bass fishing at Lower Otay has been very good as post-spawn patterns take hold. Water temps are sitting in the low to mid 70s, and bass are feeding up across the lake. Finesse...

Water temps are pushing into the high 60s, and most bass have moved into post-spawn, but the bite hasn’t let up. Fish are scattered throughout the water column, from shallow...

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Guides & Tackle Shops

Barrett Lake Map

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