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

Season is now over, and Barret Lake will be closed until May.

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Bass
Slightly Stained

Water levels are dropping, and this has affected the shallow bite. Smaller fish are still being caught in the shallows, but most quality fish are pushing deeper. Aside from this slight change, the fishing has been excellent. A young angler pulled out a 12-pounder last week, and others have reported finding fish in the 4-7 pound range consistently...

Water levels are dropping, and this has affected the shallow bite. Smaller fish are still being caught in the shallows, but most quality fish are pushing deeper. Aside from this slight change, the fishing has been excellent. A young angler pulled out a 12-pounder last week, and others have reported finding fish in the 4-7 pound range consistently. But as mentioned, quality fish haven't been shallow. Senkos have been the go-to, fished weightless in 10-15 feet of water. Drop-shotting 6-inch roboworms has also been productive. There's also a solid topwater and reaction bite (on cranks) first thing in the morning.

3 anglers found this report useful
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Barrett Lake Map

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