and striped bass, American shad, steelhead, salmon (chinook), plus panfish and catfish.
Known Baitfish
Threadfin shad, game fish fry, crayfish.
Equipment to Use
Rods: 6–8 weight, 8–9 feet in length. Some folks enjoy 7–8 weight Spey outfits.
Reels: Mechanical or palm drag. I prefer disk drag systems and large arbors with at least 75 yards of backing.
Lines: For deepwater nymphs and streamers, use modified sink tips in 200 to 300 grain weights, type-4 density uniform sinking line, or shooting head system with type-4 or type-6 sinking head. Use a floating WF line for poppers and shallow streamer work.
Leaders: 1X to 5X, 6–9 feet in length (varies with river conditions).
Wading: Chest-high waders and boots (cleats aren’t usually necessary).
Flies to Use
Streamers: Sea Habit Bucktail (White Knight) #1/0, Chartreuse Deceiver #1/0 and #3/0, Bullet Head #6, Black and Olive Beaded Krystal Bugger #2–10, Olive or Tan Clouser Minnow #2–6, assorted Shad Flies #6, Poxybou Crayfish #4–8.
Topwater & Subsurface: Gurgler #2, Blue Crease Fly #1/0, Madam X #6, Whitlock’s Hopper #8.
When to Fish
Smallmouth Bass: All year, prime times are spring and fall.
Striped Bass: All year, prime time is July through October.
American Shad: Mid-spring through June.
Steelhead: September through March.
Salmon: August through October.
Panfish: Summer months are prime.
Catfish: All year, but summer is prime.
Boat Access
Sailor Bar Park, Sunrise, El Manto, Rosmore, Ancile Hoffman Park, Gristmill, Watt Avenue, Howe Avenue, Discovery Park (mouth).
Seasons & Limits
Restrictions on dates, tackle, and harvest vary per species and sections of the river. Consult the California Department of Fish & Game regulations or a local fly shop.
Accommodations & Services
All lodging and supplies are available in Sacramento.
Rating
I love this place. Overall, a solid 7.5. At times it can be a 9!
Barrett Lake
by Jeff Solis
A good-sized impoundment surrounded by chaparral-covered hills, Barrett Lake is home to the only pure-strain northern largemouth bass in San Diego County. This fact, combined with the reservoir’s strictly limited fishing access (by reservation only), creates the likelihood of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with bass on the fly. The average catch is between 10 and 25 bass caught and released per day, with a 10-fish day being “just okay” fishing.
There are a variety of ways to fish for the beautiful bass of Barrett Lake. Your best bet is to travel by boat to one of the many arms of the reservoir, then get out and use a float tube or wade. Concentrate your efforts on one of the many large areas of flats containing structure such as submerged boulders and deadfall. If you’re content to cast surface poppers all day, you’ll catch fish. If you’re seeking bigger fish, work streamer patterns such as Clouser Minnows or Lefty’s Deceivers close to or through deadfalls, stick-ups, or other fish-attracting structure.
If you’re lucky enough to gain access, this terrific fishery is the place where you’re likely to catch more bass on a fly rod than ever before in your life. Directions to Barrett Lake will be furnished when you make your reservations.
Largemouth bass are the main attraction. Photo by John Sherman.
Type of Fish
Northern largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and crappie.
Known Hatches & Baitfish
Threadfin shad is the predominant baitfish, plus leeches, frogs, and bass fry.
Equipment to Use
Rods: 7–8 weight, 8–9 feet in length.
Reels: Standard click or disk drag.
Lines: WF or floating intermediate.
Leaders: 1X to 3X, 5–8 feet in length.
Wading: Wading can be very productive, but boating is best.
Flies to Use
Nymphs: Dragonfly, Damselfly, and Carey Special.
Streamers: Dave’s Crayfish, Woolly Bugger, Clouser Minnow, Lefty’s Deceiver #4.
Topwater & Subsurface: Adult Dragon or Damselfly, Shad or Frog Deer Hair Popper #4–6, Gurgler #2.
When to Fish
All day.
Seasons & Limits
Call City of San Diego Fish line 619-465-3474 or visit the City’s website at www.sandiego.gov. Reservations required as noted below. Open April through September. Strictly catch and release. Barbless hooks and lures only. No bait.
Accommodations & Services
Boat rentals are available, but no private craft are allowed.
Reservations
Weekends and Wednesdays only during the season. Contact Ticketmaster locations throughout California or www.ticketmaster.com. Current permit costs are $50 plus $7.50 service charge includes boat and motor. 1-4 anglers per boat, plus $10 per person at lake. Cash only, no credit cards or checks. California fishing license also required for ages 16 and older. No concessions or drinking water at lake. Consult web site for all rules and regulations. Advance reservations required. From San Diego take I-8 east
