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Barrett Reservoir

Located at the confluence of Cottonwood and Pine Valley Creek, Barrett Reservoir is in a remote area approximately 35 miles east of San Diego. Check "What's New" for current schedule.

Map to Barrett LakeLake Barrett is unique among publicly operated reservoirs. Located behind locked gates in a remote area of San Diego County and closed for many years, access has been offered on a limited basis by reservation only since 1994.

Along with Upper Otay, it is one of only two reservoirs in the region that operates under highly restrictive regulations designed to protect both the fishery and the quality of the fishing experience. The lake's regulations call for the use of barbless artificial lures only and the release of all fish in this "zero kill" fishery.

These regulations were designed primarily to protect the last significant population of northern-strain largemouth black bass in the area. In virtually all other waters in Southern California, these fish have been replaced by the Florida-strain version of largemouth black bass. Other species include bluegill, bullheads, and both white and black crappie. Threadfin shad and silverside minnows are the primary forage fish. Fish catch information is updated weekly.

No motorized private boats are allowed at Barrett. Float tubes, canoes, and kayaks are permitted, but a reservation is still required. Rental boats are 14 feet long and come with 5.0 HP motors. If you want to bring your own motor, maximum size is 25 HP. Maximum capacity is four people.

Barrett LakeThere are no concession facilities at Barrett, and no drinking water available. Patrons must bring all lures, food, water, etc., with them. No glass containers. No motor homes are permitted due to limited parking and low overhead on the entrance road. Pets are not allowed.

Due to the fact that the entrance road passes through private property, all parties must be escorted on and off the premises.

Ticketmaster will be handling all reservations for Barrett fishing. The lake will be open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The 2008 season runs from May 7th through September 28th.

Reservations can be made by calling (619) 220-8497 or on Ticketmaster's web site at www.ticketmaster.com. Reservations will be available one month at a time, always beginning on the second Tuesday of the month before at 7:00 p.m. May's reservations will go on sale April 8th at 7:00 p.m.

The cost for a reservation is $50.00, plus Ticketmaster's normal fees. One reservation is good for up to four people and includes a boat and motor. Plus each person must purchase a daily fishing permit at the lake for $10.00 per person (cash only please) and those anglers 16 years of age or older must have a California state fishing license. The lake does NOT sell fishing licenses.

There is a limit of one reservation per household (same address or computer) on the first day reservations go on sale. After the first day if there are any reservations remaining, then patrons can purchase as many reservations as they want. Ticketmaster will sell one-half the reservations per day on their web site and one-half at the call-in center, so if one shows the date you want as sold out, try the other.

Photo ID of the reservation holder will be required at the lake, and all parties on that reservation must enter the lake at the same time.

Barrett is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the season established for the Southern California Zone. Hunting reservations are be distributed the first or second Saturday in October, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the San Vicente Yard, located just south of the San Vicente Dam, 12375 Moreno Ave., Lakeside, CA.

To be added to the City waterfowl hunting mailing list, please send us your name and mailing address at ssmith@sandiego.gov.



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